Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Nightingale (HBO, 9 p.m., Friday): In the sort of solo achievement the term “tour de force” was invented for, Selma’s David Oyelowo anchors this gripping and unsettling HBO film about a traumatized shut-in losing his grip after a traumatic event. We’ll be cagy about the details here, but Joshua Alston’s review definitely uses words like “breathtaking” and “visceral” to describe Oyelowo’s performance.
Also noted
Other Space (Yahoo): Things got pretty dark last week on this delightfully strange sci-fi sitcom from creator Paul Feig (somebody’s leg got eaten!), so Molly Eichel is braced for what happens when the Cruiser loses all power and the crew has to cope with life without electronic assistance.
Childrens Hospital (Adult Swim, 11:59 p.m., Friday): The plot of this episode, titles “Me, Owen,” remains maddeningly elusive come press time. There are rumors that professional burly cool guy Nick Offerman is returning as Rob Huebel’s Doctor Owen Maestro’s former cop partner, which is okay—more than okay—with LaToya Ferguson.
Orphan Black (BBC America, 9 p.m., Saturday): Alison’s been off in her own little, drug-dealing world for most of the season, but the most chipper of the clones takes center stage this week, marching purposefully into action to help out both Donnie and Cosima. Caroline Framke says as long as at least 76 per cent of the characters are played by Tatiana Maslany, everything will be just fine.
Outlander (Starz, 9 p.m., Saturday): In the season one finale, Claire races to save Jamie, which, it seems, she’s been doing a lot this year. Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya isn’t complaining— “Let Claire rescue Jamie all summer! I can’t wait until September! Come back Claire!!!”
TV Club Classic
Doctor Who (Classic): Classic Doctor Who reviews are back! Christopher Bahn continues to delve into the eccentric adventures of Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor with his review of the “Pyramids Of Mars” storyline, where The Doctor and Sarah Jane battle ancient Egyptian mummy robot men in Victorian England. Chris assures us it all makes perfect sense.
Elsewhere in TV Club
This week’s AVQ&A proves that that whole “don’t judge a book by its cover” thing extends to music, as some AV Clubbers give their picks for great albums with crappy cover art. Then only the luckiest of us went to the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo to sample the cutting edge of sugary technology. Although something called a Look-O-Look Mini Candy Pizza may have put one reviewer into a sugar/horror coma, so the rest of us may have dodged a candy bullet there. Then Becca James chimes in with her pick for our week-long Watch This parade of TV road trips with a look back at that time Doug and his family really got on each others’ nerves. And, then Will Harris scores another great, extensive Random Roles with quintessential “that guy” character actor (and arguable “most memorable janitor”) John Kapelos.
What else is on
Forget And Forgive (Lifetime Movie Network, 7 p.m., Friday): After getting pesky amnesia from a horrible attack, lady cop Elizabeth Rohm gradually realizes that she was a very dull assistant district attorney, or a very dull cop working alongside a vampire. It’s still a little fuzzy.
Great Performances: Boston Symphony Orchestra: Andris Nelsons Inaugural Concert (PBS, 9 p.m., Friday): Conductor Nelsons takes the baton of the BSO, possibly after some sort of vicious and sexy backstage power struggle, if Mozart In The Jungle is to be believed.
The Messengers (CW, 9 p.m., Friday): The angel brigade (which is almost assuredly what they’re called) continues to work their way through the horsemen of the apocalypse in time to save the world, if not stave off cancellation.
Bitten (Syfy, 11 p.m., Friday): According to the description of this week’s episode, there’s some body-swapping, someone fights through his own subconscious—there’s no mention of any werewolves, but we’re sure they’re in there somewhere. This should hold you over in the meantime:
When Calls The Heart (Hallmark, 8 p.m., Saturday): Elizabeth and Jack get some bad news from Hamilton. The place—Hamilton, Ontario. It’s a very Canadian series.
Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe (Lifetime, 8 p.m., Saturday): Kelli Garner straps on the billowy dress and takes position over a subway grate for this Lifetime miniseries (part 2 is on Sunday) about that actress who’s been written about more than any actress in history. Not to judge, Lifetime, but we’re doubting that your crack investigative team has come up with many more secrets.
2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (HBO, 8 p.m., Saturday): In this enduringly odd tradition, rockers like Lou Reed, Ringo Starr, Bill Withers, Joan Jett, and more are given little statues to assure them that they are, indeed, very fine music people. Our own Alex McCown shares his thoughts on the event in his latest For Our Consideration.
Beyond The Headlines: Marilyn Monroe (Lifetime, 10 p.m., Saturday): Lifetime will not rest until you know everything there is to know about Marilyn Monroe. Don’t question it.
Nick Swardson: Taste It (Comedy Central, 10 p.m., Saturday): New standup special from Swardson should please those keyed into his particular comic vibe. If you are unfamiliar, your reaction to this clip should determine whether you’re going to tune in to this one.
RENO 911!
Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows
Dance Crash (OWN, 10 p.m., Saturday): The national hunger for dance-based reality television will be sated once again with the premiere of this series about ”celebrity choreographer” Brandee Evans trying to turn a rag-tag high school dance team into a crack squad of dancers who will bring it, indisputably, on.
Jim Breuer: Comic Frenzy (Epix, 10 p.m., Saturday): Former Goat Boy Breuer’s new standup special.
Playoff central
NHL: Lightning at Rangers (NBCSN, 8 p.m., Friday)
Blackhawks at Ducks (NBC, 8 p.m., Saturday)
In case you missed it
Futurama (Classic): Zack Handlen had to go back in time to review the classic Futurama episodes “Anthology Of Interest II” and “Roswell That Ends Well.” Thankfully, his time traveling did not involve becoming his own grandfather. As far as we know.