TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Shield" season opener, 8 p.m., FX. Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) finally has an opponent as cunning as he is. Forest Whitaker plays an internal-affairs investigator who is determined to prove Mackey is a corrupt cop who killed a colleague. All of that simmers tonight while Mackey's team tries to stop a "death clock" — a deadline for a teen to kill two rivals. It's a powerful and nasty start for a strong show.

"Scrubs," 8 and 8:30 p.m., NBC. In the first episode, J.D. is turning 30 and has done nothing on the list of things he planned to do by then. His choice, oddly, is to complete the triathlon. In the second, he has the imposing job of finding something good to say about Dr. Kelso for a speech. Friends try to lure Elliot back from her tough job at a clinic.

OF NOTE

"Blue Crush" (2002), 4 p.m., UPN (KIKU). Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez (who is now so good in "Lost") starred in this movie about the struggles of female surfers. Critics said it had an empty story, but with good-looking people and places. That would make it the ideal prelude to UPN's "South Beach" series premiere tomorrow.

"People's Choice Awards," 8 p.m., CBS. This immensely meaningless award show has moved out of prime Sunday real estate. Craig Ferguson hosts.

"Commander in Chief," 8 p.m., ABC. After several weeks of rest, this show is back with new episodes. Tonight, Mac needs China's help in rescuing a sub that wandered into Korean territory.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. Michael J. Fox starts a multiweek run, playing a rich man who has been sued for getting preferential access to an experimental cancer treatment.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Want to adopt a dog? Tonight on KHNL News 8 at 5, you can do just that. We will feature a cute and cuddly friend in a segment we call "Lend a Paw." We have your latest news, sports and weather tonight on KHNL News 8.