Hope descends on ‘Jericho’

Tonight’s must-see

“Jericho,” 10 p.m., CBS.

After a fairly good season-opener last week, “Jericho” suddenly gets much better.

Gone is the obsession with revenge. Replacing it is a story that seems fresh and vital.

In a post-nuclear world, a new nation has emerged in Cheyenne. Its soldiers have restored order and its president is on tour with feel-good speeches.

Much of this clashes with what Hawkins has learned. Doubts emerge.

Unfolding is a rich blend. It’s a thriller, mixed with human drama that is smartly written and subtly played.

Tonight’s must-see II

“American Idol,” 8-10 p.m., Fox.

The 12 men sing tonight. And yes, that’s a good thing.

After a slow start, “Idol” showed last week that it has talented men. Michael Johns, the Australian, is a superb balladeer; Robbie Carrico is a strong rocker. David Archuleta and Danny Noriega mix cute-kid faces with good voices.

There are more with viewers deciding. The women are Wednesday, results Thursday.

Other choices include

“The Biggest Loser,” 8-10 p.m., NBC. The contestants get a chance to visit home. That’s a mixed blessing, though: Without trainers, they must prepare for the next weigh-in.

“Nova: Ape Genius,” 7 p.m. KSPS, 8 p.m. KUID. Researchers keep finding new evidence of ape intelligence. In Senegal, a chimp even fashioned a hunting spear. This PBS documentary, created with National Geographic, views that and asks why apes (unlike humans) fail to build upon the achievements of previous generations.

“Frontline: Rules of Engagement,” 9 p.m., KSPS and KUID. A confrontation in the Iraqi town of Haditha has become a focal point. In the military’s original account, 15 civilians were killed by a roadside bomb; later, an Iraqi official (Barham Salih) called it “heinous crimes” and an American (U.S. Rep. John Murtha) called it a “massacre.” This PBS documentary views the complications of in-field decisions.

“In Treatment,” 9:30 p.m., HBO. On Monday, Paul heard Laura’s account of a cold sexual fling with Alex. Today, Alex brings a different version.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, a murder copies a well-known serial killer who is glorified in a comic book.

“Independent Lens: Banished,” 10 p.m., KUID. For a half-century after the Civil War, this PBS documentary says, some U.S. towns banished black residents. This film follows descendants in three cities.