TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Paula Poundstone: Look What the Cat Dragged In," 8 p.m., Bravo. One of the smartest stand-up comedians, Paula Poundstone has also been one of the most troubled. She pleaded guilty to child endangerment, temporarily lost custody of her children and was put in rehab. "A judge ordered me to A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) on television," Poundstone tells the audience. "Kind of kicks the hell out of the second 'A,' doesn't it?" That's the start of a truly brilliant hour. Poundstone makes no excuses while describing a hectic house, filled with cats, kids, words, wit and TV dinners. She makes us almost want to live there.

OF NOTE

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. Here's the episode CBS scheduled earlier then postponed. Gibbs works with an attractive Army lieutenant colonel played by Susanna Thompson.

"Friday Night Lights," 7 p.m., NBC. The Panthers had a stunning comeback after the recruited quarterback was benched and Saracen returned. Now comes a hearing; the game may be forfeited because of recruiting violations.

"Nova: Wings of Madness," 8 p.m., PBS. Alberto Santos-Dumont was a dreamer, an inventor and a showman. Born to wealth in Brazil, he moved to France and defied scientists who said powered flight was impossible. Santos-Dumont dreamed that aviation would bring the world peace and would bring him enduring fame. Neither goal worked out in a life that was alternately brilliant and tragic.

"Law & Order: Criminal Investigation," 8 p.m., NBC. Logan and Wheeler probe what seems to be a hit-and-run case. The victim is a music producer, however, and there are doubts about whether this was an accident. Capt. Ross (Eric Bogosian) jumps into the case.