TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"War of the Worlds" (2005), 7-10 p.m., ABC. The good news: H.G. Wells' 1898 novel was given to a master filmmaker (Steven Spielberg) and expressive actors (Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning). Morgan Freeman intones the brief, rich narration. The bad: Spielberg, usually the optimist, gives in to an exaggerated, one-note view of mankind. Every person — including the central character — behaves like a lout. Spielberg's powerful visuals make us overlook that — partially, at least.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"Bridal Fever," 7-9 p.m., Hallmark Channel. Andrea Roth — who is so good as Tommy's ex-wife in "Rescue Me" — has lighter duty here. She's a perennial bridesmaid, seeking her moment. A subplot involving a romance novelist (Delta Burke) starts well then turns silly. Still, the main story (and Roth's performance) will hold viewers.

OF NOTE

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. It's tough being in real estate these days. Delia (Camryn Manheim) has sold a house, which turns out to still have the spirit of a girl who drowned.

"American Gladiators," 7 p.m., NBC. A "special rebroadcast of Monday's explosive battle."

"Phineas and Ferb," 8 p.m., Disney Channel. The Disney people have set this fun, 15-minute cartoon series for 8 p.m. each day this month, in between broadcasts of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." It has two young inventors, a stylish sister (Ashley Tisdale) and a heroic platypus who secretly fights the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. It also has some clever songs, including a dandy title tune from Bowling for Soup.

"AKC/Eukanuba National Championship," 6-9 p.m., Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. After regional dog competitions, the American Kennel Club has its championships.

"Gandhi" (1982), 3-6:15 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. One of history's great stories is told in epic fashion. The result drew eight Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor — for Ben Kingsley's stunning work as Mohandas Gandhi, who non-violently led India to freedom.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 p.m., NBC. A nanny is killed. Suspects in this rerun range from her employer (Mark Valley) to her Internet love interest (Steven Bauer).

"Torchwood," 3 p.m., BBC America/KHON digital 341. If you missed last week's strong season opener it reruns at 6. James Marsters (Spike in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") is excellent as a tough time lord who can match Jack. Then catch this new hour with another great guest turn: It's Nikki Amuka-Bird as an average lass (she thinks) who may have mauled some intruders.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. During a blackout, a woman and her daughter are kidnapped, and their housekeeper is killed. From there, this rerun requires some extreme plot twists.