They’re playing up the fact that Robert De Niro produces the new rookie cop series “NYC 22” (CBS, 10 p.m.). But the more telling credit goes to its writer and creator: Richard Price, the esteemed novelist who turned out some of the most memorable episodes of “The Wire” while working on that landmark series.
So for the new series, he’s got street language down to the point where it may be hard for outsiders to decipher – authentic but impenetrable. That’s aided too by the locale – actually on the streets of Morningside Heights and Harlem instead of some Hollywood replication.
The cast has its highlights – Adam Goldberg in his most toned down role, as a former reporter who goes into police work and is treated as if he’s some sort of relic. Leelee Sobieski is mesmerizing in her role as a rookie, though it’s probably not that realistic to have a waifish woman in blue.
The format – rookies on the job – is fraught with cliché, though Everybody’s got something to prove and a lot to learn. And there’s way too much going down in the streets than will be held up by actual police stats. Still, “NYC 22,” named after the precint not the ages of the recruits, is better than most such cop fare that may be OK once, like the rookies, it finds its footing.
The Dickens salute on “Masterpiece Classic” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) takes a bold jump by taking on the writers’ final, unfinished work. The trouble with “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is that someone has to come up with a ending. It’s been tried before, even with music in the Broadway version. But Gwyneth Hughes (author of an earlier “Masterpice” of literary speculation, “Miss Austen Regrets”) comes up with a plausible end, even if its wrapped in all manner of 21st century psychological implications that wouldn’t have occurred to Dickens.
It’s fun to watch, though, with Matthew Rhys (of “Brothers & Sisters”) taking on the role of the choirmaster who fantasizes killing his nephew, the callow and annoying Drood, played by Freddie Fox. The point of contention is his fiancé, Rosa Bud, played by Tamzin Merchant.
As in many other Dickens adaptations, the stars shine brightest in the oddball supporting cast, and this one includes a great one in the cryptkeeper Durdles. Unlike most Dickens adaptation, this two hour production is presented in a single evening.
After three hours of stop and start storytelling Saturday, the ABC miniseries “Titanic” (ABC, 9 p.m.) wraps up and the ship goes down – precisely a century after the actual ship did. But if it’s answers you’re looking for, there’s “Titanic at 100: Mystery Solved” (History, 8 p.m.).
The budgets seem to be rising with the season on “The Borgias” (Showtime, 10 p.m.), which does nothing but enhance the story of the corrupt pope, so effortlessly played by Jeremy Irons. As the new season starts, the current mistress tries to stay in the picture when there is a new girl of interest, by showing some interest in her as well.
“60 Minutes” (CBS, 7 p.m.) pays tribute to Mike Wallace, its longtime correspondent who died April 7 at 93.
Has Tyrion’s role enlarged in the second season of “Game of Thrones” (HBO, 9 p.m.), or does he just stand out more from the rest of characters?
With the last pit stop non-elimination (saving the agents formerly posing as teachers), the action on “The Amazing Race” (CBS, 8 p.m.) stays in Tanzania.
The season itself was flat. Maybe “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) were saving themselves for the reunion show. Part one comes tonight.
“The Simpsons” (Fox, 8 p.m.) has its bullying episode.
“Harvard Park” (BET, ) looks at the legacy of a ballfield in South Central that produced Darryl Strawberry, Chris Brown and Eric Davis.
Writing a blog turns into problem on “The Big C” (Showtime, 10:30 p.m.).
Alicia is back in the political limelight on “The Good Wife” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
It’s intrigue and action when Brooke Burns joins the bridal party when the bride begins getting death threats in the TV movie “Undercover Bridesmaid” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.).
Lane gets the spotlight on a new “Mad Men” (AMC, 10 p.m.) and Pete entertains at home.
On “The Killing” (AMC, 9 p.m.) they get closer to the mystery of the tattoo.
Two of the earliest variations of “A Star is Born” (TCM, 8 p.m.) play back to back. The 1937 folowed by the film that is said to have inspired it, “What Price Hollywood?” (TCM, 10 p.m.) from five years earlier.
They are capped by a quartet of Harold Lloyd silent comedies: “Ask Father” (TCM, midnight), “Among Those Present” (TCM, 12:20 a.m.), “Haunted Spooks” (1 a.m.) and “Get Out and Get Under” (TCM, 1:30 a.m.).
“Kill Bill Vol. 1” (IFC, 8 p.m.) runs back to back with “Kill Bill, Vol. 2” (IFC, 10:15 p.m.). And “Pretty in Pink” (TV Guide Network, 7 and 9:30 p.m.) runs twice.
Baseball fare includes Rays at Red Sox (TBS, 1:30 p.m.) and Angels at Yankees (ESPN, 8 p.m.). NBA action includes Heat at Knicks (ABC, 1 p.m.) and Mavericks at Lakers (ABC, 3:30 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. CBS: Geithner, Sen. John McCain, Michael Eric Tyson, Toure. NBC: Geithner, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Sen. Kristen Gillibrand. CNN: Bill Cosby, Reince Priebus, Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Fox News: Ed Gillespie, David Axelrod.