TURN ON, TUNE IN OR MISS OUT : The final fall debuts: ‘Public Morals,’ ‘EZ Streets’ on CBS; KCET covers the extremes of an election year

Sunday

“The Simpsons” / 8:30 p.m. Fox

Fox’s animated warhorse, which officially kicks off its eighth season next Sunday, returns with a new “Treehouse of Horror,” a traditional highlight for fans. One of the segments finds Homer witnessing the kidnapping of President Clinton and Bob Dole by space aliens. In other tales, Bart’s demented twin is found chained in the attic, and Lisa creates an alternate universe. Beginning at 7 p.m., three repeats lead up to “Horror VII.” If Game 7 of the World Series is necessary, back-to-back “Simpsons” will air on Halloween.

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“EZ Streets” / 9 p.m. CBS. Also Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Moody and oblique, the two-hour pilot of this new drama series from Paul Haggis (“Due South”) must be watched closely. Step away for a few minutes and you’re likely to be lost. Ken Olin (“thirtysomething”) stars as Cameron Quinn, a police detective trying to clear the name of his dead partner. While posing as a corrupt cop, Quinn crosses the paths of a ruthless crime boss (Joe Pantoliano of “Bound”) and his alluring attorney (Debrah Farentino). Pantoliano also employs Danny Rooney (Jason Gedrick), a lifelong friend just out of prison. Quinn and Rooney seem destined to meet, but when and where we don’t know yet.

Monday

“Vote for Me: Politics in America” / 9 p.m. KCET

What extremes will candidates go to secure an election? That’s the pivotal question driving this four-hour PBS series featuring segments filmed across the country. The first part profiles a New York-based media consultant who creates strident attacks for a judiciary candidate in Alabama. It also follows a five-term mayor in Rhode Island who was reduced to kissing a pig. Part 2 considers what the populace can do to attract a politico’s attention.

Tuesday

“The Uninvited” / 9 p.m. CBS

Not to be confused with a 1944 Ray Milland thriller of the same name, this new TV movie nevertheless sets out to scare viewers in similar fashion. Inspired by actual events, it’s the tale of a couple (Beau Bridges and Sharon Lawrence) who move into a suburban home with their two children. Recovering from the recent heartache of a stillborn child, Patti (Lawrence) and Charles (Bridges) learn that the house is haunted by the spirit of a murderer who is now after their 3-year-old son (Alex Linz).

Wednesday

“Very Personal With Naomi Judd” / 9 p.m. Family Channel

The former country singer has done her share of interviews in the past. Now she’s the one asking the questions of talk-show hosts Larry King, Jay Leno and Rosie O’Donnell. The oft-married King chats about his search for a soul mate, Leno reflects on what he has learned since taking over “The Tonight Show” and O’Donnell names the two people who have most influenced her life. We’ll assume it’s not King and Leno.

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“Public Morals” / 9:30 p.m. CBS

The fall season can be considered complete with the introduction of this new sitcom from Steven Bochco (“NYPD Blue”) and Jay Tarses (“The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd.”) Far beneath the duo’s best work, it’s a coarse ensemble comedy about a New York vice squad whose members include a dimwitted boss and an annoying chauvinist. Barney Miller, it’s not.

Thursday

“Mystery!” / 9 p.m. KCET

More treat than trick, the eighth and final season of Hercule Poirot puzzlers opens on Halloween. In the two-part drama “Dumb Witness,” the cerebral sleuth (David Suchet) investigates a murder seen solely by the victim’s faithful fox terrier. By enlisting the canine as his companion, Poirot may or may not be barking up the wrong tree.

Friday

“Late Show With David Letterman” / 11:35 p.m. CBS

In a bid to boost ratings during the November sweeps, the gap-toothed host will hit the road over four consecutive Fridays in Boston, Washington, Chicago and Miami. Executive producer Rob Burnett says, “We’re just gonna blow into town for one night, do a fun show and then run for our lives.”