TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"My Name is Earl," 7:30 and 8 p.m., NBC. This is the first night of the "sweeps" ratings period. That means fewer reruns, fewer recaps and more fun. It's a good time to develop a Thursday habit. Still, NBC has a rerun of a terrific "Earl." At first, Earl just wants to return a hotdog wagon he stole. Then Ralph (Giovanni Ribisi) works for an evil competitor, causing fresh complications. Then comes a new "Earl." After returning a badge he stole from a policeman, Earl learns he must make amends for the aftershocks.

OF LOCAL NOTE

"Kamea," 8:30 p.m., KHET (PBS). Winner of the Hawai'i Student Film Festival's 2005 Platinum Award, "Kamea" was written, directed and produced in Hawai'i by Jennifer Akana-Sturla. The film centers on Kamea, a surfer girl living on the North Shore, who falls for Thomas, a fellow surfer obsessed with Duke Kahanamoku's legend. Kayo Hatta's "Fishbowl" airs at 8 p.m. as part of this PBS Hawai'i Pacific Showcase double feature.

OF NOTE

"American Inventor," 7 and 8 p.m., ABC. First are some more highlights from auditions. Then three semifinalists are each given $50,000 to develop their ideas.

"Will & Grace," 7 p.m., NBC. At a funeral for Will's dad, everyone else seems to have warm memories to share. Will can mainly remember their final fight. He talks with his mom, played by Blythe Danner.

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971), 8 p.m., ABC Family. Last year's remake ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") was a masterpiece but the original is also worth seeing. At the core is Roald Dahl's dark tale about the only kid who's worthy to run his factory. Sprightly songs, great visuals and a charming performance by Gene Wilder dress it all up.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Wedding cars are supposed to have tin cans tied to the back bumper. This one has the body of the groom's mother. Foul play is suspected.

"The O.C.," 8 p.m., Fox. Past relationships flicker on prom night. Seth still wants Summer and Ryan keeps an eye on Marissa's date. Meanwhile, Lisa Tucker of "American Idol," who is from Orange County, plays herself.

"The Office," 8:30 p.m., NBC. When Dwight finds half of a marijuana cigarette in the parking lot he launches an investigation.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Pratt heads to Africa to help Carter, promptly learning how difficult this is. Back at the hospital, Sam's ex-husband is brought in. People assume he's faking his illness; then that changes.

"Commander in Chief," 9 p.m., ABC. To avoid political fallout, an adviser wants Mac to avoid going to a gay commitment ceremony.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A teen skater disappears after a late-night practice session.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Tonight 6 and 10, KHNL News 8 travels to the Big Island, where we examine Mauna Loa. Scientists say an eruption will happen. The question is when and what you should do if you live in the hazard zone. It's tonight's special report, Mauna Loa: Hawaii's Looming Danger.