It’s been a heck of a long time since the last season of “Louie” (FX, 10 p.m.), a comedy so good and unusual that we missed it all the more. Because it is the single output of Louis C.K. it is unlike any other more collaborative show on TV, able to illustrate aspects of his relatable standup, but also fly off into some more serious ground and experimental territory. As such, some episodes can have three distinct parts, as does the first of tonight’s two episodes, all of them funny and surprising and full of remarkable guests (who we are kept from mentioning).
But it is the second of tonight’s pair that reaches the heights we expect from the show, with Louie doing a benefit in the Hamptons as a favor for one famous guy, with an act that goes over with exactly one person. But that person proves to be more than enough.
One of the darkest moments for journalism — and one that may have hastened the extinction of newspapers — was when a self-absorbed creep at the New York Times started holing up in his apartment and making up stories, pasting them from printed accounts, making up quotes, pretending to be places that his datelines claimed he was. It was only when one reporter’s meticulously reported story was repeated nearly word for word in the paper of record that his world began to fall. It marked the end of Jayson Blair’s newspaper career. But it’s clear from the rehashing in Smantha Gray’s film “A Fragile Trust,” premiering tonight on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) that he still doesn’t understand the harm he did. He says he didn’t intend to hurt others, in his mealy-mouthed way, but never indicates that he realizes even now that he hurt the entire profession. Funny to learn, though, that his current job is life coach, where he can more easily sling the B.S.
Max considers getting her GED on the third season finale of “2 Broke Girls” (CBS, 8 p.m.), making that crucial connection between high school diploma and being a broke girl. Also marking a season finale, its first, is “The Tomorrow People” (The CW, 9 p.m.) with the small task of saving humanity’s extermination, and the second season finale of “Bates Motel” (A&E, 10 p.m.), with Norman mulling over a bad thing.
“The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” (Smithsonian Channel, 8 p.m.) picks up on recent archeological discoveries.
Eight are still singing on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) but there’s also time for a performances from Pharrell and Gwen Stefani, who may try on a twirly chair for her upcoming stint as judge.
Nobody has ever died in the dance duel on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.). Not yet anyway.
Shirley Jones co-hosts a night of her films on Turner Classic Movies including “The Music Man” (8 p.m.), “Carousel” (10:45 p.m.), “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” (1 a.m.) and “Elmer Gantry” (3:15 a.m.).
The second round of NBA playoffs include Washington at Indiana (TNT, 7 p.m.) and Clippers at Oklahoma City (TNT, 9:30 p.m.). In the Stanley Cup, it’s Pittsburgh at Rangers (NBC, 7:30 p.m.) and Los Angeles at Anaheim (NBC Sports, 10 p.m.).
Monday night baseball has St. Louis at Atlanta (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Zac Efron, Sam Woolf. The View: Robin Roberts, Ben Ford, Bevvy Smith. The Talk: Jessica Radloff, Susan Feniger, Carnie Wilson. Ellen DeGeneres: Megan Fox, Taye Diggs. Wendy Williams: Latavia Roberson, Dr Steven Lamm, Julie Morgenstern.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Shailene Woodley, Peyton Manning. Jimmy Fallon: Bryan Cranston, Brie Larson, Devin Delaney, Latimore. Jimmy Kimmel: Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Future Islands. Seth Meyers: Jenna Elfman, Young the Giant. Craig Ferguson: Elisabeth Moss, Tom Felton. Tavis Smiley: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Carla Bruni. Jon Stewart: Mariano Rivera. Stephen Colbert: Edward O. Wilson. Arsenio Hall: Billy Bob Thornton, Paul Mooney. Conan O’Brien: Julie Bowen, Billy Eichner, Ziggy Marley. Chelsea Handler: 2 Chainz, Julian McCullough, Liz Carey, Ross Mathews. Pete Holmes: Adam Pally.