CHEMISTRY SET LOVE IS IN THE AIR FOR `STANDOFF' AND `HOUSE'.

Byline: David Kronke Television Critic

`Standoff'' is an agreeable throwback to a vaguely more innocent day of TV crime-solving. Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt star as Matt and Emily, a highly efficient team of FBI hostage negotiators.

They rapidly intuit one another's instincts and who would best serve as leader as each crisis arises.

Turns out there's a reason for the simpatico: In addition to their professional relationship, Matt and Emily have a fairly impassioned romantic one as well. Matt blurts it out to his colleagues -- and, essentially, the entire world -- during tonight's first hostage situation, as he tries to talk down an addled actor who has taken his children after losing a custody battle.

Needless to say, such fraternizing goes against department policy. Needless to say, their boss, Cheryl (Gina Torres), will have to overlook the relationship because they are so effective at what they do. And, needless to say, this will arise in complications again and again.

``Standoff'' offers pretty foursquare plotting, manages some dramatic tension and is generous with the droll dialogue. The real lure here, however, is Livingston and DeWitt's chemistry: They're the new season's ``it'' couple.

Meanwhile, you may not quite recognize Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) as ``House's'' third season commences tonight: He no longer requires a cane and, more shocking, he actually seems happy (which, by anyone else's measure, is downright giddy).

When the series concluded last spring, House had been shot, and Dr. Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) authorized a procedure that was potentially dangerous yet promised to alleviate his wrenching leg pain. As the new season begins, the operation has apparently succeeded, and House, feeling his oats, takes on two vexing medical cases simultaneously -- and exhibits a caring bedside manner that takes his colleagues aback.

``I've changed,'' House keeps insisting to his pal Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard). ``No, you haven't,'' Wilson repeatedly replies.

Well, they're both right, and the worrisome thing is divining what's good -- and potentially devastating -- about House's new demeanor, which presses him to more radical medical solutions that alienate his staff.

House even invites Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), who's held a torch intermittently for her boss in the past, out for drinks; not knowing what to make of the offer, she declines.

``Now that I'm healthy, there's nothing in it for you,'' he tells her, not even too upset about it.

But she insists: ``You are not healthy.'' Where this will end up is anyone's guess, but if previous seasons are any indication, the intrigue will be worth following.

David Kronke, [phone]

[e-mail]

STANDOFF - Three stars

What: Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt star as a romantically involved hostage-negotiations team.

Where: Fox (Channel 11).

When: 9 tonight, continuing Tuesdays through Sept. 26; 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Oct. 31.

In a nutshell: Nice chemistry between the principals and some droll dialogue.

HOUSE - Three and one half stars

What: Hugh Laurie's irascible doctor is less curmudgeonly as season three begins.

Where: Fox (Channel 11).

When: 8 tonight, continuing Tuesdays through Sept. 26; 9 p.m. Tuesdays starting Oct. 31.

In a nutshell: House, happy? Trouble's brewing ...

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) A pair of FBI hostage negotiators (Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt) must remain objective on the job, despite their romantic relationship, in ``Standoff,'' premiering tonight.

(2) Hugh Laurie and Jennifer Morrison debate the treatment of a patient in tonight's third-season premiere of ``House.''