SUNDAY'S MUST-SEE

"Desperate Housewives," 8 p.m., ABC. When we last saw the housewives, a tornado was twisting their lives around. Victor was impaled by a wind-blown stake before he could kill Carlos. Adam's stalker was blown away; so was the paperwork for Carlos' fortune. Meanwhile, Katherine figured her husband is a liar. Susan felt her husband needs rehab and Lynette doesn't know if she has a husband. The tornado crushed Mrs. McCluskey's house, where he and the kids were huddled. Now we learn what happened.

"The Wire," 7 p.m., HBO (repeats at 8:30). A richly crafted series starts its fifth and final season by viewing the impact of budget cuts in Baltimore. Cops fume as their overtime pay is withheld. A crucial stake-out may be scrapped. And at The Baltimore Sun, an earnest editor (superbly played by director Clark Johnson) fights to retain quality, amid cutbacks and buyouts.

OF NOTE

Football, 8 a.m. (Fox) and 11:30 a.m. (CBS). The first playoff game has the New York Giants at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second has the Tennessee Titans at the San Diego Chargers.

"Deal or No Deal," 6 p.m., NBC. The first hour has a disco theme. In the second, the contestant is a fan of the '80s. Former teen stars Deborah Gibson and Corey Feldman show up.

"Nature: The Desert Lions," 8 p.m., PBS. Life is stark for the few lions in Africa's Namib Desert. Nature has provided little prey. The lions are tempted to attack livestock but villagers are prepared to shoot them. This is a beautifully filmed hour that makes us root for the predator then feel bad about it.

"The Simpsons," 8 p.m., Fox. Suddenly, Springfield has the nation's first presidential primary.

"I Love New York 2: Reunion," 7 p.m., VH1. New York (Tiffany Pollard) chose Tailor Made (George Weisgerber) and the two are now reportedly engaged. Tonight the contenders for New York's affections reunite to discuss the popular reality show and viewers get a chance to catch up during this 90-minute special.

"American Gladiators" debut, 8 p.m., NBC. A decade after it ended, this show has been given a glitzy revival. Laila Ali — a boxing champion like her dad, Muhammad Ali — hosts with former wrestler Hulk Hogan. The basic game is the same, however, with laymen doing battle sometimes blocked by muscular pros.

"Shark," 9:30 p.m., CBS. When a friend is gunned down in front of him, people begin to learn Stark's dark secrets.

"Cashmere Mafia" debut, 9 p.m., ABC. Imagine "Sex and the City" being twice as long with half the heart. That's this drama, which is slick and glossy and cold. Powerful New Yorkers are played by Lucy Liu, Frances O'Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Somerville.

"Def Comedy Jam" season-opener, 8 p.m., HBO. Def Jam first aired 16 years ago and went on hiatus for nearly a decade before its re-launch in 2006. Most of tonight's comedians stick to comedy that's loud, sexual and kind of standard. Still, Gina Yashere gives everything a clever twist with her British accent and perspective. D.L. Hughley hosts.