There are certain expectations of a Cinemax Friday night series and the new “Banshee” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.) hits both of them right away – some out of place sex scene right off the bat and no let up on eventual violence.
The name of Alan Ball is supposed to have you take note of this rural saga, but the series has nearly no connection to the glossy, stylish and witty work he turned in on series from “Six Feet Under” to “True Blood.”
Indeed, it hardly seems like he looked at it. Instead of glossy, the look is grainy and raw, generally unpleasant as the premise of an ex-con who assumes the identity of a sheriff in a tiny Pennsylvania town where the crime boss, unconvincingly, is a malevolent ex-Amish. Since when are Amish the big villain on TV ? This follows other unwarranted smears such as the awful and wholly made-up “Amish Mafia.” Antony Starr, Ivana Milicevic and Ulrich Thomsen star.
We’re down to the third to last episode ever for “Fringe” (Fox, 9 p.m.) in which Walter takes a dip in the deprivation tank in an effort with Peter and Oiliva to stop the Observer makeover. It’s the 100th episode of the series, which comes to an end for good in two weeks.
Nina (Fred Armisen) plans a full day to mark her 32nd birthday; her macho, mustachioed boyfriend Lance (Carrie Brownstein) goes along. And they invite many of the other characters from “Portlandia” (IFC, 10 p.m.), in the show’s third episode. So they need to call in a guy to figure out the bill at the tapas place.
Some of the best and worst acting is on display tonight: Meryl Streep’s Oscar winning portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in 2001’s “The Iron Lady” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) and Lindsay Lohan’s confused turn in the awful “Liz & Dick” (Lifetime Movie Network, 8 p.m.).
Everybody seems to be having their own adventures these days. There are even “Ghost Adventures” (Travel, 9 p.m.). It plays opposite a new episode of “Killer Karaoke” (TruTV, 9 p.m.).
The star of “Mike & Molly” returns his standup roots in hosting the comdy showcase “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs” (Showtime, 10 p.m.), featuring Ben Creed, Tim ilson and Kenny Rogerson.
Richard Karn visits his old “Tool Time” costar Tim Allen on a new “Last Man Standing” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Susie Essman presumably cleans up her language while playing a judge on a new “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
On “Undercover Boss” (CBS, 8 p.m.) Kampgrounds of America CEO Jim Rogers is confronted about the company’s dumb spelling. Or ought to be.
Mordred drags Arthur toward Morgana’s castle on a new “Merlin” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
Nena Dunham’s “Girls” doesn’t return until Sunday, but in the mean time there is “Bad Girls” (Investigation Discovery, 9 p.m.). It’s not the same thing, I know, but at least they warn you right there in the title.
A method to flash freeze ice cream is among the products pitched on a new “Shark Tank” (ABC, 9 p.m.). “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (TCM, 8 p.m.) is paired with “The Great Race” (TCM, 11 p.m.).
In NBA action, it’s Bulls at Knicks (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Thunder at Lakers (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Ginnifer Goodwin, Nas, Carley Roney. The View: Laura Dern, Jason Clarke, Giles Marini. The Talk: Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, David Boreanaz, Justin Klosky. Ellen DeGeneres: Jimmy Kimmel.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Allison Williams, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Jay Leno: Ben Affleck, Krisen Bell, Rodriguez. Jimmy Kimmel: Sofia Vergara, George Lois, Bruno Mars. Jimmy Fallon: David Duchovny, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Nick Kroll, Eli Young Band. Craig Ferguson: Julie Chen, Angela Kinsey. Carson Daly: Sam Rockwell, Jordan Roberts, Kimbra (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Sally Field (rerun).