‘Shield’ goes beyond other police dramas

Now in its fifth season, “The Shield” (10 p.m., FX) continues to set the bar for TV police dramas.

This violent and chaotic soap opera of corruption, redemption and mere endurance is consistently challenging and frequently borders on being too intense to consume as mere entertainment. Compared to “The Shield,” the popular “CSI” franchise seems like a morbid tea party.

Take tonight’s season opener. It begins with a race riot in a funeral home where fists, knives and crucifixes are used as implements of bodily harm and where the deceased guest of honor is unceremoniously upended in the melee. The action quickly moves to the scene of a high school stabbing, where yet another violent riot between black and Latino students erupts. Using multiple handheld cameras, the cinematography puts the viewer in the center of a cafeteria stampede.

If your heart isn’t racing by the end of this scene, you must already be dead.

The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce must cringe whenever this show is broadcast. “The Shield” makes L.A. look like the grimmest city this side of Fallujah.

As we’ve known since Season 1, Vic Mackie (Michael Chiklis in a consistently visceral and magnificent performance) has a “history.” And it’s catching up to him on all sides.

Not to give too much away here, but budget cutbacks make him a target for early retirement. But can he get out before Internal Affairs investigator Lt. Kavanaugh (Forest Whitaker) tightens his noose?

In a show crowded with pitch-perfect performances, Whitaker offers something to behold.

“Nova scienceNOW” (7 p.m., KSPS) glances back at some of the top science stories of 2005, including the discovery of a “new” planet, a new take on stem cells and something called manmade meat.

But don’t expect a mere list. This innovative series uses some memorable methods and novel graphics to illustrate difficult concepts.

A breakthrough look at an old mathematical theory becomes the inspiration for a cabaret song.

The probability of humans becoming infected with bird flu is presented as a variation on the old notion about a million monkeys at a million typewriters. What are the chances that one hairy typist would come up with Shakespeare?

Host Robert Krulwich offers reassuring words about the vast odds against a devastating pandemic. It’s a possibility. And it did happen before.

But before you panic, remember, it’s about as likely as that of a random higher primate composing “The Tempest” on his Smith Corona.

Luke’s ex (Sherilyn Fenn) resurfaces on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB). Fourteen years after its demise, the cast of “Twin Peaks,” including Fenn; Kyle MacLachlan (“In Justice”); Heather Graham (“Emily’s Reasons”); Lara Flynn Boyle (“Las Vegas”) and Madchen Amick (“Freddie”) maintain their Kung Fu grip on prime-time casting.

Other highlights

Kate Bosworth stars in the 2002 surfer drama “Blue Crush” (8 p.m., UPN).

Craig Ferguson hosts “The Annual People’s Choice Awards” (9 p.m., CBS). Combining the obvious with the forgettable for 32 years and counting.

On back-to-back episodes of “Scrubs” (NBC), the big three-oh (9 p.m.), and testimonial jitters (9:30 p.m.).

A journalist takes a blow to the head on “House” (9 p.m., Fox).

Trouble with North Korea on “Commander in Chief” (9 p.m., ABC).

“The Frontline” (9 p.m., KSPS, Part 2 of three) presentation of “Country Boys” continues.

“Dirty Jobs” (9 p.m., Discovery), the documentary series about untidy tasks that “somebody” has to do, enters its second season.

“Beyond the Bull” (9 p.m., TLC) takes an inside look at cowboys on the professional rodeo circuit.

A kidnapped girl requires medical attention on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).

A tycoon seeks preferential treatment on “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC).

Cult choice

A paid escort (Richard Gere) is framed for a Beverly Hills murder in the 1980 potboiler “American Gigolo” (9 p.m., WE). Although three decades removed from “Sunset Blvd.” (5 p.m., TCM), its decadent themes and neighborhood are remarkably similar. It’s only the picture that got smaller.

Series notes

Trapped on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … Joe Rogan hosts “Fear Factor” (8 p.m., NBC) … A plea from death row on “Bones” (8 p.m., Fox) … Very vintage footage on “According to Jim” (8 p.m., ABC) … Plastered at the pajama party on “Rodney” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Dad sends the boys on another ghost hunt on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., WB).