Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Hello Ladies: The Movie (HBO, 10 p.m., Saturday): Poor Stephen Merchant’s solo series sans Ricky Gervais never caught on (although Molly Eichel thought it got better by the end of its first and, as it turns out, only season). HBO, while initially flattered by Merchant’s attentions, eventually turned him down but, perhaps feeling sorry for his stammering comic desperation, at least threw him this pity movie to wrap things up on a good note. LaToya Ferguson checks in to see just how awkwardly the breakup goes for everyone.
Also noted
Constantine (NBC, 10 p.m., Friday): Brandon Nowalk appreciated that Constantine was allowed a smidgen of his wonted bastardy last week, although the show continues to present the American network-safe version of the guy. This week, Constantine heads to New Orleans (to be fair the most Europe-like city he’s visited so far) and meets the latest DC Comics character introduced into his world, with John running afoul of copper Jim Corrigan who, after a seriously bad day in the comics, eventually becomes The Spectre. Although a different hypothetical Spectre than Gotham’s Crispus Allen will eventually turn into. Just go with it.
Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, 11 p.m., Friday): Scott and Reggie welcome the funny and talented Amber Tamblyn to the show (listen, Two And A Half Men isn’t her fault). But prepare yourself—there’s a rumor of Fourvel. LaToya Ferguson reports on whether things get…stabby.
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11:30 p.m., Saturday): Cameron Diaz is back to host for the first time since 2005, alongside musical guests Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. Since she’s playing Miss Hannigan in the upcoming Annie remake, what are the odds on Kenan Thompson in a Quvenzhané Wallis outfit? Dennis Perkins is taking bets in the comments.
Regular coverage
The Legend Of Korra (12 p.m., Friday)
TV Club Classic
The Twilight Zone (12 p.m., Saturday): In “The Encounter,” actual WWII war hero Neville Brand stars in a postwar parable alongside American internment camp victim George Takei. Plus, in the Old West tale “Mr. Garrity And The Graves,” a swifty comes to town claiming he can raise the dead. Zack Handlen’s sure the guy’s on the up-and-up and will suffer no ironic punishment whatsoever.
Elsewhere in TV Club
In an AVQ&A so intriguing, I couldn’t think of an example, some A.V. Clubbers lay out the endings that made them change their minds about a work of art at the last minute. Then, resident comics expert Oliver Sava applies his finely tuned super-senses to the newest mind-bender from Grant Morrison, Pax Americana. And finally, don’t forget Gwen Ihnat’s Gracepoint review—no spoilers, but I don’t think everyone in that town is telling the truth.
What else is on
Lilyhammer (Netflix, Friday): At the end of the second season of this Netflix series, Steven Van Zandt’s American gangster ditched his idyllic Norwegian hideaway, perhaps nostalgic for some New York-style violence. Check in on the show’s return to see if the very Silvio Dante-esque Frank Tagliano has brought back some great new Mafia ideas to corrupt his chosen country even further.