1) “Batwoman” debut, 8 p.m., CW. TV’s next great hero is a lot like the previous ones – strong and silent and smart and terribly telegenic, someone who’s smashing tough men one moment and loving a beautiful woman the next. But this hero happens to be female, played potently by Australian actress Ruby Rose (shown here). This show isn’t for everyone for many reasons, including the fact that it’s dark, angry, violent and heavily serialized. Still, it’s skillfully executed, delivering movie-quality visuals.
2) “Madame Secretary” season-opener, 10 p.m., CBS. Here’s a different sort of heroine, one who uses vetoes instead of kicks, counterproposals instead of counterpunches. She’s the U.S. president now, nearing her 100th day in office and desperate to pass a piece of major legislation. We watch her key choices – for vice-president (via flashbacks) and for chief of staff; we also see a personal crisis begin. This is a smart show, with sharp dialog and some great moments with Tim Daley as First Gentleman.
3) “Supergirl” season-opener, 9 p.m., CW. Kara has plenty to fret about. The news organization’s new owner is convinced that “everything is about clicks” and about monetizing. There’s the tricky matter of telling her friend Lena Luthor that she’s Supergirl. Also, there’s an intergalactic villain who can destroy planets; hat, too, is unfortunate. “Supergirl” is a flawed show, partly because it has overbuilt powers on both sides; but link it with “Batwoman” and you have a strong start for CW’s season-opening week.
4) “Kids Say the Darndest Things” debut, 8 p.m., ABC. Put these four shows together and you have an impressive night for women. They’re saving the city, running the country, saving the planet and talking to cute/clever kids. The women are young and older, straight and gay, white and black. That last one is Tiffany Haddish, the movie star; she takes a job previously done by Art Linkletter and by Bill Cosby … who is one of the reasons we need more women in charge.
5) “Walking Dead” and “Mr. Robot” season-openers, 9 p.m., AMC, and 10 p.m., USA. It’s the fourth and final season for “Mr. Robot,” the brilliant show that brought Rami Malek an Emmy, prior to the Oscar he won for “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s the 10th for “Dead,” which could be eternal.