The Deuce wraps up an impressive first season
Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Sunday, October 29. All times are Eastern. Don’t forget to pick up Halloween candy.
Top pick
The Deuce (HBO, 9 p.m.): The acclaimed HBO series about the rise of the porn industry in 1970s Times Square wraps up tonight, and we suspect our TV editor, Erik Adams, will be sorry to see it go. The lowest grade he’s given an episode is a B, with most hovering around an A-. He says the show has even secured its place as “The Wire’s rightful heir,” which is high praise indeed. The 75-minute season-one finale (The Deuce has already been renewed for season two) sounds pretty all-encompassing: “Vincent (James Franco) balks at getting in deeper with Rudy (Michael Rispoli), as expansion fever hits Frankie (James Franco) and Bobby (Chris Bauer). Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) gets a taste of directing, and enjoys the red-carpet perks of a major premiere. Alston (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) finds himself in limbo at his precinct. Abby (Margarita Levieva) changes up the Hi-Hat’s clientele; Sandra (Natalie Paul) faces editorial and legal hurdles; Barbara (Kayla Foster) and Thunder Thighs (Pernell Walker) connect with the wrong sort of clients; Vincent settles a score. C.C. (Gary Carr) encourages Ace (Clarke Peters), a former pimp, to get back in the game.” Got all that, Erik?
Regular coverage
(Fox takes a powder tonight for game 5 of the World Series.)
Outlander (Starz, 8 p.m.)
Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All Access, 8:30 p.m.)
The Walking Dead (AMC, 9 p.m.)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO, 10:15 p.m.)
Vice Principals (HBO, 10:45 p.m.)
Wild card
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO, 11:15 p.m.): We are living in crazy times, and are dependent on late-night talk-show hosts to help us process everything. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver just won an Emmy for its biting political coverage, and, as sore losers Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel pointed out, it’s likely easier to make your show great when you only have to produce it once a week. Oliver has a new episode tonight, and we can’t wait to hear him take down everyone from Equifax to Harvey Weinstein to our sick joke of a commander in chief. You’ll start your week off both well-informed and fully entertained.