TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

Republican convention, everywhere. Yes, this is as important as the Democratic one. Still, it faces much tougher competition. CBS and NBC arrive again at 4 p.m., with PBS at 2 and ABC at 7. Cable has CNN at noon and C-SPAN at 9:30 a.m. and MSNBC at 1.

"Prison Break" season-opener, 7 p.m., Fox. Michael and the others are free for a moment. Then their new crisis begins, along with life-and-death surprises. Some of this is hugely illogical. (To escape detection, Michael goes through the pain of instant tattoo-removal; he does not, however, alter his extreme haircut.) Still, "Break" remains taut, passionate and exciting.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"Raising the Bar" debut, 10 p.m., TNT. Here are the qualities we've loved in "L.A. Law" and other Steven Bochco shows: A handsome, idealistic lawyer (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) fights for justice, amid pretty people. Still, it's flawed: The main case is determined more by luck and outside intervention than by our hero's actions.

OF NOTE

"Sid the Science Guy," 7:30 a.m., and "Martha Speaks," 10 a.m. debuts, PBS. Two new animated shows debut, filled with good intentions. "Sid," from the Muppets people, nudges tykes into science.

"The Closer," 5 and 6 p.m., TNT. First is a rerun of last week's taut episode, seeking the killer of Sanchez's brother. Then is a new hour; Brenda's parents arrive, as she tries to focus on a case.

"Gossip Girl" season-opener, 6 p.m., CW (Oceanic Digital Channel 93). Shouldn't summers be fun for teens who are rich and pretty? Encased in treachery and deceit, most of the key people are miserable. That brings out the biggest flaw (a dry sameness) in an otherwise interesting show.

"Deal or No Deal" season-opener, 7 p.m., NBC. The network hints that it finally has a million-dollar winner.

"Depth Charge," 7 p.m., Spike. Eric Roberts plays the angry captain of a nuclear-equipped submarine. He's threatening to destroy Washington, D.C.; Jason Gedrick plays the ship doctor.

"America's Toughest Jobs," 8 p.m., NBC. This hour is quite a bit better than last week's opener. The job (trucking in Alaska) allows more chance to see individual quirks.

"One Tree Hill" season-opener, 8 p.m., CW (Oceanic Digital Channel 93). We learn more about Lucas' romance and Nathan's comeback attempt.