Vikings’ third season sails off into the sunset
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, April 23. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Vikings (History, 10 p.m.): We’re always caught off guard when cable television seasons come to end so soon after they begin. It feels like only yesterday that Ragnar’s men were battling the terrible tactics of the Mercian forces in the season premiere. But after nine episodes of Viking drama, Ragnar’s army makes one final daring effort to take Paris in tonight’s season finale. Elsewhere Ragnar makes a request of his son Bjorn that could apparently “alter the course of Viking history.” Dennis Perkins is really hoping the deathly-ill (and newly baptized!) Ragnar survives to fight another season, but if not, at least he and Bjorn will always have Paris.
Also noted
Steven Universe (Cartoon Network, 5:30 p.m.): In the aptly titled “Love Letters,” Steven and Connie decide to help Jamie the mailman find love. But just who is the object of his laid-back affections? Eric Thurm thinks smart money is on Garnet, but Steven Universe has surprised us before.
Scandal (ABC, 9 p.m.): Joshua Alston has long known Mellie is one of the best things about Scandal. Sadly, the fictional American public within the series doesn’t feel the same way. Cyrus sets about rehabilitating the First Lady’s image as she continues her senate campaign. Elsewhere there’s more B-613 drama as the show reels from a major death last week.
American Crime (ABC, 10 p.m.): When American Crime first premiered, there was some concern it would apply the simplistic morality of something like Crash to its exploration of race, class, and crime. But while the show has had its ups and downs, it’s also managed to offer a nuanced perspective at times, especially in last week’s strong outing. Libby Hill hopes that streak continues tonight as Aliyah organizes a march for her accused brother Carter and Barb forms her own counterprotest.
Regular Coverage
Adventure Time (Cartoon Network, 7:30 p.m.)
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.)
Reign (The CW, 9 p.m.)