Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, January 12. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Castle (ABC, 10 p.m.): Well after last night’s thoroughly exhausting lineup of television shows and events, we’re here on boring ol’ Monday. Sunday had The Golden Globes, The Good Wife, and every HBO and Showtime series ever. Monday has…Castle. This week, after having been banned, Castle gets a PI license so he can go to Beckett’s crime scene. But he shows up and messes things up. Beckett, presumably, rolls her eyes at him.
Regular coverage
Our regularly covered shows are on breaks. We’re anxiously awaiting the return of Jane The Virgin, but the news that the show has been renewed for a second season is almost enough to tide us over!
Elsewhere in TV Club
It’s Simpsons Week here at The AV Club, and to kick things off, check out this Inventory of characters who have actually evolved through the course of the series. Then hop on over to this Hear This about our favorite songs from the series. And Oliver Sava continues his rewind reviews of the early episodes of Jane The Virgin.
What else is on?
Celebrity Apprentice (NBC, 8 p.m.): This week, the contestants have to create fitness advertorials for a magazine and also sell wedding dresses for charity. Also, Donald Trump does something he has never done before.
State Of Affairs (NBC, 10 p.m.): A lot of stuff is happening on State Of Affairs tonight. That, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that State Of Affairs will necessarily be exciting tonight. Because this show has a tendency to bury its emotionally rich drama in overly complicated plotlines and narrative devices. But who knows! Maybe Charleston Tucker will finally do something to set her apart as a character. Tonight, she returns to Langley. The D.C. bomb squad removes a shady looking backpack from the Washington Monument. And Nick goes through some shit. Oh, and there’s an abduction/ransom plot as well. Like we said: a lot of stuff.
The Bachelor (ABC, 8 p.m.): The Bachelor returns, with Chris taking six ladies on the first group date of the season. Which makes us all very happy that group dates are not a standard dating practice in the real world. For the date, Chris takes the ladies to a rooftop pool party and a tractor race (in Los Angeles?).
Mike & Molly (CBS, 8:30 p.m.): Mike innocently flirts with a new policewoman, but when she reciprocates the flirtations, he starts to feel guilt.
What A Girl Wants (Oxygen, 5:05 p.m.): Screw The Kings Speech. Want to see Colin Firth in his greatest role ever? Tune in for What A Girl Wants, which stars Amanda Bynes as an American teen in search of her wealthy, British father (Firth). You’ll never stop thinking about Colin Firth in leather pants for the rest of your life.
Taken 2 (FX, 7 p.m.): Retired CIA agent Bryan Mills is back! And his people are being taken from him! Because no one learns anything in this universe.
Championship Drive: CFP National Championship Preview (ESPN, 6 p.m.): Preview the Oregon-Ohio State matchup if that’s your kind of thing.
In case you missed it
Togetherness: A lot of series returned and premiered last night. Among them is HBO’s Togetherness, which Gwen Ihnat says has already set itself apart from conventional sitcoms.