"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS (Channel 2), always has been a a thinking man's crime show, with Rob Morrow's FBI crime-fighter aided each week by his egghead brother (David Krumholtz.)

The show makes another smart move tonight with the cast addition of Kathy Najimy as Charlie's new boss, who wants him to dial back on the aid to the Feds. Charlie may have to put that request on hold; brother Don needs help in nailing a toxic waste dumper.

On "Battlestar Galactica," 8 p.m., Sci Fi Channel, Carl Lumbly ("Alias") guest stars as the pilot of a secretive mission long thought to have been killed. He's escaped from the Cylons and looking for answers from Adama (Edward James Olmos), who feels guilty about his role in the assignment.

Consider a new holiday episode of "Monk," 9 p.m., USA Network, as an early Christmas present. The detective is planning a quiet holiday celebration with Natalie when his estranged dad shows up. He's played by Dan Hedaya, best known as Carla's ex-husband Nick Tortelli on "Cheers."

Our Friday movie pick is "Elf," 7 p.m., USA Network, the surprisingly sweet comedy about a 6-foot-3 doofus (Will Ferrell) who learns he's not really one of Santa's little helpers. He then goes looking for his birth father (James Caan). It sounds silly (and frequently is), but Ferrell never loses his innocence and sense of wonder. Ed Asner, Bob Newhart and Zooey Deschanel are terrific in support.

George Haas

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