TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

“THE GOOD WIFE” DEBUT, 9 P.M., CBS

The politician stands before cameras, apologizing for his sin; his wife stands stoically next to him.
What happens afterward? Tonight, we see the wife deliver a sharp slap, then start a new life.
Mostly, “The Good Wife” is a standard law story, about a former top law student who took a 15-year break. The opening murder case is well-played.
All of that, however, is against the solid backdrop of a woman rebuilding the world her husband shattered. Julianna Margulies is excellent in the lead.

“THE FORGOTTEN” DEBUT, 9 P.M., ABC

Police only have so much time to work on seemingly unsolvable cases, we're told. Then volunteers step in, trying to identify a “John Doe” or E2Jane Doe” and maybe catch a killer.
Christian Slater plays a former cop, leading a team that works mainly from a burning idealism.
The stories are narrated partly by the late victims. “Forgotten” delivers first-rate visuals and performances — something we expect because it's from Jerry Bruckheimer, the “CSI” and “Cold Case” producer. Aimee Lynn Chadwick is particularly good as the victim's friend, Jessica.

For more of today's best bets on the small screen, check out the blog and column at MikeHughes.tv.