Ruth Deaver—and Sissy Spacek—take center stage on Castle Rock

Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Wednesday, August 22. All times are Eastern.

Top pick

Castle Rock (Hulu): The Ruth Deaver-centric seventh episode of Castle Rock is called “The Queen,” and while that’s not a tribute to King-universe royalty Sissy Spacek, it’s also probably not not a tribute, know what we’re saying? Anyway, Ruth’s memories (and presumably her dementia) assail her in this Greg Yaitanes-directed episode, which is by all accounts a barn burner. The prickling on the back of our neck tells us this is a “watch soon and avoid the internet until you have” situation; once you have, fellow queen Emily L. Stephens will await you with her coverage.

Regular coverage

Harlots (Hulu): season finale
The Sinner (USA, 10 p.m.)

Wild card

Mr. Mercedes (Audience Network, 10 p.m.): This edition of What’s On Tonight was not intentionally Stephen King-centric, but these things happen when an incredibly prolific author experiences yet another major adaptation boom. The second season of Mr. Mercedes—a reworking of King’s best-selling Bill Hodges Trilogy—premieres tonight; as it brings the great Brendan Gleeson and Holland Taylor back to the television screens of anyone who happens to have access to Audience Network, its reemergence can only be considered good news. Gleeson and Taylor are unsurprisingly excellent, as is director Jack Bender, and if you haven’t had the grim pleasure, it’s worth checking out.

And hey, if you catch King joints today, perhaps squeeze Harlots in the middle? Harlots is great. Are you reading this, Hulu? We love Harlots. More Harlots, please.