For anyone who’s ever loved Adventure Time, there’s excellent news. A brand new fantastical cartoon is on the scene, and it’s our must-watch of the week. Plus the “Groundhog Day” trope has finally reached its absolute nadir. And a bunch of shows are back from their break. Check out clips and details for all this week’s TV!
Top image: Arrow
Today:
Adventure Time (7 PM, Cartoon Network):
Can’t believe the “Ice King is staying at Finn and Jake’s house” arc has been going on so long. Finn deserves it though. Here’s what’s up this week: “Sick and tired of babysitting Ice King while the Ice Kingdom is being rebuilt, Finn and Jake call up an old friend to hang out with their annoying houseguest: Abracadaniel.” That’s followed by a new Regular Show, and then…
Steven Universe (8 PM, Cartoon Network):
We’ve watched the first two episodes of this show, and it’s our must-watch of the week. This show’s creator, Rebecca Sugar, wrote our favorite episodes of Adventure Time, along with the catchiest songs — stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Sugar, later today.
Steven Universe is about a little boy living with an all-female team of superheroes, and trying to make his own gem-based superpowers work so he can join the team and save the world. I cannot stop thinking about this show (or humming the tune from the first clip above) since I first watched it. It’s hilarious and clever and already showing major hints of a fascinating mythos. Here’s what’s up in the first two 11-minute episodes, airing back to back:
“Gem Glow”: Steven with the help of the Crystal Gems tries to summons his powers by eating his favorite treat, the super duper yummy cookie cats.
“Laser Light Canon”: A magical comet hurtles toward Beach City and Steven must dig through his father’s collection of junk to find the weapon that can save the town.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOB7k25zdSk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2gXV3jxoVU
Sleepy Hollow (9 PM, Fox):
Yay, it’s back! This episode, too, has already been watched by us, to our intense delight. It’s even frothier, and more packed with flashbacks and moments aimed at Abbie-bod shippers, than ever before. And it guest-stars Fringe’s John Noble, in a new recurring role! Here’s what’s up:
When Ichabod Crane goes missing, his wife, Katrina, appears to Lt. Abbie Mills in a vision warning her that the Headless Horseman will return to Sleepy Hollow by nightfall. A frantic Abbie seeks help from the mysterious Henry Parrish (guest star John Noble), who holds vital clues about how Crane can vanquish his dangerous blood tie to Headless. Meanwhile, an encounter from Crane’s past weighs heavily on him, and details about his first encounter with Katrina are revealed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io3vCcFtn_Y
Beauty and the Beast (9 PM, CW):
We’re doing the traditional “Grosse Point Blank” high-school reunion episode, that every show has to do eventually:
CAT IS THREATENED BY A BEAST LOOKING FOR VINCENT — Cat (Kristin Kreuk) gets a blast from the past as she attends her high school reunion, where she uncovers more of her past than she ever anticipated. Meanwhile, Vincent (Jay Ryan) meets up with one of his old military buddies who is hiding a very dangerous secret.
Also on TV tonight: Disney has a new Packages from Planet X at 9 PM. At 10 PM, there’s a new Castle on ABC, plus a new WHAT?! on Logo, dealing with “Living Dolls.”
Tuesday:
Agents of SHIELD (8 PM, ABC):
Guest-starring the Man in Black from Lost, Titus Welliver, who previously appeared in Marvel’s “Item 47” short. And it sounds like there will be some yummy serial killing: “When floating bodies turn up, Coulson and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D must hunt down an elusive killer. No one is safe — not even the team.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxDGUOPMh98
The Originals (8 PM, CW):
I wonder if Father Kieran is going to become the normal human voice of reason that this show totally needs. Probably not, though. Here’s what’s up this week:
TRUST ISSUES — When Klaus (Joseph Morgan) discovers Hayley’s (Phoebe Tonkin) life is being threatened, he goes to extreme lengths to protect her and their unborn baby. Having a difficult time dealing with the tragic events of her past, Cami (Leah Pipes) turns to Father Kieran (guest star Todd Stashwick) for guidance. Feeling as though he can trust no one, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) visits an old friend to seek out some advice, while Davina (Danielle Campbell) takes steps to learn how to control her magic. Finally, Klaus delivers some surprising news to Father Kieran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTS4Tp1HBik
Supernatural (9 PM, CW):
So I hate to ask, but are we basically doing gimmick episodes every week now? We just had the “Wizard of Oz” episode, and now there’s the “Dean can talk to animals” episode:
DOGGIE DEANLITTLE — While investigating two bizarre murders, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) realize there is an eyewitness to both gruesome deaths – a German Sheppard. Anxious to find out if they are dealing with a witch, a skinwalker or other supernatural monster, the guys look up a spell that could let Dean “communicate” with the dog. Unfortunately, the spell comes with side effects that no one saw coming.
Person of Interest (10 PM, CBS):
How can this show possibly top last week’s Shaw-and-Root teamup? Maybe with Root being Reese and Finch’s houseguest, Ice King-style. Also, Carter’s war against HR is kicking into high gear. “The number comes up of a hypnotherapist whose life, upon investigation by the POI team, suggests he is more than just a master of the mind. Meanwhile, Carter tracks an antiquities dealer whose business is connected to the crime organization HR.”
Also on TV tonight: There’s a new Total Drama All-Stars on Cartoon Network at 7, followed by a new Amazing World of Gumball and a new Uncle Grandpa. ABC Family has a new episode of its supernatural spinoff, Ravenswood, at 8 PM. Syfy has a new Face/Off at 9 PM, and there’s also a new Doomsday Preppers on National Geographic at 9 PM.
Wednesday:
Johnny Test/Teen Titans Go! (7:00 PM, Cartoon Network):
First Johnny is home alone for a whole hour and has to prove that he’s responsible enough to be left alone. Then Robin challenges his teammates to go 24 hours without using their powers — and when they succeed, he feels even more useless.
Arrow (8 PM, CW):
This episode was co-written by Drew Z. Greenberg, formerly of Buffy and Warehouse 13. And we’re meeting the League of Assassins!
THE CANARY SINGS — While Oliver (Stephen Amell) tends to the Canary’s (Caity Lotz) wounds, he tries to get her to talk about where she came from but she refuses. However, after Oliver and the Canary are attacked at the Queen mansion by a trained killer from the League of Assassins, she confesses to how she’s connected with the nefarious group. Meanwhile with Moira (Susanna Thompson) facing multiple counts of murder and conspiracy for her part in the destruction of The Glades, the Assistant District Attorney (guest star Dylan Bruce) offers her a choice – plead guilty now and avoid the death penalty or take your chances in court. Thea (Willa Holland) begs her mother to fight for her life but Moira seems resolute about taking the offer. Meanwhile, Oliver is furious with Laurel (Katie Cassidy) for joining the prosecution’s team on his mother’s case.
Revolution (8 PM, NBC):
So are the Patriots the legitimate U.S. government, or a rogue faction calling themselves the U.S. government? And how would you even tell the difference? What makes a national government “legitimate,” in the end? You can get into some serious John Locke shit here, and let’s hope the show goes into these debates. This week, in “The Patriot Act”:
MILES AND COMPANY ARE TRAPPED IN WILOUGHBY – When Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchell) discovers some unsettling truths, Miles (Billy Burke) does what he does best to overcome obstacles before him and those he cares about. Meanwhile, Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos) shares a moment with her mom as Neville (Giancarlo Esposito) and Jason (JD Pardo) continue with their struggles between father and son.
The Tomorrow People (9 PM, CW):
I’m kind of sad that we’re going to find out that Jedikiah has a mysterious boss, and is basically just a middle manager of genocide. Isn’t it more interesting if Jedikiah is the big bad?
FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO PARTY — After Stephen (Robbie Amell) breaks Ultra protocol during a training exercise, Jedikiah’s (Mark Pellegrino) mysterious boss insists on meeting Stephen. Stephen grows concerned when he learns Jedikiah is unable to protect him, so he turns to John (Luke Mitchell), who is only interested for selfish reasons. Elsewhere, the Tomorrow People are desperate to go topside to a party like normal people, but John and Cara (Peyton List) disagree on the dangerous plan. Meanwhile, Stephen makes a plan to go to Homecoming with Astrid (Madeleine Mantock), but when he bails on her once again, she decides to find out what he is really up too.
American Horror Story: Coven (10 PM, FX):
This show keeps blowing our minds. And this week, there’s a zombie army and a witch schism. Awesome! “Besieged by Marie Laveau’s army, Zoe unleashes a new power. Fiona and Myrtle clash over control of the Coven. Madame LaLaurie is confronted by old ghosts.”
Also on TV tonight: At 9 PM, there’s a new Nova on PBS, focused on “Making Stuff Safer.” At 10 PM, Science has a new How the Earth Works.
Thursday:
Dragons: Defenders of Berk (7:30 PM, Cartoon Network):
It’s the show’s Halloween Special, airing a tad late. “The gang competes to see who can best train a Terrible Terror, while Alvin is closing in on Berk.” Also at 7 PM, there’s a new Legends of Chima.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1rwPB7EFx8
Vampire Diaries (8 PM, CW):
Sorry I didn’t get to recap last week’s episode — but suffice to say, this show is more than rebuking my concerns that it had run out of zany plot twists. The insane “Damon decides to team up with Silas by killing his amnesiac brother Stefan over and over again” storyline was exactly what we’ve come to love from this show. And just judging from the synopsis below, it sounds as though our crack pipes will runneth over yet again:
INDESTRUCTIBLE — Silas (Paul Wesley) happily announces his new goal to Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Elena (Nina Dobrev), but they are skeptical when he promises to accomplish one important task in return for their help. Tessa (guest star Janina Gavankar) confidently tells Stefan (Paul Wesley) about her next move, then realizes that Silas has managed to outsmart her. A desperate Katherine (Nina Dobrev) discovers a new and unexpected consequence of becoming human again, and realizes she needs a new place to stay. In exchange for a spot in the dorm room, she offers to show Caroline (Candice Accola) how to get answers from Dr. Maxfield (guest star Rick Cosnett). Bonnie (Kat Graham) is touched by Jeremy’s (Steven R. McQueen) strength and determination to stand by her.
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (8 PM, ABC):
We’re getting some Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum action this week!
HOW FAR IS JAFAR WILLING TO GO TO GET WHAT HE TRULY WANTS AND WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR ALICE TO STOP HIM, ON ABC’S “ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND”
“The Serpent” – When the Knave’s life is in danger, Alice has to make the tough decision on whether to use one of her three precious wishes and what that would mean for her and Cyrus. Her new friendship with Lizard reveals some of the Knave’s backstory and Cyrus plots to escape. Meanwhile, Jafar’s plan to kill the Knave puts the Red Queen in a difficult position as she grapples with her feelings for him and her desire to get what she wants. In flashback, we explore Jafar’s origins and find out what he truly wants from Cyrus.
Also on TV tonight: At 8 PM, CBS has a new Big Bang Theory, and at 10 PM, there’s a new Elementary. And Nickelodeon has a new Deadtime stories, also at 8 PM. The CW has a new Reign, the historical fantasy in which there are monsters in the woods and prophetic visions of doom, at 9 PM.
Friday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDLFJQeqzKc
Pete’s Christmas (8 PM, Hallmark):
Two things worth pointing out here. First, we’re doing the Christmas TV movies already, and it’s only early November. Seriously, no. Second, can we stick a fork in the “Groundhog Day” thing? At this point, it feels like we’re doomed to repeat stories about people who are doomed to repeat the same day over and over, over and over. Here’s what this TV movie is about: “An overshadowed middle child gets an unexpected second chance-and third, fourth and many more-to make his family’s disastrous Christmas day perfect when he finds himself destined to live the day over and over again.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jReZd8eIGes
Legend of Korra (8 PM, Nickelodeon):
Korra enters the Spirit World and struggles with the Avatar’s relationship with the Spirits.
The Neighbors (8:30 PM, ABC):
In “We Jumped the Shark (Tank)”, “Debbie creates and designs a unique purse and Jackie gets them booked onto “Shark Tank” to find an investor. When Larry joins them on the show, the outcome from their presentation is not what anyone of them – including the Sharks – expected. Meanwhile, Amber (literally) steps up to be Abby’s choreographer for her big dance recital.”
Grimm (9 PM, NBC):
Sounds like an episode that’s heavy on the Wesen politics:
AN AGE OLD FEUD REACHES EXPLOSIVE NEW HEIGHTS — A series of disturbing crime scenes leads Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) to the resurrection of an old feud that’s all too familiar for Nick and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell). With the news of a royal family member’s demise, several key players start to make their move. Meanwhile despite his recent trauma, Nick finds himself healthier than normal and Monroe and Rosalee (Bree Turner) talk about moving their relationship forward.
Dracula (10 PM, NBC):
Yay, there’s absinthe! And romance, involving Lucy and Mina!
“Goblin Merchant Men” Grayson seeks to determine whether Lady Jayne is a vampire hunter for the Order of the Dragon. Lucy mends Mina’s broken heart with absinthe, romance and a whirlwind tour of Bohemian London. Grayson’s machinations claim the life of Lord Laurent and earn him a powerful new enemy.
Haven (10 PM, Syfy):
This week, “The fate of Haven lies in Audrey figuring out what the mysterious thugs from the barn are still doing in town, but first she needs to rescue William from their clutches.”
Also on TV tonight: For some reason, Logo is showing the fourth season of Misfits at 1 AM Saturday mornings, to make more room for WHAT?!.
Saturday:
Bering Sea Beast (9 PM, Syfy):
Yay! Now that Halloween month is over, we’re back to good old fashioned sea monsters. But I keep thinking this refers to Myka Bering having a sea beast, and then getting disappointed. Sigh. Anyway, here’s what’s up: “[Cassie] Scerbo (Sharknado) and Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire) play a sister and brother team prospecting for gold, who accidentally disturb a colony of blood-sucking amphibious predators (sea vampires) in an underwater cave.” Sea vampires! Excellent.
Also on TV today: Disney XD has the season finale of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures at 7 AM, and then a new Max Steel at 8 AM, followed by a new Packages from Planet X. There’s a brand new Ben 10: Omniverse on Cartoon Network at 9 AM. Hub Network has a new Pound Puppies at 9:30 AM, a Littlest Pet Shop at 11:30 AM, a new Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch at noon, and a new Kaijudo: Clash of the Duel Masters at 2 PM. Nickelodeon has a new Monsters Vs. Aliens at noon. Also on Hub Network, there’s a new Spooksville at 6:30 PM and a R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour at 7:30 PM. Nickelodeon has a new Thundermans at 9 PM. Disney XD has a new Slugterra at 10 PM.
Sunday:
Ultimate Spider-Man/Hulk and the Agents of SMASH (11 AM, Disney XD):
In the season finale of Ultimate Spidey, Spider-Man fights his own team to save New Yorkers from all being turned into Green Goblins. (Insert your own joke about whether anybody would notice.) And then, Doc Samson gives Skaar a “lesson in civility” while the Hulks battle a Gamma-enhanced Absorbing Man.
Once Upon a Time (9 PM, ABC):
Sounds like Ariel’s going back to Storybrooke to try and save the gang in Neverland — and also in Storybrooke, Belle is going to be teaming up with the dwarves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJ9QtUZSjU
The Walking Dead (9 PM, AMC):
Check out a Herschel-centric clip from next week’s episode, in which “Multiple enemies put pressure on Rick and the group.”
Witches of East End (10 PM, Lifetime):
One day, your grandchildren will ask what it was like to be alive in a time when you could watch new episodes of Once Upon a Time and Witches of East End back-to-back every Sunday night. How did your brain withstand the concentrated lunacy, they’ll ask. You will just shake your head and mutter darkly. This time: “Freya makes a startling discovery at Fair Haven; Ingrid has flashbacks to one of her past lives.”
Also on TV today: Fox has its usual raft of animated shows at 8 PM. And there’s a new Masters of Sex on Showtime at 10 PM. Also at 10 PM: the season premiere of Finding Bigfoot on National Geographic.
Sources: Futon Critic, MSN TV, TV Guide, and various TV studio press releases.
