Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Tuesday, May 19. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Flash (The CW, 8 p.m.): It’s been a hell of a fun first year—hey, don’t take our word for it, take Noel Murray’s—but now things are about to get about as real as they can possibly get in tonight’s finale, as Barry Allen travels through time in a desperate attempt to save his mother’s life. We feel like there’s no way he’s going to get away with this one, but if ever a hero earned his happy ending … For his part, Scott Von Doviak is ready to swoop in and help kick some ass, just on the off-chance Victor Garber’s Firestorm isn’t enough.
Also noted
iZombie (The CW, 9 p.m.): This may actually be starting a couple minutes late to accommodate an ever-so-slightly extended Flash finale, so set your DVRs accordingly. Anyway, tonight’s episode sees “Liv and Clive investigate the murder of a journalist who was working on a story that linked psychotic episodes in a small number of consumers to a popular energy drink.” For once, I have no further questions about an iZombie plot synopsis. That all makes perfect sense … though we’re still glad Carrie Raisler is around to guide us through.
Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.): Part of this episode is apparently about how Amy “gives breast milk to a dog.” We’re currently debating whether this is going to be exactly what it sounds like, or really, seriously, exactly what it sounds like. Either way, Kate Knibbs points out that the show does air opposite the cultural juggernaut that is Dog With A Blog, so … crossover, anyone?
Regular coverage
Community (Yahoo!, 3:01 a.m.)
Finding Carter (MTV, 10 p.m.)
Younger (TV Land, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
Here’s one more way to celebrate and commemorate David Letterman as The Late Show wraps up: Vish Khanna talks to musician and filmmaker Chad VanGaalen about doing stupid human tricks for Dave.
What else is on?
Deadly After Dark: Polar Bear Invasion (Animal Planet, 8 p.m.): “A showdown in Canada between the residents of Churchill and migrating polar bears is chronicled.” Wait, Canada is declaring war on polar bears and didn’t even invite the rest of us to join in on the bear-fighting fun? Not cool, Canada. Not cool.
Deadliest Catch: On Deck (Discovery, 8 p.m.): We have no idea, but we do feel duty-bound to point out tonight is the conclusion of a two-parter, said two-parter is called “Super Typhoon,” and, if the synopsis—“A super typhoon hits the fishing grounds forcing the captains to decide between facing the danger or heading back to land”—is any indication, this episode might just feature a bunch of fishermen picking a fight with a storm system. Should end well!
Frontline (PBS, 10 p.m.): The end of the network TV season means an even higher percentage of reality shows and talent contests than normal, so the sober, responsible journalism of Frontline is more crucial than ever. Let’s see what they have for us this week: “The CIA’s controversial interrogation methods are examined via recently declassified documents; and interviews with political leaders and CIA insiders. Included: what the CIA did; and whether the tactics worked.” Woo boy. Frontline, we don’t mean to be difficult, but that’s kind of a weighty one to spring onto us right as we’re easing into vacation time, you know? Any chance we can work up to the torture story in easy stages, maybe starting with an exposé on how Jim over at Health and Human Services is totally stealing printer paper from the office? That’s taxpayer-funded paper, after all!
The Illusionist (Flix, 8 pm.): Hey, it’s the mid-00s, turn-of-the-century evil magician thriller that isn’t The Prestige! So, this is pretty good, right? We feel like this is probably pretty good, even if does lack that Christopher Nolan shine.
Cannonball Run II/Smokey And The Bandit II (Esquire TV/CMT, 8 p.m./9 p.m.): Somewhere, Sterling Archer is weeping at the prospect of having to choose between these two Burt Reynolds mega-classics.
NBA Draft Lottery (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.): Before the Western Conference Finals get rolling, there’s the little matter of setting this year’s draft lottery. Both the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers have an excellent shot of picking up one of the top picks, while the Minnesota Timberwolves could get a second foundational piece to pair with Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins. Alternatively, the Oklahoma City Thunder could win this, which would be hilarious and awful and amazing all at once. (Double alternatively, the Utah Jazz could sneak in and win it, though we only bring this up because we’re weirdly enchanted by Gordon Hayward and French blocking machine Rudy Gobert, better known as the Stifle Tower.)
NBA Playoff: Rockets at Warriors (ESPN, 9 p.m.): The Rockets just prevailed in what may be the dumbest seven-game series in NBA history, with dueling blowouts, endless intentional fouling, and dangerously high levels of Josh Smith just kind of generally detracting from what could have been a pretty good matchup. But now Houston faces a Golden State team that just shrugged off a feisty Memphis Grizzlies team. This could be a close series … or the Warriors could be about to go supernova. Either way, it’s more Steph Curry in our lives, and that can’t be a bad thing.
In case you missed it
RuPaul’s Drag Race: This was not a fine show’s finest hour. Let Oliver Sava explain.