TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Wanted," 8 p.m., TNT. The opening scenes here are as good as almost anything this season. Beautifully written, filmed and acted (especially by Lee Tergesen), they are taut and emotional. The closing moments are good, too. Just be patient during the middle, which includes an almost-endless chase through a dark warehouse. Eddie Drake (Tergesen) pursues a man who straps explosives onto people. Under his unflinching facade, Drake finds pain, guilt and a rare chance to analyze his life.

"Deal or No Deal," 7 p.m., NBC. There's an addictive quality to this show, despite its total mindlessness. No skills are required. On hand are 25 briefcases, each containing from $1 to $1 million. The player gets one (with unknown contents) and keeps revealing others. A "banker" changes his offer for the player's prize, depending on which ones have been eliminated. It's all kind of loud and stupid, but you'll find yourself rooting for the opening contestant, approaching her first chance to own a home.

OF NOTE

"Everybody Hates Chris," 4 p.m., UPN (KIKU). Here is a transplanted rerun of this terrific comedy. Tonight, Chris wants a cassette player for Christmas, but his parents can't afford it. Also, there's an odd twist to the school food drive.

"Night of Joy," 7 p.m., Pax. Here is a rerun of last year's special, linking some of the top people in contemporary Christian music. Kirk Franklin hosts a night with Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rebecca St. James, Jaci Velasquez and the groups Jars of Clay and Jump5.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Ted and friends sample five New Year's Eve parties, looking for the best.

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. Charlie's girlfriend turns out to be obsessive, taking over the holiday homemaking.

"Radio Music Awards," 8 p.m., NBC. Moving to December, the show adds some informal holiday music. Nominees for the awards include Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson, 50 Cent, Nelly, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and Gwen Stefani.

"Out of Practice," 8:30 p.m., CBS. The three siblings plan a hot New Year's Eve party, to find new mates. The mood changes when their divorced parents arrive.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. After being convicted of rape, a man has been cleared by DNA evidence. Now police race to find out who really did it.

"Arrested Development," 9 and 9:30 p.m., Fox. In the first episode, Michael and Gob finally decide to team up against their dad. In the second, Michael distrusts Maggie, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.