TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Last week, Paris Bennett — the extremely talented teenager — was ousted. The four survivors were whisked to Memphis for a crash course in Elvis Presley music. We can expect an Elvis emphasis tonight when famed record exec Tommy Mottola critiques their performances. Only one woman remains among the final four — Katharine McPhee. She faces Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin. Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com, the largest sports betting site online, says "our bettors have proven to be extremely accurate forecasters of entertainment events, correctly predicting winners of multiple Oscar categories as well as recent reality shows, including the last "American Idol.'" Heading into tonight's performance, Daughtry remains the Idol favorite with 5-6 odds, according to the Web site. Bettors are split between Hicks and McPhee — both are listed with the second-best odds to win. But ultimately the vote is up to fans.

"Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America," 7 p.m., ABC. There was every reason to expect this to be quick and tacky like so many TV disaster films. Instead, it's a solid and involving — albeit deeply depressing — view of one possibility. So far, in this tale, only about 125 humans have contracted avian flu. Working with consultant John M. Barry (author of "The Great Influenza"), this offers a what-if story about a quick, uncontrollable mutation. The talented cast — led by Joely Richardson, Stacy Keach and Justina Machado — underplays the roles but still manages to move us. Director Richard Pearce, a talented Hollywood veteran, makes it all work. There are wordless scenes here that make an impact.

OF NOTE

"Kathy Griffin: Strong Black Woman," 6 p.m., Bravo. Griffin isn't really black, but she is a woman with a strong kind of humor. She recounts her adventures here, including the time she thought it would be clever to imply that Dakota Fanning, then 11, was in rehab. That was a terrible idea, but Griffin makes it seem funny.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. Here's the start of a two-part season-finale. Injured in an explosion, Gibbs drifts through flashbacks; meanwhile, Tony takes charge and faces some resentment.

"The Unit," 8 and 9 p.m., CBS. In the first hour, Bob must guide the secretary of state through an embattled country. Back home, his wife deals with financial struggles and with an admirer from her radio station. The overseas part is taut and well told. The other parts are OK. Meanwhile, Molly deals with a real-estate enigma. That plot line is a clever tale that continues into the second episode.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. Last week's powerful two-parter left Dr. Foreman alive but without full mental control. Now he returns to work. Meanwhile, Dr. House deals with a woman whose apparent seizure almost drowned her baby.

"Scrubs," 8 and 8:30 p.m., NBC. The first episode has Cox returning to work but with diminished confidence; meanwhile, Zach flashes back over the changes in the past five years. The second hour has Kelso figuring out where everyone was instead of helping a patient. Two of them were pursuing a previous patient (Jason Bateman) who hadn't said "thank you."

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. Parker Posey, long a favorite of art-film fans, plays the ruthless new member of the firm. Meanwhile, Denny (William Shatner) and his son (Freddie Prinze Jr.) battle each other in court.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

KHNL News 8 continues its focus on ice addiction. We showed you how one ice addict took back control of her life from the deadly drug. As this insidious epidemic brutally affects local families, we ask the question: Where is Hawai'i on the war on ice? Tonight on KHNL News 8 at 10.