TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Las Vegas," 8 p.m., NBC. Brash and brassy, "Las Vegas" savors its excesses. That's clear in this season opener, as Sam (Vanessa Marcil) gives what seems at first to be narration. A sprightly account includes the bombing, the shooting of Mary's dad (with three possible gunmen) and Sam's airborne adventure. Amid all the glitz, a new owner arrives, bringing counterpoint. Cooper (not Mr. Cooper) is a rich cowboy, played sturdily by Tom Selleck. "Las Vegas" calms down a bit and leaves lots of questions. Still, the season is off to an interesting start.

"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. Here's some Hollywood oomph for the season opener: Tony Scott — who produces the show with his brother Ridley — directed, with Val Kilmer (whom he directed in "Top Gun") as the guest villain. The story has Agent Colby Granger confessing to being a spy from China. Complications build, in a high-energy episode that is fairly good.

OF NOTE

"Shrek" (2001), 6 p.m., TBS. Here's another chance to see this animated delight about a princess and an ogre.

"Stargate: Atlantis" season opener, 7 p.m., SciFi. After a hurried escape, this city is now drifting in space. Systems are shutting down and the mission leader, Elizabeth Weir, has been severely injured. What follows is a complex hour, with lots of techno-jabber. It's part of a makeover: Jewel Staite, who played Kaylee in "Firefly," becomes the new medical chief; Amanda Tapping plays Col. Samantha Carter, the role she did so well in "Stargate SG-1."

"Ghost Whisperer" season-opener, 7 p.m., CBS. Looking into her family history, Melinda finds a surprise.

"Moonlight" debut, 8 p.m., CBS. Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin) is a private eye who also happens to be a vampire. Beth Turner is an Internet reporter, looking for anything juicy. The crime case they're following is so-so; still, these are interesting characters, in a unique sort of relationship. Two out-of-town actors — he's Australian, she's English — skillfully play conflicted American.

"Nashville," 8 p.m., Fox. Mika Combs, the coal-miner's daughter from Kentucky, has made a quick impact. Now she lands a spot on a showcase, alongside more-experienced singers; Rachel Bradshaw, who has been her romantic rival, is upset. Meanwhile, Chuck Wicks heads out on a tour, leaving his girlfriend behind. And Clint Moseley's romances complicate things.