It’s been a wonderful series. “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO, 9 p.m.) fleshed out the bootlegging business that made Atlantic City bustle in Prohibition Days through the character of Nucky Thompson, Steve Buscemi’s career character — a tough businessman who has somehow survived the increasingly bloody turf war of battling gangland criminals.
Tonight’s series finale will likely spend a lot of time on some final gun battle, but also wind up some of the nicely done (and impossibly well cast) flashback scenes that have been the hallmark of the final season. With impeccable art direction, set dressing, and costumes “Empire” was also blessed with well drawn characters, sharply written episodes and fine direction. Overlooked and underrated in its time, it will be sought out for future binging. And it will be missed.
P.D. James’ novel “Death Comes to Pemberly” is adapted for “Masterpiece Mystery” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). using the characters of Jane Austen in creating a murder mystery a half dozen years after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have been wed. Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin star in the handsome two-part production, which concludes next week.
National Geographic jams together four different outdoorsy adventures for one marathon night of expeditions. The centerpiece is the two hour “Mammoths Unearthed” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.) in which scientists Trevor Valle and Tim King reach a couple of mammoths when the permafrost around them melts in Siberia. Also tonight: “The Man Who Doesn’t Breathe” (National Geographic, 6 p.m.), “K2: Death Mountain” (National Geographic, 7 p.m.) and “Die Trying: Crossing the Ice” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.).
Lots of sports in prime time tonight. There’s Game 5 of the World Series, with Kansas City at San Francisco (Fox, 8 p.m.) breaking the 2-2 series tie and Packers at Saints (NBC, 8:30 p.m.) in Sunday Night Football.
Earlier NFL action includes Ravens at Bengals (CBS, 1 p.m.), Bears at Patriots (Fox, 1 p.m.), Eagles at Cardinals (Fox, 4 p.m.) and Colts at Steelers (CBS, 4:25 p.m.). A very early game has Lions vs. Falcons (Fox, 9:30 a.m.) from London.
The TV movie “The Dorm” (MTV, 8 p.m.) stars Alexis Knapp and Cassie Steele in a story of an awkward college freshman who tries to glam it up.
Nobody seems to think Carrie has crossed a line on “Homeland” (Showtime, 9 p.m.), least of all Carrie.
Noah asks Alison to help him do some research on a new episode of “The Affair” (Showtime, 10 p.m.).
Ebola care nurses speak out on a new “60 Minutes” (CBS, 7:30 p.m.).
The government eyes Alicia and Elsbeth’s clients for economic espionage on “The Good Wife” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.).
People tend to be worse than zombies on “The Walking Dead” (AMC, 9 p.m.). The people are desperate and mean; the zombies just can’t help it.
“Madam Secretary” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) seeks help of the president in dealing with a West African situation.
“Oprah: Where Are They Now?” (OWN, 9 p.m.) tracks down the cast of “A Different World” in case you were interested.
Regina joins Emma against the Snow Queen on “Once Upon a Time” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
The 1941 “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (TCM, 8 p.m.) is paired with the 1948 “Joan of Arc” (TCM, 10:15 p.m.). Then after the silent 1925 “The Monster” (TCM, 12:45 a.m.) with Lon Chaney, a couple of suspense classics: “Diabolique” (TCM, 2:15 a.m.) and “Gaslight” (TCM, 4:15 a.m.).
Who will be able to take in the Will Ferrell double bill of “Anchorman” (TBS, 6 p.m.) and “The Campaign” (TBS, 8 and 10 p.m.)?
Hockey tonight includes Senators at Blackhawks (NHL, 7 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rep. Michael McCaul, Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen. CBS: Fauci, Rep. Mike Rogers, Sen. Joe Manchin. NBC: Dr. Rick Sacra, Sen. Charles Schumer and Rob Portman. CNN: Rep. Darrell Issa, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Reince Priebus, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Fox News: Fauci, Chris Christie.