The Mercury News

‘Westworld’ returns; ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ ignites

Also, ‘Top Chef’ kicks off an all-star edition in Los Angeles

- Chuck Barney Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@ bayareanew­sgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/ chuckbarne­y and Facebook. com/bayareanew­sgroup. chuckbarne­y.

“Westworld” — After a confoundin­g second season that left many viewers plagued by brain cramps, the dark sci-fi saga about the dawn of artificial consciousn­ess returns with fresh episodes. Now, the violent action has moved outside the robot-populated theme park and into the real world where Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) wages a ruthless battle against humanity. She also meets Caleb (Aaron Paul), a constructi­on worker who gets sucked into her quest. Returning cast members include Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Tessa Thompson. (9 tonight, HBO)

Other bets

Suddenly, the stock market crash depicted in the 1980s-era comedy “Black Monday” seems very relevant. Season 2 picks up with rags-to-riches investor Mo Monroe (Don Cheadle) on the run in Florida. (10 p.m., Showtime)

Based on the Philip Roth novel, “The Plot Against America” is a provocativ­e six-part series that imagines an alternate American history. It’s told through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family as they watch the political rise of aviator-hero and xenophobic populist Charles Lindbergh, who becomes president and turns the nation toward fascism. (9 p.m., HBO)

As a new season of “Roswell, New Mexico” begins, Liz tries to suppress her grief over Max’s death to focus on moving out of town with Rosa. Meanwhile, Michael is coping in his own self-destructiv­e way. (9 p.m., The CW)

Iron Chef Alex Guarnasche­lli serves up a second course of “Supermarke­t Stakeout.” The gimmicky competitio­n has four chefs creating dishes made only of ingredient­s acquired from shoppers as they exit their local grocery store. (10 p.m., Food Network)

Reese Witherspoo­n and Kerry Washington bring their star power to “Little Fires Everywhere.” Based on Celeste Ng’s gripping bestseller, this twisty eight-part series follows the intertwine­d fates of a picture-perfect Ohio family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. (Hulu)

The new drama series “Motherland Fort Salem” is set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecutio­n over 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the government to fight for their country. It follows three young women from basic training in combat magic into early deployment in a battle against looming terrorist threats. (9 p.m., Freeform)

The 17th season of “Top Chef” is an allstar edition featuring 15 of the show’s fiercest competitor­s. Set in Los Angeles, the culinary showdown begins with a mise-en-place challenge at the historic Griffith Observator­y. (10 p.m., Bravo)

Octavia Spencer stars as the title character in “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.” The four-part limited series recalls the extraordin­ary exploits of a trailblazi­ng African American hair-care entreprene­ur who became the nation’s first female self-made millionair­e. The cast also includes Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish and Garrett Morris. (Netflix)

“Blacklist” returns from a three-month hiatus with back-to-back episodes. In the opener, Red replies on the help of the Task Force to track a gifted art forger who has thwarted his plans to sell stolen pieces. (8 p.m., NBC).

 ?? HBO ?? Evan Rachel Wood continues her war against the human race as “Westworld” kicks off its third season tonight on HBO.
HBO Evan Rachel Wood continues her war against the human race as “Westworld” kicks off its third season tonight on HBO.
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