Remember when you thought Nashville held such promise, then prepare yourself for disappointment
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, January 9. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Nashville (ABC, 10 p.m.): There was a time when we were so excited about this show. The pilot promised something potentially great; the creator was Oscar winner Callie Khouri. It starred Connie Britton—Mrs. Coach herself! Yet here we are, several months later, and while we still respect and admire the show, it just hasn’t cohered for us quite yet. Maybe it will start to come together now that it’s had a month off to think about what it’s done. Todd VanDerWerff is still hobnobbing with the TV all-stars, so Nashville resident Carrie Raisler contemplates the country-western soapiness.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.): We love every time this show pairs up Axl and Sue, because it so often leads to comic hilarity. Tonight, the two collaborate on a “life skills” project. Will Harris has to assume “life skills” means something about staring at your feet and mumbling to get out of awkward situations.
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.): Donna Bowman’s ABC affiliate will no longer be carrying this show for a while, due to SEC basketball, which takes precedence over the weekly shenanigans of the Pritchett-Taylor-Dunphys. Ryan McGee steps in tonight to celebrate New Year’s Eve a little late with the gang.
Suburgatory (ABC, 9:30 p.m.): Tonight’s episode is called “Black Thai,” and even without consulting the episode summary on TV Guide, we’re going to guess that this will all have something to do with a formal event that’s derailed and forced to go to a Thai restaurant. Brandon Nowalk could use some spicy basil.
American Horror Story (FX, 10 p.m.): When last we left Sister Jude and the gang, everybody’s favorite ex-nun was singing her own version of “The Name Game” for the enjoyment of all the mental hospital’s patients. Todd VanDerWerff would enjoy it very much if this episode was just that over and over again.