Every “CSI” episode teaches us that death shall have no dominion over forensic science. And series like “Secrets of the Dead” demonstrate that even the moldiest cadaver can contain a smorgasbord of historical information. So what happens when researchers discover dead bodies that are both prehistoric and nearly pristine?

“The Perfect Corpse” on “NOVA” (7 p.m., PBS, check local listings) looks at bodies discovered in Ireland’s waterlogged peat bogs. The damp bogs’ chemical composition have left the bodies in perfect condition, even after thousands of years.

Unlike dusty mummies or old bones, these waterlogged Irishmen retain their soft skin. Details like fingerprints and even skin pores are visible under magnification.

It seems our old friends did not meet a pleasant end. Archaeologists, historians and scientists collaborate to determine whether they met with simple foul play or whether they could have been the unlucky victims of a religious sacrifice intended to appease ancient gods now lost to history.

¢A medical detective story of a more contemporary sort takes place on “House” (8 p.m., Fox). When a busy working woman (Julie Warner) is admitted for peculiar muscle ticks, House’s team suspects that her fertility treatments may be contributing to her ailment. But as her condition worsens, they discover that this hyperactive professional may have been keeping some secrets and telling a few lies. Meanwhile, the frequently quotable and ever-irritable Dr. House takes stock of his relationship, or lack of one, with Stacy (guest star Sela Ward).

¢ The debut episode of “Get This Party Started” (8 p.m., UPN) involves a surprise birthday party for a friend whose life was upended by Hurricane Katrina. The folks behind “Get This Party Started” would be wise to plan a wake for their UPN home. As readers may have read last week, both the UPN and WB will cease to exist in September, when both will be imploded to form the CW Network.

¢Some us thought “Commander in Chief” would become the next “West Wing.” We were only half right. Like that soon-to-depart drama, “Commander” has been placed on hiatus. It is expected to return later this spring.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢Wannabes are Simon-ized on “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢Emily invites Luke to dinner on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB)

¢On back-to-back episodes of “Scrubs” (NBC), a new love interest (8 p.m.), with a quirk (8:30 p.m.).

¢”Frontline” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) examines the trafficking of women from the former Soviet Union.

¢ An incentive to come clean on “Crumbs” (8:30 p.m., ABC).

¢Exotic dancers expire under mysterious circumstances on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).

¢Michael J. Fox guest stars on “Boston Legal” (9 p.m., ABC).

¢Kavanaugh tries to plant a wiretap in the clubhouse on “The Shield” (9 p.m., FX).

¢”REAL Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m., HBO) profiles White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.