The Amazing Race, Dexter, Homeland

The Amazing Race, 8 p.m., CBS

What a great  start! And a non-elimination to boot. And Phil’s starting line eyebrow reached new altitudes! Lots of high-strung hijinks to come with this group, especially since we have Blonde DumDums and Brunette DumDums this season. Nothing like rote memorization to throw off everyone except the school marm. My 10-year-old is rooting for the snowboarders.

Dexter, 9 p.m., Showtime

What is the best thing to do when you think you finally found someone you can go through life serial killing with and then she dumps you? Go to your high school reunion, of course! That’s what ol’ Dex does tonight in the season premiere. Plus, “Dexter considers his son's legacy; Debra becomes an unexpected hero.”

Homeland, 10 p.m., Showtime

I still miss two shows: My So-Called Life and Life. Pattern? Maybe. They were different but great. Tonight, they come together in that Claire Danes and Damian Lewis star in this. Lewis is a war hero just returned, and Danes is a CIA analyst who is convinced he is a spy for the bad guys. Except she is also kind of nuts and no one really believes her. Previews look great.