SUNDAY
MAY 24
2020

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 6:00 a.m. ET

All day today, and tomorrow, TCM’s war movies marathon continues – and there are films worth catching today. My favorite, though, arrives after midnight tonight. Specifically, at 12:30 a.m. ET, when the 1927 film Wings is shown – a silent war movie that won the first Best Picture Oscar, and that is amazing because of its aerial photography. Oh, and also because of co-star Clara Bow (pictured), who really was luminous here.
 
  
 
 

PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

For the first time, and for obvious reasons, this annual concert tribute to the military and its veterans is being held not on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, but as a virtual celebration. The bad news: This circumstance allows for a lot less pomp. The good news: It allows for a bigger roster of celebrity attendees, which now is scheduled to include George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow and others. Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, who hosted last year’s in-person concert, do the same for this virtual version. Performers include Cynthia Erivo, Renee Fleming and the National Symphony Orchestra. Check local listings.
 
  
 
 

BBC America, 9:00 p.m. ET

Another great episode last week, which ended with Villanelle wounded, Eve’s husband unexpectedly still alive (!), and Eve… bowling. We’re fast approaching the end of this season, so hang on as if astride a bucking bronco. We’re in for a bumpy ride.
 
  
 
 

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s episode of this miniseries stayed almost exclusively with the saner side of the family tree, with the uninstitutionalized half of the twins portrayed so touchingly by Mark Ruffalo. It also introduced two new characters, played by Rosie O’Donnell and Archie Panjabi. Every supporting player thus far has contributed mightily to this drama, and they were no exception. At its center, though, is Ruffalo, whose character’s pain last week was all but palpable. I Know This Much is True isn’t exactly escapist entertainment for these times… but it’s really impressive, and really draws you in.
 
  
 
 

Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s episode of this miniseries stayed almost exclusively with the saner side of the family tree, with the uninstitutionalized half of the twins portrayed so touchingly by Mark Ruffalo. It also introduced two new characters, played by Rosie O’Donnell and Archie Panjabi. Every supporting player thus far has contributed mightily to this drama, and they were no exception. At its center, though, is Ruffalo, whose character’s pain last week was all but palpable. I Know This Much is True isn’t exactly escapist entertainment for these times… but it’s really impressive, and really draws you in.
 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

Starting tonight, we’re into the portion of City of Angels that Showtime didn’t provide for critics to preview. So I’m not at all privy to what will happen tonight, except that, according to the previews, Natalie Dormer will unleash a lot of fury, and as more than one character. (Mark Ruffalo isn’t the only actor doing multiple duty tonight.)
 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:30 p.m. ET

SEASON FINALE: Run ends its run tonight, at least for the season – and it does so by picking up on last week’s climax, when Billy and Ruby (Domhnall Gleeson, Merritt Wever) fled the karaoke bar one step ahead of the law. They’re trying to make it back to their train, which was on a multi-hour stopover in the next town. And which, if they reboard on time after jumping off, could provide them with a valid alibi regarding the dead body from which they recently fled. Run, Ruby, Run…
 
  
 
 

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

Is John Oliver on duty tonight? I don’t think so. But I’m tuning in anyway, because these days, I’m not at all sure…
 
  
 
 
 
 
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David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.