Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Nip/Tuck
10/9c FX
At the end of last season, just-married Christian learned that he wasn't dying after all. "Have a long and happy life together" with Liz, the doctor told him. Will the marriage last through the opening credits as Season 6 begins? Here's a hint: She already has a lawyer (Barry Bostwick). Another downer: Business is bad, but old frenemy Mike Hamoui (Mario Lopez) is now in L.A. and doing nicely. Things are going nicely for Sean and Teddy (now played by Rose McGowan), too, but not so much for Matt. — Paul Droesch
Modern Family
9/8c ABC
At this point in the Pritchett family saga, we're not sure how Jay wound up being married to Gloria. But after tonight, we should have a pretty good idea what Jay's ex-wife, Dede (Shelley Long), thought about it when she pops in for a surprise visit. And though she comes bearing an olive branch, the clan might not be ready to forgive and forget, especially after we relive the time that Claire and Mitchell's mom became the mother of all nuptial nightmares when Jay and Gloria tied the knot. — Joe Friedrich
New Adventures of Old Christine
8/7c CBS
If anyone knows how to play an opportunistic divorce lawyer, its Corbin Bernsen. After all, he played sleazy attorney Arnie Becker on L.A. Law for eight years. In this episode, Barb serves Christine with divorce papers since their sham marriage isn't helping Barb's immigration problems. But Christine then sues Barb for alimony. Why? Because her shady lawyer (Bernsen) tells her to. — Tim Holland
Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak
7/6c HBO
If you loved Maurice Sendak's book Where the Wild Things Are, can't wait for Spike Jonze's film adaptation of the children's classic, or both, you'll certainly want to catch this 2009 documentary that features enlightening conversations between these two artists. The octogenarian Sendak is known for his privacy, so there aren't many chances to hear his reflections on his childhood, family, inspiration and frequently morbid imagination. — Joe Friedrich
Alaska State Troopers
10/9c National Geographic
There are some things state troopers in Alaska must always take into consideration. One is a rugged and unforgiving terrain that's not always easy to navigate. Another is a well-armed population of people who own guns and knives — and they know how to use them. This new docu-reality series follows elite law-enforcement professionals of the 49th state as they deal with these issues and others while protecting the people and wildlife of the Last Frontier. It's kind of like "Cops," but with a lot more snow. — Karen Andzejewicz