I am fully prepared to accept Shakira and Usher as new occupants of spinning judging chairs on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.). Besides the economy of their single names, they are likely to be a little more expansive in their critiques than Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, who are each taking the spring off to work on their wardrobes (or something).
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, who are arguably the strength of the judging panel (and the show’s success) are back as usual, and they’ve presumably scrounged up or cast the people who will be auditioning. “The Voice” is poised to do all kinds of things this season: beat “American Idol,” pull the network out of fourth place to crafting new careers for Shakira and Usher. But nothing it can do will make these contestants stars it seems. After three seasons, you still probably can’t name one winner (or certainly, a subsequent “hit”). Nevertheless, it’s still a fun show.
Can’t say that, though, about “Revolution” (NBC, 10 p.m.), the science fiction show about a world without electricity, factions who want to take over the world and one family able to solve it. The sword-fighting and battles are still awfully boring. Whether they have electricity or not, it still has no power. The first episode makes a case not only for assault rifles, but bazookas in the hands of rebels as well.
The thing about the two-day, four-hour docuemntary “180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School” (PBS, 9 p.m.) is that you can feel just about every day of the school year and you hardly know who has more dread: students who show up occasionally or the teachers who have to face them.
It all happens at DC Met, and though I live in this city, it depicts about as bleak a surrounding as you can imagine. Like a lot of urban public schools, this one is practically empty because of the drop out rate and there’s no magic solution the hardworking staff can do to turn it around anytime quick, which is what they need to do to stay open — and to make an impact in a one-year documentary.
We find, along the way, that there are some smart and caring educators who do make a difference, including a former prison guard turned basketball coach. But the filmmakers don’t focus enough on students. Of two young women followed, for example, both are named Raven. Depicting a world where Kwame Brown calls the shots in the city, and personally sponsors a bus trip for college visits, seems like ancient history. Over time, you’ll feel frustrated that nothing seems to get better, but that’s a reality we all must face as citizens seeking to improve public education.
Interviews with education experts might have provided a better overview (rather than speeches on education from President Obama). But that wasn’t the focus sought in the long, long film. Part two airs tomorrow.
Only last week they indicated Norman had an older half-brother on “Bates Motel” (A&E, 10 p.m.) and here he is: the troublesome Dylan suddenly shows up at the door.
Elisabeth Moss’s character finds herself face to face with Women’s Camp leader Holly Hunter’s GJ in tonight’s episode of “Top of the Lake” (Sundance, 10 p.m.). Not too late to get in on this one; it’s good.
Jazz, quickstep and the jive are on tap in the second episode of “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.) and already there is a clear frontrunner in teenage Disney star Zendaya Coleman and a clear straggler, D.L. Hughley.
Joe sends two followers to nab Claire on a new episode of “The Following” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Ted and Barney meet future versions of themselves in a potentially shark-jumping episode of “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Linda Hamilton guest stars on “Lost Girl” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
“LA Shrinks” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) is not about population shifts; it’s about psychiatrists in that city and patients who allow their sessions to be filmed. They ought to get their heads examined!
Carrie poses as Larissa for a day on “The Carrie Diaries” (The CW, 8 p.m.). Does this mean she doesn’t have to write her diaries?
All is right in the world: “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central, 11 p.m.) and “The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central, 11:30 p.m.) are both back with new shows after a two week break.
The March salute to Greer Garson comes to an end with “Strange Lady in Town” (8 p.m.), “Her Twelve Men” (10 p.m.), “Scandal at Scourie” (11:45 p.m.), “Sunrise at Campobello” (1:30 a.m.) and “The Singing Nun” (4 a.m.).
And during the day, it’s all about a certain hair color with “Red-headed Woman” (TCM, 6 a.m.), “Lady with Red Hair” (7:30 a.m.) and “The Strawberry Blonde” (TCM, 9 a.m.).
NBA action includes Miami at Orlando (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Lakers at Golden State (NBA, 10:30 p.m.). In hockey, it’s Los Angeles at Chicago (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
As the men’s tournament takes a rest, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament keeps going with Vanderbilt vs. Connecticut (ESPNU, 6:30 p.m.), and a whip around of other game coverage starting with Michigan State at Maryland (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
In the NIT, it’s Robert Morris at Providence (ESPNews, 7 p.m.), Mercer at BYU (ESPNews, 9 p.m.) and Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss (ESPNU, 10 p.m.).
The storm delayed Arnold Palmer Invitational (Golf, 10 a.m.) gets to its final round this morning.
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Usher, Paul Jolley, Kristin Chenoweth. The View: Brad Goreski, Cynthia Richards & Molly Hopkins, Deborah Tillman, Carter Oosterhouse, Patti Stanger. The Talk: Magic Johnson, cast of “The Young and the Restless,” Arsenio Hall. Ellen DeGeneres: Ray Romano, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Cirque du Soleil’s Kiriki (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Ed Sheeran. Jay Leno: Gerard Butler, Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele, Crystal Bowersox. Jimmy Kimmel: Dana Delany, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Dustin Lynch. Jimmy Fallon: Usher Raymond, Kate mara, Wale. Craig Ferguson: Morgan Freeman, Vera Farmiga. Carson Daly: Anthony Jeselnik, Conway, Royal Teeth. Tavis Smiley: Dr. John Deasy. Jon Stewart: Peter Dinklage. Stephen Colbert: Junot Diaz. Conan O’Brien: Margic Johnson, Thandie Newton, Langhorne Slim. Chelsea Handler: Gesine Bullock-Brado, Ben Gleib, JenKirkman, Ross Mathews.