TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES

"House," 7 p.m., Fox. Already stuffed with great characters, "House" adds another one tonight. We won't spoil surprises, except to say he's smart and cunning, a great match for Dr. House. The doc has other things to worry about: Wilson, his only friend, left. A fascinating dilemma involves the deaths of organ-transplant recipients.

"The Mentalist" debut, 8 p.m., CBS. Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is a former fake. He claimed to be a psychic, when he was really just a sharp observer. Now he uses that skill to solve crimes by spotting details and human traits. It may sound like a bad copy of "Psych," but it's not. Producer Bruno Heller ("Rome") provides a sharp intelligence and Baker plays it wryly. Sample the first few minutes. It has a separate story that is strong, serious, even funny.

OF NOTE

"Opportunity Knocks" debut, 7 p.m., ABC. A crew unexpectedly builds a TV show set in someone's front yard. With neighbors' help, it puts on a game show, giving the family a chance to win prizes.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS, 9 p.m., ION. First is the season opener, probing the murder of a Navy officer. Then switch channels for a rerun of a superb episode: David Keith plays an officer whose wife was kidnapped.

"American Masters: You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story," 9-11 p.m., PBS; continues Wednesday and Thursday. The Warner studio has topped others in passion, ferocity and strong individuals. You get no hint of that in the early portions here, drably narrated by Clint Eastwood. The documentary perks up in its second hour with the arrival of Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. Tomorrow, it soars.

"Fringe," 8 p.m., Fox. Bus passengers freeze to death.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" season opener, 9 p.m., NBC. Yesterday, Sara Gilbert had a wonderful comedy role on "Big Bang Theory." Now she turns serious as a traumatized rape victim. Luke Perry and Julie Bowen also make guest appearances.