TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"House" season-opener, 7 p.m., Fox. The best show on television turns itself inside out — at least for now. Recovered from his shooting, Dr. House is a new man, physically and mentally. He talks to patients' families; he's almost polite. Colleagues think it's temporary and may be right. For now, however, it's fascinating to watch the sorta-new House and old doubters.

"Desire" debut, 7 p.m., My Network TV (KFVE). Louis, a restaurant manager, spies a young beauty at a table that includes a mob boss. Soon, the woman's in bed with Louis, and the boss is banging angrily on the door. That's her father. "Why didn't you tell me?" asks a fleeing Louis. If you think he could have suspected that, then this is the wrong show for you. This launches a network built from former UPN and WB stations.

OF NOTE

"Metal of Honor: The Ironworkers of 9/11," 6, 7:30 p.m., Spike TV. This documentary interviews tough ironworkers who worked passionately at the World Trade Center site.

"Big Brother: All-Stars" and "Rock Star: Supernova," 7 and 8 p.m., CBS. The reality shows start their second-to-last week.

"Standoff" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. There are some terrific moments early, as we meet two crisis negotiators (Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt) who are having a secret affair. Neither of the crises in this first hour seems interesting or believable.

"Wide Angle: Back to School," 9 p.m., PBS. Getting to school is a triumph in many countries, this film says. More than 100 million children, two-thirds of them girls, never get a chance. This project follows school kids on several continents.