AMC, 9:00 p.m. ET
One of the aspects of this show I really enjoy is its unpredictability: the humans react in ways that are very, well, human, which is to say often less than nobly. And the “synth” androids created with emotions as well as basic motor functions and verbal skills – well, they act unpredictably, too. Last week’s episode provided a moment of happiness for the self-aware synths, as most of them were reunited, and one of them had her original consciousness and memories restored. But there also was a moment of sadness, as this group continues to be hunted, with one synth sacrificing himself, at least for now, for the good of another.
HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET
SEASON FINALE: Tonight’s episode is 90 minutes long, and finishes this season’s story, which, in some respects, feels like it’s just getting started. Either that, or it’s not really going much of anywhere. Tonight’s episode will answer that question, one way or another. But at least things are starting to happen, as with last week’s demise of one major character. We thought that had happened earlier in the season – but this time, it’s for real.
Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET
The extended Donovan family is having a tough time. While Ray (Liev Schreiber) is caught now between the whims of Malcolm Finney (Ian McShane) and the rebellious plans of Finney’s daughter (Katie Holmes), Ray’s wife, dad and brothers all are dealing with their own problems, ghosts and demons. And, for the most part, rather sloppily.
Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET
Last week’s episode, which found ways for Allison Janney and Beau Bridges to share screen time again after their characters’ long-ago divorce, was especially satisfying. Tonight’s episode features another reunion of sorts, as Michael Sheen’s Dr. William Masters returns to face the same group of medical peers who had dismissed him years ago – and this time, with a published thesis on sex climbing up the bestseller list, he’s in a position of strength. And by the way, Josh Charles, as a perfume manufacturer partnering with the famed sex researchers, has added another great role to his already impressive TV resume. He’s terrific here.
HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET
During last week’s episodes, all of this show’s primary characters appeared to have wrestled victory from the jaws of defeat – but at the very end of the episode, those jaws had appeared to suddenly clamp shut. Tim Robbin’s Secretary of State watched a live ops video feed helplessly, and furiously, as the wrong leader was bombed by U.S. forces in Pakistan – and that was only the most serious misstep facing this dark comedy’s protagonists by the end of the episode. This week, it’s war – or, at least, the brink of it. Note the later start time.
HBO, 11:30 p.m. ET
Friday night, on Bill Maher’s returning show after a month off, he talked a lot about the Republican debate, but didn’t mention the farewell telecast of Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. Tonight, expect John Oliver, who was on Stewart’s last show, and owes this HBO show to his former Daily Show boss, to do both. Note the later start time.