TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. After a long baseball break, "House" returns with a quick reminder: This is still the best show on TV. At the core is Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), brilliant, self-centered and in perpetual pain. Tonight, he seems deeply bothered that his only friend (Robert Sean Leonard) might have a romance. He also makes the wrong enemy (David Morse); stick around for this hour's final scenes.

"Caroline Rhea: Rhea's Anatomy," 8 p.m., Bravo. Rhea talks about her adventures hosting a weight-loss show and about trying to lose weight herself. She discusses fertility, dating and more. As usual, she's low-key and likable with some clever material.

OF NOTE

"Halloween" marathon, 10:30 a.m., AMC. The 1978 original film "Halloween" — a micro-budget film, superbly directed by John Carpenter — airs at 10:30 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. The first sequel, also quite well made is 12:15 p.m. Other sequels, some dropping sharply in quality, are at 2:15, 4:15, 6 and 8.

"Dancing With the Stars," 7 p.m., ABC. Last week, Jerry Springer was finally ousted. Now the eighth round begins.

"The Unit," 8 p.m., CBS. The unit's mission is to prevent diamonds from reaching terrorists. Bob is shocked, however, to see a colleague keep some of the loot.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 8 p.m., NBC. Beyond all her personal quirks, Liza Minnelli remains an immense talent. She reminds us of that in this episode. The story itself is just another so-so variation on the JonBenet Ramsey case. Minnelli, however, gives a layered and moving portrait of a slain girl's mother.

"Help Me Help You," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Bill (Ted Danson) reluctantly goes to the odd woman (Andrea Parker) who is Inger's life coach. A sexual affair follows.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Mariska Hargitay returns after being out on maternity leave. Her character (Olivia Benson) is torn between undercover work and her need to testify in court.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. Denise gets bad news about Daniel and goes on an odd search for him.