Take a ride on ‘Lincoln Highway’

Tonight’s must-see

“A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway,” 7 p.m., KSPS, 8 p.m. KUID. Any travelogue can cruise some neatly marked route. The Lincoln Highway is different.

It was planned in 1913 as an intercontinental highway. Then parts were moved – often. There are alternate versions of the Lincoln Highway; there are fragments along dirt and brick.

Whichever route you take, it’s a fascinating journey. There’s an old motor court with mini cabins, a Mexican restaurant run by a New Jersey Irishman.

There’s a giant shoe, an ancient general store and some Abraham Lincoln statues – two in an Iowa corn field. This ride is full of fun and humanity.

Tonight’s might-see

“Pushing Daisies,” 8 p.m., ABC. Barack Obama has purchased a half-hour at 8 p.m. on CBS, NBC and (if there’s no sixth World Series game) Fox.

That provides an opening for “Daisies.” Tonight’s case involves a Chinese restaurant; also, a stranger asks about Ned’s dad.

Other shows include:

“Batman Begins” (2005), 7-10 p.m., FX. Here’s the movie that set up this year’s mega-hit, “The Dark Knight.” It has the same star (Christian Bale) and director (Christopher Nolan).

“Deal or No Deal,” 8:30-10 p.m., NBC. The show expands to 90 minutes tonight, giving “Knight Rider” a rest.

“Private Practice,” 9 p.m., ABC. A vote will choose Sam or Naomi to head the practice.

“Great Performances: A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein,” 8 p.m., KSPS. From the opening moments – a vibrant performance of “Symphonic Dances from ‘West Side Story’ ” – it’s clear this will be a terrific night. Michael Tilson Thomas conducts some great music with the San Francisco Symphony, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and singers Dawn Upshaw, Thomas Hampson and Christine Ebersole.

“Lipstick Jungle,” 10 p.m., NBC. There are some neat twists and turns involving Victory and her billionaire ex-boyfriend Joe. The rest of the hour is kind of weepy.

“Redemption Song,” 11 p.m., Fuse (via digital cable or www.fusetv/). Most of the 11 women competing for a Geffen Records contract have fine voices; all have sabotaged their careers in the past. Many had drug or alcohol troubles. Now they get a second chance. Several instantly blow it with heavy drinking, but there are plenty of people to root for.