TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Supreme Court," 9 p.m., PBS; concludes Feb. 7. When the U.S. Supreme Court first convened in 1790, it had little to do. It adjourned after two hours. Few people wanted the job, which required long trips to outlying courts. One justice almost died when his horse plunged through the ice. Things changed when John Marshall was chief justice, from 1801 to 1835. He established the court's role as the ultimate authority on what is and isn't constitutional. This first half of "Supreme Court" takes us to the 1930s, pausing to profile Marshall and Oliver Wendell Holmes. It has intelligent commentators, including one at the top: Most justices have resisted interviews, but Chief Justice John Roberts emerges here as an articulate student of court history.

"American Idol," 8 p.m., Fox. These tryouts are from San Antonio. (That might help continue last year's spurt of country music singers.)

OF NOTE

"Bones," 7 p.m., Fox. After a brief rest, this well-made show is back. Tonight, Booth and Brennan get are told they will be viewing the charred remains of Howard Epps, her longtime adversary. Nothing, of course, is ever that easy.

"Friday Night Lights," 7 p.m., NBC. It's time for a playoff game, while personal problems build. That includes Smash's use of performance-enhancing drugs, Riggins hesitantly bonding with his dad, and Julie and Tyra forming a mismatched friendship.

"George Lopez," 7 p.m., ABC. Vic introduces his fiancee, who is young, attractive and not terribly bright.

"According to Jim," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Dana has gone into premature labor while her husband is overseas. That means Jim must help with the delivery.

"Criminal Minds," 8 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, the team must profile an entire town, to figure out what happened to three college women.

"In Case of Emergency," 8:30 p.m., ABC. So far, Harry is the only one who knows that Kelly is a prostitute, working at a massage parlor; he asks her not to tell. Meanwhile, Sherman learns that Jason is broke.

"Medium," 9 p.m., NBC. Allison dreams of a doll that has a character flaw: It apparently tells its owner to kill.

"Top Chef" finale, 8 p.m., and "Top Design" debut 9 p.m., Bravo. First, there's the chef prize. (If you missed last week's episode, set on the Big Island, it reruns at 7.) Then comes a new "Top Design," looking for the best interior designer. Todd Oldham hosts, with Jonathan Adler, Margaret Russell and Kelly Wearstler as judges.