Tuning in: On TV this week.

Friday March 25

Kojak (USA, 9-11 p.m., with the one-hour series beginning April 3, 10 p.m.): Ving Rhames stars as the police detective with lollipop firmly in cheek whose cynical demeanor disguises a complex conscience. A taut script and strong performances keep the show edge-of-the-seat riveting. But the series première sets up a false moral dilemma for its hero and his choice may strike some as unnecessary and highly dubious.

Little House on the Prairie (ABC, 8-10 p.m,. with additional episodes airing Saturdays through April, 8-9 p.m.): This sweet family drama is a new production based on the popular Laura Ingalls Wilder books. It's the story of the human spirit alive to new possibilities as the pioneering family sets up housekeeping in Kansas with little more than ingenuity, determination, and help from kindly neighbors.

Conquest of America (The History Channel, 9-11 p.m. Part Two follows on March 29, 9-11 p.m.): This documentary tracks the exploits of Coronado, Hudson, and Bering, among many others, who explored the North American continent. It looks at the Conquistadors - conquerors whose motives were gold and power - who paved the way for disadvantaged Europeans to start a new life in the New World.

Eyes (ABC, 10:02-11 p.m.): Harlan Judd (Tim Daly) owns a high-tech private-eye firm operating at the outer edges of the law. His somewhat blameworthy clients, though, have enemies who are much worse than they are. Snappy dialogue, slick filmmaking, and engaging characters make this caper series a lightweight, grownup amusement.