‘Pushing Daisies’ offers fun twist

Tonights must-see

“Pushing Daisies,” 8 p.m., ABC. In its shortened first season, “Daisies” got a dozen Emmy nominations. It won for directing, editing and theme music.

So this show looks and sounds great, even when the plot wanders off. Tonight, it needs a marathon intro, just to re-explain the premise.

Then we’re into a tangled tale of beekeepers. The story is OK, but the mood – sort of a twisted fairy tale – is a delight.

Tonight’s must-see II

“America’s Got Talent” finale, 9 p.m., NBC. Tonight, we learn which of the five finalists will win. Nuttin But Stringz – two brothers doing original, high-octane violin tunes – faces four singers.

Neal E. Boyd is an insurance salesman with an operatic voice. Donald Braswell has gradually recovered his voice, 13 years after a throat injury. Eli Mattson started as a country singer; Queen Emily entered show business in her 40s.

Other choices include

“Knight Rider,” 8 p.m., NBC. Don’t you hate it when drag racers double as international gun-runners? Tonight, Michael and KITT fight back.

PBS’ “Secrets of the Dead: Executed in Error,” 8 p.m., KSPS, KUID, KCDT. In 1910, Dr. Hawley Crippen was charged with killing his wife. Amid sensational news stories and early forms of scientific evidence, he was convicted. Now scientists re-examine the case, with fascinating results.

“Private Practice,” 9 p.m., ABC. Tonight’s medical story is so-so. Still, this season opener does offer some intriguing business scenes as the clinic faces money troubles.

“Lipstick Jungle,” 10 p.m., NBC. This hour lacks the fun of last week’s season opener, but has some moments of charm and sensuality. Victory finds herself fascinated by an earthy builder. Nico deals with her late husband’s young and pregnant mistress. Wendy learns a friend’s secret that could affect their next movie.

“Dirty Sexy Money,” 10:01 p.m., ABC. The season opens with another life-and-death secret for the Darlings to hide and Nick to worry about. It’s moderately interesting, in a soap-excess way.

Also note

Some satellite viewers can catch the season opener of “Friday Night Lights.” That’s 6 and 9 p.m. on channel 101 of DirecTV; its 13-episode season moves to NBC in February. Here is one of TV’s best dramas, in its understated way.