Coltrane plays a tainted ‘National Treasure’
A tragedy with a comedian at its center, “National Treasure” (TV14) is not to be missed. Hulu will stream this four-part British series beginning today. Robbie Coltrane (“Cracker,” “GoldenEye,” the “Harry Potter” franchise) stars as Paul Finchley, a beloved television comedian whose life unravels when he is accused of raping a teenager on the set of a movie some 25 years ago.
Coltrane perfectly captures the essence of a beloved hasbeen, a man everybody seems to remember from their childhood, a catchphrase-dispensing legend who launched a thousand repeats on late-night television. An obese man who walks with a cane, he’s first seen at a gala event presenting a lifetime achievement award to his comedy partner. He’s both esteemed and slightly invisible, a symbol of the media’s past in a roomful of go-getters. He’d be pitiful if he weren’t so famous, and presumably rich.
“Treasure” does a great job of showing how accusations turn this “harmless” old man into a notorious figure. Gradually his beloved and devout wife (Julie Walters), drug-addicted daughter (Andrea Riseborough), fans and the audience begin to wonder just how much they can know about Finchley, or for that matter, anyone.
“Treasure” was inspired by the posthumous investigations of child abuse concerning famous British television personality Jimmy Savile. American audiences won’t be able to watch this compelling series without thinking of allegations against our own national treasure, Bill Cosby.
HERD OF ‘CHICAGO’
A warehouse conflagration on “Chicago Fire” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) sends Olinsky’s daughter to the hospital on “Chicago P.D.” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14), setting up the debut of “Chicago Justice” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
This new installment of producer Dick Wolf’s “Chicago” franchise stars Philip Winchester as ambitious prosecutor Peter Stone, who clashes with Cook County State’s Attorney Mark Jefferies (Carl Weathers), a man more steeped in local politics than seeking justice.
TRAVELING CONAN
Conan O’Brien hosts a primetime special, “Conan Without Borders: Made in Mexico” (10 p.m., TBS, TV-14). His efforts at cross-border diplomacy include hiring a Mexican crew and staff and inviting “Star Wars: Rogue One” star Diego Luna and former Mexican President Vicente Fox to be his guests.
While this event is rooted in topicality and controversy, “Conan” has been visiting foreign locales for years, most recently Cuba and South Korea. In 2006, his NBC show traveled to Finland
to visit then-President Tarja Kaarina Halonen, who was said to resemble the talk show host.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG) offers a peek at the making of robotic spy critters.
› A new development threatens the future on “Star” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Cleve, Ken and Roma organize resistance to an anti-gay ballot proposition in part two of “When We Rise” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› Sadie begins to wonder about Billy’s story on “Doubt” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› “UConn: The March to Madness” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-PG) follows the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team as it pursues a fifth consecutive national championship. Additional half-hour episodes will air
on subsequent Wednesdays.
› A rescue mission forces team members to face their doubts about Rip on “Six” (10 p.m., History, TV-14).
› David’s friends search for answers on “Legion” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
› A bachelor party to forget on “Man Seeking Woman” (10:30 p.m., FXX, TV-MA).
› The hiding comes to an end on “Hunted” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).
› Contraband on “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m., Fox, repeat, TV-14).
› Harmonies on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› An assault on the mayor on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Insults to Fizbo on “Modern Family” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Acid attacks on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› Clarke appeals for peace on
“The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.