Dwayne “The Rock And One True Scorpion King” Johnson is a Baller
Top pick
Ballers (HBO, 10 p.m.): We can’t imagine anyone pitched this series any harder than just walking into the room and declaring, “THE ROCK AS A PILL POPPING FORMER FOOTBALL STAR, AND ALSO, BOOBS PROBABLY!” We also can’t blame whichever HBO execs greenlit said pitch. Joshua Alston wasn’t impressed with the first few episodes, but those of you who watch can look forward to Kyle Fowle’s weekly coverage.
Also noted
True Detective (HBO, 9 p.m.): The second season opens with Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch standing in a circle, staring at each other. Vince glares, then tears up. Colin blinks. Taylor coughs. Rachel tries to forget her hard gambling lady cop’s name is “Antigone.” Brandon Nowalk did not care for what he saw, but Erik Adams will be on deck weekly to parse through every harrowing, grim detail.
The Brink (HBO, 10:30 p.m.): Jack Black, Tim Robbins, and Pablo Schrieber, are three men in Pakistan in the middle of a geopolitical crisis. It is also a comedy. Erik Adams was amused, but felt the satire lacked bite. Weekly reviewer Vikram Murthi is on standby with his own thoughts.
Poldark (PBS, 9 p.m.): A remake of the 70’s British soap has Aidan Turner playing a former redcoat who goes home to Cornwall to find that Things Have Changed. There is also a “spunky miner’s daughter.” You guys: Poldark might just be the best thing.
The Peabody Awards (Pivot, 8 p.m.): Whosoever can find Pivot on their cable package can see the awards show that honored Inside Amy Schumer, Jane The Virgin, and more.
Regular coverage
Salem (WGN, 10 p.m.)
Halt And Catch Fire (AMC, 10 p.m.)
Penny Dreadful (Showtime, 10 p.m.)
Classic coverage
All hail Simpsons (Classic), which is darkening TV Club Classic’s doorstep once more! Alasdair Wilkins is starting the engine back up with “The City Of New York Vs. Homer Simpson.”