‘Waco’ explores characters behind the tragedy
The Paramount Network continues its reboot (or rebrand), shifting away from its former Spike identity with the six-part series “Waco” (10 p.m., TV-14). A multiple-character study within a tragedy, “Waco” airs 25 years after the tragic siege of the Branch Davidian compound.
“Waco” is smart, compelling television, evocative of old-fashioned miniseries and contemporary tales of such antiheroes as last summer’s Discovery series “Manhunt: Unabomber” (now streaming on Netflix) and the flashback-heavy portrait of a serial killer in the new version of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” also airing at 10 p.m.
Question No. 1 for the new Paramount Network: Why schedule “Waco” opposite “Versace”?
Taylor Kitsch (“Friday Night Lights”) does a noteworthy job of breathing three dimensions into cult leader David Koresh, portraying him as both seductive and manipulative. He can be a regular guy who plays with his kids and jams with his band, performing “My Sharona” at a local dive bar. But he’s also a self-appointed messiah who demands celibacy from every male in his compound while he impregnates their wives with offspring he believes will sit in judgment during the tribulation foretold in the Book of Revelation. He’s also got a thing about stockpiling military-grade weaponry.
On the other side of the equation, Michael Shannon (“Boardwalk Empire”) portrays hostage negotiator Gary Noesner, a complex, conflicted character. A dedicated FBI man, Noesner has become disturbed by the militarization of federal agencies and the use of heavy firepower, tanks and grenades in the place of negotiation tactics.
“Waco” reunites Shannon with two “Boardwalk Empire” castmates, Paul Sparks and Shea Whigham. Sparks portrays a theologian drawn to Koresh’s command of Scripture and miraculous presence, but who begins to recoil when his wife becomes impregnated by the compound’s leader. Whigham plays Noesner’s rival at the FBI, a trigger-happy tactical commander.
Another notable performance belongs to Rory Culkin as a session drummer who joins Koresh’s “band” only to fall under his messianic spell. Camryn Manheim (“The Practice”) appears as his mother, who becomes close to Koresh’s mother and negotiator Noesner as the noose tightens around the compound and its inhabitants.
SLOBS VS. SNOBS
The new Pop comedy “Let’s Get Physical” (8:30 p.m., TV-14) doesn’t aim for sophistication. It recalls the slobs-against-snobs appeal of movies like “Caddyshack.”
Matt Jones (“Mom”) stars as an overweight, over-the-hill leader of a Guns N’ Roses tribute band who inherits his father’s fitness club and the prospect of a huge inheritance. But to get it, he must win an aerobics contest against his old rival (Chris Diamantopoulos), a gym owner who embodies all the vanity and technology addiction of contemporary fitness culture. Jane Seymour also stars.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
› A mosaic of recollections on “The X-Files” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Jughead unearths some unsavory history on “Riverdale” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Gloom consumes Kattegat on “Vikings” (9 p.m., History, TV-MA).
› An officer falls under suspicion on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, repeat, TV-14).
› Andrew Cunanan arrives in Miami on “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
› Sailing in the South of France on “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› On two helpings of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, repeat, TV-14), a man is mutilated (8 p.m.), teens suspected of cyberbullying (9 p.m.).
› Beverly meddles on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› On two helpings of “American Housewife” (ABC, TV-PG), a day off (8:30 p.m.), underappreciated (9:30 p.m., repeat).
› Bobby confronts his demons on “9-1-1” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Name droppers on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, repeat, TV-PG).
› Fallon is held hostage on “Dynasty” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Sickos put words in victims’ mouths on “Criminal Minds” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› Alec Baldwin hosts “Match Game” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.