TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"American Masters: Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character," 9 p.m., PBS. For one week, the terrific "American Masters" series veers off course. This show has deep portraits usually, with lots of attention to flaws and failures. Not this time; the 90 minutes are light and bright, with great clips and fond memories. And yes, that makes sense: This is, after all, Carol Burnett. She's faced tragedies — alcoholic parents, impoverished childhood, divorce, a daughter who recovered from drug addiction, then died of cancer. Through it all, she's shown immense talent and decency. If this film seems like a love letter, it's just being accurate.

"Prison Break," 7 p.m., Fox. After a baseball break, this intense show puts two episodes back to back. Sarah's kidnappers are forcing Michael to get Whistler out of prison. First, however, he demands proof she's alive. Meanwhile, Whistler is charged with killing a fellow inmate.

OF NOTE

"Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaid," 5 p.m., Nickelodeon. This series has lots of bright pictures to charm the preschool set. Now it has an hourlong musical, with Dora saving the mermaid queen from a polluting octopus. Tiny kids will love it, but the repetitious songs and dialogue will drive everyone else away.

"Chuck," 7 p.m., NBC. Returning to his old college to help his former professor, Chuck learns secrets about the prof — and about himself — and about why he was expelled.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7 p.m., CBS. When Marshall and Lily try to buy an apartment, they make lots of mistakes. Also, he learns a financial secret about her.

"The Big Bang Theory," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Wolowitz, who claims to be a ladies' man, actually ends up living with Penny's friend. That throws off the balance, so the guys ask Penny to be on their "Halo" video game team.

"Murder By the Book" season opener, 8 p.m., Court TV. This series focuses on fascinating murder cases, with well-known authors providing commentary. Tonight, Sandra Brown tells of a case that involved two housewives and church members in small-town Texas. The case is interesting; the verdict is stunning.

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. After an argument, Alan moves into his mom's house with Jake.

"Heroes," 8 p.m., NBC. Hiro's adventure in feudal Japan has a dramatic conclusion. Meanwhile, Claire tries to keep West from realizing that her stepfather is the man who kidnapped him, long ago. Also, life turns dangerous for people with abilities: Several link to face Nightmare Man; Peter and Caitlin see the ferocity of the virus that endangers them.

"Journeyman," 9 p.m., NBC. Life gets more complicated for Dan: His wife wants to go back to work; he keeps going back in time.