When the Force is with you, critics don’t matter. “The Directors” (6 p.m., Encore) takes an unabashedly glowing look at the life and films of George Lucas. Actors and fellow filmmakers, including Harrison Ford, Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, Liam Neeson, Richard Dreyfuss, Natalie Portman and others, discuss their experiences with the director and force behind innovations in theater sound, special effects and digital filmmaking. Lucas looks back at his Modesto, Calif., youth, his interest in anthropology and mythology, and the enduring legacy of the “The Star War” films.

Richard Dreyfuss frankly admits that he did not understand the success or importance of “American Graffiti,” the film that made him a star. Suzanne Somers speaks at some length about the audition process for that movie. In fact, she has more screen time in this documentary than she did in the film.

While this “Directors” is essential viewing for Lucas’ legion of devoted fans, it suffers from a distinct lack of dissenting voices. Speaking at length about the sociology of “Star Wars,” Lucas dismisses critical reaction to the last two installments. It would be bigger of him to at least wonder why so many found both movies so dull.

• “Frontline” (8 p.m., PBS) presents “Blair’s War,” an examination of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s political and personal alliance with George Bush, as well as his behind-the-scenes efforts to rebuild bridges between the United States and the European community.
• Down to only one tribe, the remaining contestants on “Survivor: The Amazon” (7 p.m., CBS) wonder how they can top last week’s “stripping for peanut butter” routine. Look for the stunts to get sillier. Apparently “Survivor” has lost nearly 20 percent of its audience since the war began in Iraq. But don’t blame the loss in numbers on Saddam Hussein. It has more to do with the temporary move to Wednesday nights, where “Survivor” competed directly with “American Idol.”

But even diehard fans have to admit that last week’s episode was less than scintillating. How many times do we have to hear Deena’s sisterhood-is-powerful rant? How many product placements for Coors Light can we endure? Look for some to flip out tonight when Dave the rocket scientist and Heidi form their own rather intimate alliance.

Tonight’s other highlights

• “Biography” (7 p.m., A&E) profiles Candice Bergen.
• A murder trail leads to the heavy-metal world of competitive robotics on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).
• Chris Harrison is host of “The Bachelor: Where are They Now” (8 p.m., ABC). Postponed from an earlier date.
• Romano goes on the rampage on “ER” (9 p.m., NBC).
• Scheduled on “PrimeTime” (9 p.m., ABC): an interview with Lisa Marie Presley.

Series notes

Lottery hijinks on “Friends” (7 p.m., NBC) … Couples undergo counseling on “Married by America” (7 p.m., Fox) … Improvisation on back-to-back episodes of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” (7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., ABC) … Wrestling on “WWE SmackDown!” (7 p.m., UPN) … On back-to-back episodes of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (WB) a TV talent show (7 p.m.), the search for perfection (7:30 p.m.).

Late night

Vin Diesel and Bo Diddley appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno welcomes Dennis Miller and Dave Cota and his performing parakeets on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC).

Patricia Heaton, Patton Oswalt and Finch are booked on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Will Ferrell and Sum 41 are booked on “The Late, Late Show with Craig ” (11:37 p.m., CBS).