‘ER’ rises to quality of early days

Tonight’s must-see

“ER,” 10 p.m., NBC. For one splendid hour, “ER” is as good as it was in its glory days. As a bonus, the wooden Dr. Banfield (Angela Bassett) finally gets humanity. During a run, Banfield sees a 3-year-old girl pulled from the lake. She helps her there and at the hospital.

That triggers a flashback to her own crisis, six years earlier, when Dr. Mark Greene was in charge. It’s a chance to bring back a dead character — and a reminder of the rich humanity Anthony Edwards brought.

Soon, “ER” leaps between time periods. Former cast members help out; so does Courtney Vance, Bassett’s husband in real life and in this episode.

Superbly written and directed by David Zabel, this is a throwback to “ER” at its best.

Tonight’s might-see

“CNN Presents: Escape from Jonestown,” 6 and 9 p.m., CNN. On Nov. 18, 1978, more than 900 people died in the murder-suicide led by the Rev. Jim Jones. As the 30th anniversary nears, Soledad O’Brien talks to people who got out.

There were at least 30, including two women who walked 36 miles through the jungle with their four children.

Other choices include

“Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m., ABC. There will be big trouble unless the shipment of the magazine is stopped. But only Daniel can do that and Betty can’t contact him at his retreat.

“The Office,” 9 p.m., NBC. Michael takes Andy and Oscar on a business trip to Canada.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m., ABC. Two new characters draw quick dislike from staffers. One (Mary McDonnell) brings firm rules. Another (Melissa George, who was wonderful in HBO’s “In Treatment”) is Meredith’s friend, a new intern.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 9 p.m., CBS. After a shooting in a Korean neighborhood, witnesses won’t talk.

“30 Rock,” 9:31 p.m., NBC. The show keeps throwing in big-deal guest stars. Tonight, Jennifer Aniston plays a friend of Liz and Jenna. She tends to latch onto guys; now her new target is Jack.