TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. One of the season's best episodes was scheduled during NBC's "green week" in November, then postponed. Now it finally surfaces. A young woman, whose husband is ecology-obsessed, has been killed. The real drama, however, soon centers on a judge (Ned Beatty) and his manipulative clerk (former "ER" star Sherry Stringfield). The result is a smart and involving story, beautifully acted.

Christmas specials. The best show tonight — well, any night — is the original version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," on the Cartoon Network at 6 p.m. Propelled by the combined genius of Dr. Seuss' story, Chuck Jones' direction and a booming song, it's a classic. Also at 6 (and repeating at 9), TNT has "Christmas in Washington," which always offers lush music and backdrops. This year has Kristen Chenoweth, a cappella group Straight No Chaser, contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns and two emerging country singers better known in other genres — Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) and Julianne Hough ("Dancing With the Stars"). Then 7 p.m. brings two new Christmas specials. NBC has "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa." After accidentally disrupting the mail, the Muppets must take care of three wishes on their own. Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane and Uma Thurman co-star. MyNetwork (K5) has "Christmas is Here Again," which is one of the nominees for an International Animation Award in the direct-to-video category. A girl tries to rescue Santa's magic bag — which, it turns out, is made of the swaddling clothes for baby Jesus; Andy Griffith and Shirley Jones voice the Clauses.

OF NOTE

"Great Performances: The Nutcracker," 8-10 p.m., PBS. The San Francisco Ballet is the oldest ballet troupe in the U.S., Kristi Yamaguchi says in her introduction, and the first American one to perform "The Nutcracker." Yamaguchi was enthralled by a performance when she was 4 or 5; now she introduces a new production with designs inspired by the Panama Pacific International Exhibition. It's a great-looking show, but TV still struggles to capture the full splendor of the music or the moves.

"Gary Unmarried," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Tom has been spending time with his mom's new boyfriend. Now his dad, Gary, works on tightening their bond.

"Private Practice," 8 p.m., ABC. Charlotte's new clinic continues to drain business from Oceanside Wellness. Meanwhile, Pete and Violet have been getting closer.

"A Christmas Carol" (1999), 7-9 p.m., TNT. Patrick Stewart is perfect as Scrooge, in a superb version of this oft-produced tale.

"L.A. Holiday Celebration," 10 p.m., PBS. We can admire this concert for its great choral moments and its rich diversity; the performers and music have roots in Africa, Argentina, Korea, Mexico, Russia, the Philippines and more. Still, a TV show clearly isn't aiming for a big audience, when it brings out a school handbell choir within the first 20 minutes.