‘Gossip Girl’ gets interesting

Tonight’s must-see

“Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m., CW.

After two so-so episodes, “Gossip Girl” finds a handy way for its characters to collide: There’s a big power failure.

Dan ends up in an elevator with Serena. His sister Jenny is at a workplace with a fashion designer who dislikes her.

Then there’s a party. Marcus is in a tricky triangle with Blair and Chuck. His stepmother, Catherine the duchess, is in another with Nate and Vanessa.

A few of the twists are lame. Still, this hour gives its characters fresh depth.

Tonight’s might-see

PBS’ “Where We Stand: America’s Schools in the 21st Century,” 10 p.m., KUID and KCDT. Tackling a huge subject, this hour wisely focuses on the diverse state of Ohio.

It follows a passionate principal and teacher in a low-income Cincinnati area. It ranges from a Chinese teacher in little Belpre to an innovative academy in Columbus.

Other choices include

“Dora the Explorer,” 10:30 a.m., Nickelodeon. There are new episodes for the next four days. That starts with one in which Backpack plans to lead the parade and sing her song. (Yes, a singing backpack. This one is for kids.)

“The Closer,” 9 p.m., TNT. The team races to stop a bomb scheme.

“Raising the Bar,” 10 p.m., TNT. After two weeks of too-easy solutions, this show goes the opposite way. Jerry’s friend is dangerous when he resists medication. It’s beautifully written, but deeply frustrating.

“Weeds” season finale, 10 p.m., Showtime. After the federal drug people bring Nancy in for questioning, she needs to do some explaining to Esteban.