Television critic Mike Hughes recommends one show tonight you must see, and one that you might want to.

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"American Idol," 7-9 p.m., Fox

Now we're to the part of "Idol" that viewers remember. The final 12 have been chosen; it's time to eliminate one per week.

At first, that requires a full two hours on Tuesdays; gradually, "Idol" will pare down to an hour.

Each Wednesday, someone will be cut. And these first two are important; "Idol" has been taking only its final 10 on tour, giving them months of arena-sized crowds.

Viewers always figure they'll remember No. 11 and 12, but do they? A few (Mikaleh Gordon, Matt Rogers,last year's Amanda Overmyer) became memorable; most didn't. Don't look on the pop charts for Charles Grigsby, Lindsey Cardinale, Kevin Covais, Melissa McGhee or last year's David Hernandez.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"WCG Ultimate Gamer," 7 p.m., Sci Fi Channel

Forget any stereotypes about videogame players. The 12 contestants here provide a rich variety.

There are also a couple muscular athletes; there are women who are, one guy admits, "all fairly attractive." There are cheery, social people and unbudging introverts.

This slick show throws them together instantly: They must split into fours to compete in RockBand 2. Soon, they have cool names -- Pandora Rox, Pirates vs. Ninjas, Napalm in the Morning -- and semi-cool images.

The game will change each week. The overall prize includes $100,000, a full electronics package and a trip to this year's World Cyber Games in China.