The Mentalist 10 p.m.,
Channel 4

Ever wonder how Patrick Jane came to work with the gang at CBI? Creator Bruno Heller satisfies that curiosity with tonight’s flashback episode, which also is the series’ milestone 100th installment. It takes place eight years earlier and viewers see Jane emerge from his mentally fragile state in the wake of his family’s murder by Red John. It’s a fun opportunity for the actors to throw off the relationships they’ve already established and get a glimpse at the pre-Jane dynamic. (All of the regulars are in the house except Van Pelt, who had yet to be hired.) It also gives Simon Baker (pictured) a chance to show off a vulnerable undercurrent to the normally cocky Jane.

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The American Scream  8 p.m., Chiller

Halloween revelers who believe that they go all out to decorate for the spook-tacular night will likely bow down to the three New England homeowners profiled in this special who go the extra ghoulish mile to create the ultimate in haunted houses.

Upstairs Downstairs 9 p.m, Channel 2

Casper the friendly millionaire?

The Good Wife 9 p.m.,
Channel 4

Annabella Sciorra alert!

Halloween Wars 9 p.m.,
Food Network

Zombie jamboree.