TV: Five shows worth watching tonight: Nov. 15
A select viewing guide for Thursday November 15
SCIENCE The Nature of Things (CBC, 8 p.m.) Do you believe (or want to believe) in life on other planets? Tonight’s new episode of TV’s longest science series focuses on the ongoing research of Canadian astrophysicists Bruce Campbell and Gordon Walker, who are credited with the discovery of the first extra-solar planet–or “exoplanet”–in 1995. Nearly two decades later, a new space-based telescope has discovered thousands more exoplanets, many of which could be habitable for human life. According to this report, the discovery holds huge implications for the likelihood of life on other planets and could finally answer the eternal question: Are we along in the universe?
COMEDY Parks & Recreation (Citytv, 8:30 p.m.; NBC, 9:30 p.m.) Get ready for the clash of the titans in tonight’s new episode of this sharp workplace sitcom. In this corner, we have rookie Pawnee, Indiana council member Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) still trying to figure out what to do with the abandoned Lot 48 and just a little drunk with her new political clout; in the other corner, we have her former co-worker and career bureaucrat April (Aubrey Plaza), who is determined to turn the lot into a public dog park. In other news, the indefatigable Tom (Aziz Ansari) attempts to launch yet another business venture while the dim Andy (Chris Pratt) is still trying to become a member of the local police department. Dreams never die in Pawnee.
COMEDY The Office (NBC, 9 p.m.) It’s your turn in the spotlight, Dwight Schrute. As portrayed by Rainn Wilson, the achingly officious character has risen in prominence on The Office since the departure of Steve Carell at the end of the seventh season. And is Dwight still uncomfortable with the opposite sex? Of course he is. In tonight’s new outing, the big dweeb has to pitch an important lady client, so he enlists the assistance of his female co-workers to teach him how to talk to the ladies. At the same time, Angela (Angela Kinsey) tricks gullible Oscar (Oscar Nunez) into spying on her boyfriend and Toby (Paul Lieberstein) convinces the male workforce to grow moustaches in honour of “Movember.”
REALITY Jersey Brides (TLC, 10 p.m.) Who says TLC has run out of reality-TV ideas? As a prelude to the upcoming Extreme Cougar Wives (debuting November 25), TLC launches this new series sets at Bijou Bridals in beautiful Paramus, New Jersey. The central figures are store owners Joyce and Julie, whose specialty is creating bling-encrusted wedding frocks with that extra touch of bling. Tonight’s opener introduces viewers to Jessie, a Jersey girl and former professional wrestler known as “Jessie The Hardcore Effing Shot Girl” (because she used to slip mickeys into opponent’s drinks, don’t you know). Think Snooki meets The Incredible Hulk.
MOVIE The Sand Pebbles (AMC, 11 p.m.) Directed by Robert Wise, this 1966 war story earned the late Steve McQueen the only Oscar nomination of his career. Unfortunately, McQueen lost to the English actor Paul Scofield for A Man For All Seasons, but he still delivers a powerful portrayal as the navy machinist’s mate Jake, who is stationed onboard the USS San Pablo as it cruises the Yangtze River in 1926. As China teeters on the brink of revolution, Jake bonds with his industrious assistant Po Han (Mako) and begins a star-crossed romance with the prim American missionary Shirley (Candice Bergen). Meanwhile, Jake’s shipmate Frenchy (Richard Attenborough) cuts to the chase by getting his Chinese girlfriend pregnant and then kidnapping her to prevent her from being sold into slavery.