TV’s best bets: Party politics play into antics on ‘30 Rock’

Tonight’s must-see

“30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m., NBC.

Jack obsesses on finding a celebrity face for the Republican Party. The best he can manage is Bucky Bright (Tim Conway), a long-ago star. The only person who recognizes him is Kenneth – who’s soon disillusioned. So Jack has a bigger scheme – tapping Tracy (Tracy Morgan) as the party’s black, celebrity face. Liz deals with a different kind of celebrity: Her tacky ex-boyfriend is considered a hero.

It’s a fast, fun episode with some hilarious moments, especially from Morgan.

Tonight’s must-see II

“The Neverending Story” (1984), 8 p.m., Ion.

These days, Wolfgang Petersen is a masterful Hollywood director, the maker of “The Perfect Storm” and “Air Force One.” Long before that, however, he made this family classic. A boy finds a magical book, then is pulled inside the adventure. The result is magical.

Other choices include

“Lost,” 8-10 p.m., ABC. Starting next week, ABC will thrive with new episodes of “Ugly Betty,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Lost.” First, these “Lost” reruns get us caught up. They view the freighter’s mission – and the story of Michael, who is now a deck hand.

“My Name is Earl,” 8 p.m., NBC. With Earl still in a coma, Randy and Joy try to undo some old trouble involving a drug-dealer’s duffel bag.

“That Thing You Do” (1996, TV Land) and “Forrest Gump” (1994, WE); both 8 p.m. Shortly after starring in the triumphant, Oscar-winning “Gump,” Tom Hanks wrote and directed a small film about a 1964 pop group. The first half, in particular, is wonderful.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 9 p.m., CBS. The notion of a dining-in-the-dark restaurant may be fun, but it makes murder quite easy.

“The Office,” 9 p.m., NBC. Michael lusts for a woman in a catalog. Meanwhile, there’s a war over parking spaces.

“ER,” 10 p.m., NBC. Weary after long hours, Neela has a strange daydream. She also makes a quick decision about a patient, played by Aida Tuturro of “The Sopranos.”