Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, April 23. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Steven Universe (Cartoon Network, 7 p.m.): We’ve been enjoying this charming new-ish animated show for a while now, and our drop-in two weeks ago got good enough numbers that we’re going to be taking a look at it every week for the next month to see if you’re all still into it after four weeks of taking it way too seriously. Tonight, TV Guide offers the greatest plot summary of all time. To whit: “The Lion does not want to be used as a ride to the movies.” Genius! Eric Thurm can’t wait to take all manner of animals as transportation to the movies!
ALSO NOTED
The IT Crowd (Hulu, 4 p.m.): Hulu finally posted the series finale of The I.T. Crowd yesterday, so our I.T. Crowd expert Caroline Framke is checking it out to let you know what to think and/or give you a space to discuss it among yourselves.
Suburgatory (ABC, 8:30 p.m.): We just wanted to remind you that this show was on and airing new episodes, since a lot of people, including ABC itself, seem to have forgotten about it. Brandon Nowalk will be there, waiting to greet you with open arms, when you return to the fold.
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.): This season has been… shaky, even by the most forgiving of standards. Joshua Alston is hoping the final push to the finale has what it takes to return the show to what it’s best at. Or at least he hopes it features more and more scenes where Lily seems like a budding sociopath.
The Americans (FX, 10 p.m.): In another excellent episode, Philip and Elizabeth infiltrate Operation Martial Eagle. Figuring out the story involved help from Oliver North, which should prove controversial to precisely no one. Todd VanDerWerff and Genevieve Koski can’t wait to say hi to their Uncle Ollie!
REGULAR COVERAGE
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.)
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.)
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.)
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Band Of Brothers (1 p.m.): It’s time for Easy Company to have some reinforcements enter battle after that period of leave in England that closed out last week’s episode. Todd VanDerWerff would call in reinforcements of his own, but Lord knows what you’d do if he introduced another crosstalk.
ELSEWHERE IN TV CLUB
We have a couple of TV Reviews for you. First, Todd VanDerWerff thinks Bad Teacher isn’t there just yet but shows a lot of promise for the future (which surprised him, to be honest). Then, Sonia Saraiya is honestly surprised that Black Box is as good as she found it. We are too, Sonia. We are too.
It’s TV Club 10 Wednesday! And in honor of the return of our Twilight Zone reviews (at the end of May), Phil Dyess-Nugent has agreed to take a look at the 10 essential installments of the series’ ‘80s remake. Expect weird occurrences and creepy moments by the dozens!
WHAT ELSE IS ON
The Face (Oxygen, 8 p.m.): Oxygen hops on board the “celebrity reality” bus with this new series that chronicles the day to day life of Face, former Nick, Jr., host and raconteur.
Nova (PBS, 9 p.m.): This installment of PBS’ science series asks that immortal question: Which animal is the smartest? Fools! Everyone knows the proper question to ask is which animal is the cuddliest? And the answer is always bunnies. Yes, they are!
Marooned With Matt Stafford (Discovery, 10 p.m.): Can we pick someone else to be marooned with? No offense to Matt, but we get really tired of his “Oh, I know how to survive in the wilderness better than you!” attitude. Leave us alone, Matt. We’re just trying something here.
Nashville: On The Record (ABC, 10 p.m.): Have you been wondering what’s been happening on ABC’s country music soap this season? No? Well, tough, because ABC is going to spend an hour getting you all caught up anyway. What are you gonna do? Turn off the TV? No you’re not. Don’t lie to us.
They Were Expendable (TCM, 8 p.m.): After you’re done reading our coverage of Band Of Brothers, check out this World War II film made contemporaneous to the war itself and based on actual events and people. John Wayne, Robert Montgomery, and Donna Reed star.
The Way, Way Back (HBO, 9 p.m.): Jim Rash and Nat Faxon co-directed this charming coming-of-age comedy filled with fun performances and water park nostalgia. If you haven’t seen it, it’ll only take you an hour and 45 minutes. What are you gonna do? Turn off the TV?
MLB Baseball: Yankees at Red Sox (ESPN, 8 p.m.): ESPN is relieved to see the only two teams in Major League Baseball have found their way to playing each other once again. What would we do if we were forced to think about anybody else?!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Fargo (Tuesday): Todd VanDerWerff and Zack Handlen tackle the central questions of “The Rooster Prince,” starting with this one: Just what is a rooster prince anyway? We’re glad you asked, because it’s not what you think. We have the answer, along with some essay questions for you to complete at home.