Seeing red on Blue Bloods
The TV universe is constantly expanding, and new channels and shows vie for attention just as much as old favourites. Here are the best bets on the box.
SATURDAY
Blue Bloods
In the repeat episode from last fall, Partners, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) is out for justice — and more than a touch of vengeance — when Baez (Marisa Ramirez) is hurt by assailants while she is helping to transport drugs to be destroyed. A lieutenant with a sterling professional record unexpectedly causes problems for Frank (Tom Selleck). Kirk Acevedo reprises his earlier guest role as Baez’s brother. (CBS)
Orphan Black
In the new episode, Certain Agony of the Battlefield, Paul (Dylan Bruce) springs into action after his research turns up the ugly truth behind the Castor Boys’ logbooks. Felix (Jordan Gavaris), desperate to find Sarah (Tatiana Maslany), pressures Rachel (Maslany) for anything resembling a lead. Before Donnie and Alison (Kristian Bruun, Maslany) can take their commercial venture to the next level, she has to sell entrepreneur Jason Kellerman (guest star Justin Chatwin) on her business plan. (Space)
Movie: Parental Guidance
Veteran talents Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are teamed in this familyfriendly 2012 comedy that’s very much about family — several generations of one. The stars play grandparents enlisted to mind their daughter’s (Marisa Tomei) youngsters, prompting the elders to bring traditional methods of child rearing into play while caring for the very modern kids. Bailee Madison and Tom Everett Scott are featured. (W)
On the Run Tour Beyonce and Jay Z
Taped in September 2014 in Paris, this repeat of last year’s concert special follows the married artists as they perform in Paris, France during their first collaborative tour. The program includes more than 40 songs performed by the couple together and individually, and was a huge commercial success grossing almost $110 million. Nicki Minaj was a featured artist. (HBO Canada)
Movie: Twelve O’Clock High
Real combat footage and a compelling story make this 1949 drama one of the best Second World War movies ever made. Told in flashback, it’s the story of an American bomber unit in Britain mounting a series of daring daylight raids on Germany. Dean Jagger won an Oscar for his portrayal of the quiet country lawyer who narrates the tale, but Gregory Peck’s performance as the aptly named Gen. Savage, for whom the pressure proves too great, makes the film. (TCM)
SUNDAY
Battle Creek
Milt (Josh Duhamel) is at the centre of the case — as the intended victim — as the mystery series ends its season with Sympathy for the Devil. After his car is blown up and he survives the blast, he asks Russ (Dean Winters) to find the culprit. The ensuing investigation reveals a lot about Milt and why he’s in Battle Creek. Steven Bauer (Scarface) and Robert Sean Leonard (House) guest star. (CBS, Global)
Rizzoli & Isles
In the new episode Partners in Crime, Jane (Angie Harmon) and the rest of the squad try to solve two baffling yet seemingly unconnected murders that offer new clues once investigators discover a hidden link. Maura (Sasha Alexander), meanwhile, must decide if she is going to take in her recently paroled grandfather (guest star Richard Herd), while Jane and Casey (Chris Vance) find themselves forced to decide between their careers and their relationship. (Showcase)
Silicon Valley
As Russ (Chris Diamantopoulos) is distracted by financial news and the rest of the Pied Piper team are fielding job offers, Richard (Thomas Middleditch) faces two unappealing prospects: either merging with a nemesis or folding. Meanwhile, Gavin (Matt Ross) tries to reverse the fortunes of Nucleus for the better and Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) tries to woo a woman online. Richard reaches out to an unconventional client after Gilfoyle (Martin Starr) suggests a risky move, in the new episode Adult Content. (HBO Canada)
Carver Kings
The unique prestige — not to mention pressure — that comes with being entrusted with carving the torch for the Canada Winter Games has Mark almost ready to breathe fire, in the new episode Something’s Afoot. Elsewhere, Pete and Ryan get competitive while carving the likeness of a mountain lion family. (HGTV)
Veep
After the president (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is shaken by a dramatic incident at the White House, Tom James (Hugh Laurie) speaks out at a Q&A session and makes Selina’s day even worse, in the new episode Mommy Meyer. Elsewhere, Mike (Matt Walsh) tries to sell the press on the Families First bill, while Sue and Gary (Sufe Bradshaw, Tony Hale) get things ready for Selina’s White House dinner with old friends. Jonah and Richard (Timothy Simons, Sam Richardson) spill a terrible secret. (HBO Canada)