"Speak," 6 p.m., Showtime and Lifetime. The first great movie of the TV season arrives two weeks before the season officially begins. "Speak" is half as good as the Laurie Halse Anderson novel it's based on. That makes it roughly twice as good as anything else. Filmmakers jettisoned most of the wry humor from the novel but kept the story of a new high school student, lonely and ostracized. The reasons for this will be revealed gradually. Beyond that, however, is a universal story of a pensive kid in a new world. Kristen Stewart ("Panic Room") gives a quietly moving performance in the lead. Jessica Sharzer directs with the graceful, stylish touch we'd expect in an independent film.

OF NOTE

"Arthur," 3:30 p.m., PBS. A back-to-school week begins with Arthur learning he has a dreaded teacher.

"Reno 911," 4 p.m., Comedy Central. Here is an entire season of this sometimes-hilarious show. It starts wonderfully with all the deputies framed and jailed.

"The Closer," 6 and 9 p.m., TNT. This well-made show expands to 70 minutes for its season finale. Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) probes the murder of a nasty husband while the department views a fresh complaint against her. The latter story is too predictable, but the case itself is filled with clever twists.

"Rome: Engineering an Empire," 6 and 10 p.m., History Channel. Ranging from interviews to computer re-creations, this documentary looks at the remarkable physical feats (and brutal human effects) of ancient Rome.

"Precinct Hollywood," 7 p.m., AMC. Rich in clips and commentary, this documentary ranges from the cops-can-do-anything era of "Dirty Harry" to the cops-go-too-far of "Serpico" and "Training Day."

"Prison Break," 8 p.m., Fox. The same mobster who sliced Michael's baby toe tries to be his new friend. Meanwhile, Veronica sees how deep the plot runs. "Prison Break" remains both fascinating and unlikely. If you were taking vital testimony from a witness sought by bad guys, would you let her casually leave for a smoke break?

"The Medium," 9 p.m., NBC. Here is a rerun of the well-made pilot film, with Patricia Arquette having visions that help catch crooks.