TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The O.C." season opener, 7 p.m., Fox. At the end of last season Trey tried to rape Marissa. Ryan (her boyfriend, his brother) raged and attacked. Trey got the upper hand — and Marissa shot him. Now we flash ahead two months. With Trey emerging from a coma, police are convinced that Ryan is the real shooter. One scene tonight, with Marissa's mom at Trey's bedside is filled with understated power. "The O.C." is like that, making an overblown story feel real. Holding it all together is Peter Gallagher as Sandy — Marissa's neighbor, Ryan's lawyer and father figure, an endlessly earnest guy. He struggles to help — while his wife meets a creepy beauty (Jeri Ryan) at her alcohol rehab center. The soap touches will continue.

OF NOTE

"NFL Opening Kickoff," 6:30 p.m., ABC. At 7:30 p.m., the pro-football season has its first game. Before that, here's a sort of celebration. It includes concert performances by the Rolling Stones (from Detroit), Kanye West and Maroon 5 (from Los Angeles) and Santana and Green Day (from Foxborough, Mass.).

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. When Sara (Madchen Amick) says "I love you," Joey leaves it hanging. Meanwhile, Michael brings home his new girlfriend and surprises everyone.

"NFL Football: Raiders at Patriots," 7:30 p.m., ABC. For the second straight year, the season begins with the New England Patriots. They're the defending champions again, hosting the Oakland Raiders.

"Reunion" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. This show begins at a funeral service for one of six longtime friends. We don't know which one yet, but we watch a cop (Mathew St. Patrick of "Six Feet Under") learn more about them. Each week, we'll catch one year in the friends' lives. That starts with high school graduation, back in 1986. By the end of this first hour, one good-natured soul will have received a tough break. The result is reasonably involving.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. In beautifully filmed scenes, Carter meets Kem (Thandie Newton) in Paris.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A young woman disappears at work. The investigation reveals layers of international intrigue.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Feel like seeing a movie this weekend but don't know which flick to pick? Tune in tonight to KHNL News 8 first at 5 as we preview this week's new movie releases. Also, the Wahine volleyball team takes the court against Cincinnati live on K5 at 7.