Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. arrives to reinforce proper typing-hand placement
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Tuesday, September 24. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 8 p.m.): There’s one major question surrounding Joss Whedon’s nominal return to series television: “To punctuate or not to punctuate?” As the editors of The A.V. Club are nothing if not devout acolytes of Mavis Beacon, we’re already running Oliver Sava and David Sims through rigorous right-ring-finger exercises to ensure that every reference to the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, And Logistics Division contains its full order of periods. Todd VanDerWerff already underwent such rigorous training, which is why he’ll soon be starring in his own Marvel book about a TV-critic-turned-vigilante who mounts a one-digit war on crime.
REGULAR COVERAGE
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 8:30 p.m.): There’s nothing funny about murder (on a weekly basis), so the 99th precinct’s second primetime case revolves around graffiti. Molly Eichel is actually one of many alter egos painstakingly cultivated by street artist Banksy.
New Girl (Fox, 9 p.m.): Like many students, teachers, and TV critics across the nation, Jess is adjusting to some changes this fall. After somehow finding himself neck deep in geometry tests that have to be graded by the end of the day, Erik Adams can sympathize.
Trophy Wife (ABC, 9:30 p.m.): This year’s winner of the Cougar Town Commemorative Award for Pilot Excellence in the Face of a Crummy Title goes to this Malin Akerman vehicle, the self-assured charms of which aren’t deflated one bit by a name that sounds like it should be attached to one of the fake Adam Sandler movies in Funny People. (“He thought he’d found a prize of a partner—until she turned out to have more than a heart made of gold.”) Todd VanDerWerff and Brandon Nowalk are assembling a series of self-deprecating quips for Trophy Wife to run in its title card in the coming weeks.
The Mindy Project (Fox, 9:30 p.m.): James Franco continues urging Mindy to reframe her preconceived notions into a whole new OB/GYN paradigm. To which Katherine Miller responds “I believe it’s pronounced ‘diaphragm,’ James Franco.”
Person Of Interest (CBS, 10 p.m.): As the third season opens, the machine has gone missing. Phil Dyess-Nugent eagerly awaits the explanation of how the machine failed to predict its own theft.