Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Sunday, January 3. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Downton Abbey (PBS, 9 p.m.): It seems odd to think of a time when Downton Abbey could make a claim to being one of the best (or at least most entertaining) shows on television. It found a way to perfectly marry its upstairs and downstairs as a mechanism for soapy pleasures, was gorgeously constructed to recreate an Edwardian estate, had some lovably hateful characters, and was held together by the charisma of Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess above all else. Tragically, a combination of shiny new shows and a lot of questionable story choices caused the show to fall from grace, becoming mostly notable for discussions about why it was still taking up slots in the Emmy nominations. Yet it’s persevered with a stiff upper lip throughout it all, and as Emily L. Stephens said last year, is still capable of delivering its best self:
…. deftly paralleled characters, a dragging plot arc culminating in decisive action, an uncharacteristically subtle vein of social criticism, some entertaining side stories, and a dose of naked sentimentality. A change of scenery and glamorous costumes don’t hurt, either. Best of all, it’s packed with attempts to stir up scandal that are squashed by the the sweet, sweeping power of love. It’s the best of both worlds: the sordid thrill of villainy, but none of its lingering ugliness.
We’ll have to see if this final season (which has already aired in the U.K., so no spoilers everyone) manages to send the series out on a high note. Emily has pulled on her finest corset, perfected her tea time mannerisms, and figured out how to arch her chin up at exactly the right angle for the occasion.
Also noted (season premiere edition)
Galavant (ABC, 8 p.m): Few renewals last year were more surprising than a season two pickup for ABC’s quirky yet low-rated medieval madrigal. (A renewal that the creative team’s more than a little smug about, given the season premiere’s title is “A New Season aka Suck It Cancellation Bear.”) Dan Caffrey’s back keeping score of the misadventures of Galavant, Sid, and Princess Isabella. Part of this episode takes place around a shipwreck, so our fingers are crossed that Galavant gives him the “Galavant and King Richard stuck on a boat together” episode he’s wanted since the finale.
Also noted
The Simpsons (Fox, 8 p.m.): Homer’s had so many jobs over the life of The Simpsons that it’s become a running joke, but tonight it turns out that his favorite job isn’t even on that list: “dishwasher at a Greek restaurant.” Dennis Perkins is calling shenanigans on that claim because he thinks Beer Baron, imitation Krusty, and country western manager all sound like pretty sweet gigs.
Cooper Barrett’s Guide To Surviving Life (Fox, 8:30 p.m): Brooklyn Nine-Nine is heading back to its old Tuesday shift this year, and in its place comes this comedy from Jay Lacopo about a group of dudes hanging out in Los Angeles and getting into situations where looking like an ass is the best-case scenario. Noel Murray’s checked out the first few pages of the Guide, and his initial reaction is to leave it on the shelf for a while:
Fox’s new sitcom Cooper Barrett’s Guide To Surviving Life probably doesn’t deserve to be dinged just because it may owe its existence to showbiz chauvinism. Cooper Barrett is a mediocre comedy, but it means well. It’s not some aggressive, obnoxious reaffirmation of the patriarchy. Still, a lot of what makes the show such a big zero is rooted in this idea that merely green-lighting a series about “bros being bros” is half of the creative battle.
Bordertown (Fox, 9:30 p.m.): In a move to restore the Animation part of the Animation Domination, Fox is shelving The Last Man On Earth for the time being (and leaving all of us with a maddening cliffhanger) and replacing it with this Mark Hentemann/Seth MacFarlane series about an American border patrol agent and a prosperous Mexican immigrant who find regular reasons to clash. It’s a topical comedy to be sure, but according to Danette Chavez, topical doesn’t translate to being clever: