1) “New Amsterdam” season-opener, 10 p.m., NBC. Filming in New York, where the pandemic peaked early, this hospital drama abruptly ended its season. Now, almost a year later, it’s back. First, a terrific montage takes us through the crisis; then we’re in a post-pandemic time, with emotions still raw for Max (Ryan Eggold, shown here with Freema Agyeman) and one of the doctors near death. And then … well, a plane crashes. It’s a strong hour.
2) “Soul of the Nation” debut, 10 p.m., ABC. For six Tuesdays, we get a Black-themed news variety show. The opener includes a song by John Legend, a spoken-word piece by Common, an informal chat that includes Sterling K. Brown and a quick look at the history of Blacks in cinema. But there’s also a look at reparations, plus an interview with Harry Dunn, an outspoken member of the Capitol police.
3) “The Flash” season-opener, 8 p.m., CW. As the season starts, Barry has lost almost everything – his speed, his wife (trapped in the mirrorverse) and many of the people on his team. Another huge loss is coming, in an hour that uses approximately a year’s worth of special effects.
4) “The Resident,” 8 p.m., Fox. Conrad and Nic should know each other well: They work together … they’re married … they’re having a baby. But she knew nothing about a close call during his military time; now that surfaces when a former colleague has a crisis. The case also requires Austin to step aside as Mena tackles a rare surgical procedure. It’s a fairly good hour, with a warm moment near the end.
5) ALSO: A couple other shows try hard, but fall short. “Young Rock” (8 p.m., NBC) has likable people in a pleasant Hawaiian setting, but this episode is neither a comedy nor a drama. “Prodigal Son” adds Catherine Zeta-Jones as a doctor in the facility where Malcolm’s dad is a prisoner. The main story – vengeful plastic surgery – is blunt and brutal. However, a final scene (with Alan Cummings) suggests better things in the weeks ahead.