Lie to Me 9 p.m., Channel 25
This show is awkwardly written, which is too bad. The problem is that the supporting characters keep having to explain the science of face-reading while Tim Roth’s Cal Lightman is doing it. Their stilted dialogue to each other about how a smirk means this or that is really directed at us. In “The Mentalist,’’ Simon Baker’s Patrick Jane relies on similar techniques as Lightman, but the writers don’t feel obliged to spell out his logic for us. The result is more intrigue and better flow. Pictured: Kelli Williams and Roth.
How I Met Your Mother 8 p.m., Channel 4
Because of post-“Friends’’ trauma, I’ve been wanting to hate the Robin and Barney relationship on “How I Met Your Mother.’’ When “Friends’’ hooked up characters, it tended to inhibit the humor. But this show has pulled the pairing off beautifully so far. Last week’s couple-crush episode was excellent. Tonight, Barney tries to get Robin to become an American citizen. Pictured: Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris.
Trauma 9 p.m., Channel 7
An explosion at a Chinese restaurant. Kung POW.
Good Eats 8 p.m., Food Network
Cooking with beer. It’ll cure what ales you.
The Andy Griffith Show 10 p.m., TV Land
Don’t disrespect the Bee.
Top Ten Natural Wonders of the World 8 p.m., Travel Channel
Gear up, Slanket lobby.
Rain Man 8 p.m., AMC
You can count on it for entertainment.
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