Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The second season opens during World War I with Matthew and Thomas in the trenches in France, and Robert and William longing to join the action. Also, Mary struggles with her feelings for Matthew when he returns from the war and attends a concert at the estate with a new companion.
The Firm (9pm, NBC) - NBC's newest drama series is based on the John Grisham novel and motion picture "The Firm," but set ten years after the action in the original work. In tonight's premiere, Mitchell McDeer (Josh Lucas, right) and his family work to reclaim their lives after ten years in the Witness Protection Program. Also stars Juliette Lewis ("Cape Fear"), Tricia Helfer ("Battlestar Galactica"), Molly Parker ("Deadwood"), Callum Keith Rennie ("The Killing"), and Shaun Majumder ("Detroit 187").
Shameless (9pm, Showtime) - In the Season 2 premiere, Fiona lands a job tending bar at a popular local joint and meets a new guy. Meanwhile, Frank uses his son Liam as collateral for a gambling debt. And that is why I can't make myself like this show.
The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - A couple whose divorce was overseen by Lockhart/Gardner brings a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the firm after the pair accuse them of encouraging their breakup for financial gain. F. Murray Abraham guest stars.
House of Lies (10pm, Showtime) - A new dark comedy about a top-dollar management consultant and his ethically challenged team. In the premiere episode, the consultants head to NY with a plan to help bankers justify their big bonuses while their customers suffer from a financial crisis the bankers helped cause. I'm not sold, but here's my review. Stars Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell.
Californication (10:30pm, Showtime) - Season 5 opens a after the end of Season 4, with Hank living in New York but hoping to relocate. He may get his chance when Charlie invites him to LA to write a screenplay for a project starring a rapper-turned-actor. In LA, he meets up with Karen and her new husband, and meets Becca's new boyfriend.
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow 
