Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, April 15. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Dangerous Persuasions (Investigation Discovery, 10 p.m.): What do you find more unbelievable: that there’s a television program titled Dangerous Persuasions or that that there’s a television channel called Investigation Discovery (which is dedicated to a whole list of television programs with ridiculous titles like Dangerous Persuasions)? Regardless, tonight is the second (SECOND) season premiere of this very real television program that exists on this very real television channel. The topic at hand? Well, with an episode title like “A Scientologist’s Escape,” you can probably use context clues, but we’ll give you a little something more.
Dangerous Persuasions “explores everyday people who were brainwashed into making remarkable sacrifices and committing unthinkable acts in the process.” In this particular case, it’s the story of Marty Rathbun. “Marty Rathbun signs a billion year contract with the Church of Scientology, convinced it will help cure his mentally ill brother. He climbs the ranks becoming one of its most elite officers. But Mark is increasingly exposed to the dark, violent side of the church.” You might also remember Marty from the recent HBO Scientology documentary Going Clear. That Scientology’s so hot right now.
Also noted
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.) / The Goldbergs (ABC, 8:30 & 9:30 p.m.): What’s better than an episode of The Middle and The Goldbergs a piece? An episode of The Middle (where Axl turns 21) and two episodes of The Goldbergs (all about work and politics—the ‘80s way), split up by a repeat of Modern Family (where Haley turns 21). That’s the type of sense that doesn’t quite make sense, but Will Harris is up to the task.
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.): “One castaway creates a fake idol to prevent being eliminated.” Are they allowed to do that? Carrie Raisler, are they allowed to do that?
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.): How is it at all possible that it took Arrow three seasons (and 19 episodes into that three episodes) to name an episode “Broken Arrow?” Seriously, how? We musn’t dwell, as it’s not like this episode is a shot-for-shot remake of the Christian Slater/John Travolta film: In this episode, Doug Jones guest stars as DC villain Deathbolt, and Oliver is forced to ask Ray for help. Alasdair Wilkins will be racking his brain trying to decide who is the Christian Slater and who is the John Travolta in this scenario though, just in case it does somehow become that shot-for-shot remake.
The Americans (FX, 10 p.m.): This week on The Americans, “Paige acts out.” We realize spoilers are a sensitive subject, but we’re also just bracing all of you (especially Erik Adams) for what is sure to be the defining moment of The Americans.
Regular coverage
Broadchurch (BBC America, 10 p.m.)
Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)