Documentary examines U.S. health care

Tonight’s must-see

PBS’ “P.O.V.: Critical Condition,” 9 p.m., KSPS, KUID and KCDT. At last, here’s a documentary that lives up to the show’s title. It has a point of view, strong and unapologetic.

Americans spend $2 trillion a year on health care, it says, but this is the only major country without a national health system. Some 47 million Americans are uninsured. Those numbers flick by quickly, leaving room for portraits of real people.

One might have saved his foot, but the insurance was running out. He had it amputated.

Another kept putting off a doctor visit; she found that she had Stage 3 cancer. There are two more, in painful portraits.

Tonight’s must-see II

“House,” 8 p.m., Fox.

Last week, we met a terrific character. Lucas (Michael Weston) is a private eye, as smart and sneaky as the guy (Dr. House) who hired him.

Tonight, he probes the staff, including Taub, who’s having marital troubles.

Other choices include

“NCIS,” 8 p.m., CBS. An apparent suicide on an aircraft carrier leads to a bigger probe.

“Gavin and Stacey,” 8:40 p.m., BBC America. Gavin and Stacey are sweet young people who mostly met over the phone; by their second date, he proposed. Now, with many possible hurdles, it’s supposed to be their wedding day. The result has charm and wit.

“The Mentalist,” 9 p.m., CBS. Last week’s terrific opener added the newest and youngest cop, Grace. She’s a good character, well-played by Amanda Righetti. Tonight, Patrick uses her as bait, probing the killing of a waitress.

“Greek,” 9 p.m., Family. Trying to reclaim her presidency, Frannie goes to the sorority’s national convention. Casey scrambles to stop her.

“Fringe,” 9:01 p.m., Fox. After an explosion, the only thing surviving is a cylinder that seems to alter behavior.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 p.m., NBC. A teen walks into the squad room, saying he has sexual desires for his stepbrother. So far, that doesn’t leave a crime to investigate. Soon, there is one.