Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, April 19. All times are Eastern.
Top Picks
Fargo (FX, 10 p.m.): Whether it’s the sight of Ewan McGregor as two very different brothers or the always-welcome Carrie Coon as a police chief, the third season of FX’s brilliant (and brilliantly unconventional) hit series is back for another round of deftly underplayed drama. As Erik Adams says in his report about visiting the set up in Calgary, Canada, there are parallels between the thematic underpinnings of Fargo’s world (this latest season is set in 2010) and “the post-truth climate of our 2017.” Or, if political parallels aren’t to your liking, just enjoy how much the weather conditions during filming were nicely suited to the Christmastime setting of the story. Zack Handlen will be back to deliver piping-hot weekly reviews.
The Expanse (Syfy, 10 p.m.): Speaking of shows Zack will happily talk to you about, The Expanse concludes its second season tonight. Very quietly, and possibly thanks to a bit of a rocky start last year, this science-fiction thriller has consistently flown under the radar, despite a sophomore season that has seen it develop into one of TV’s best genre offerings. As he said of last week’s installment, “this show only works if we believe that the universe Naomi, Holden, and the others are fighting for is worth the effort; it’s good to have the occasional reminder that it is.” We’ll see if guest reviewer Allison Shoemaker feels the same.
Regular coverage
Harlots (Hulu)
The Magicians (Syfy, 9 p.m.) (Season finale)
Designated Survivor (ABC, 10 p.m.)
Archer (FXX, 10 p.m.)
Underground (WGN, 10 p.m.)
Wild card
Hap And Leonard (Sundance, 10 p.m.): This charming and lamentably unwatched show caps off another six-episode season on Sundance. The crime-mystery series hasn’t set the world on fire, but what it has done, quietly and consistently, is deliver a pulpy, noir-inflected slice of strong storytelling (backed by equally strong performances) with assured writing and direction for two years in a row, now. Here’s to hoping more people discover this odd little Southern-fried treat.