By Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times –
DON’T MISS:
“BREAKING BAD” — Bryan Cranston returns in the role that earned him three Emmys as this dark and still-addictive drama launches the first half of its final season. When we last saw Cranston’s Walter White, he had just engineered an explosive end to the brutal reign of drug kingpin Gus Fring and quietly uttered the words, “I won,” to his wife Skyler (Anna Gunn). The opener finds Walt contemplating his next moves while his brother-in-law, DEA agent Hank Schrader (Dean Norris), works to wrap up his investigation of Gus’ empire. 10 p.m. Sunday, AMC.
OTHER BETS:
SUNDAY: The con artists of “Leverage” return in an episode called “The (Very) Big Bird Job.” But we’re told that it has nothing to with that huge feathery Muppet. 8 p.m., TNT.
SUNDAY: The producers of “Political Animals” swear their spicy miniseries isn’t all about Hillary Clinton. Sure, Sigourney Weaver plays a secretary of state and former first lady who shared the White House with a philandering husband and then ran for president herself, but, well … never mind. 10 p.m., USA.
MONDAY: “The Batmobile” is a fun documentary special that looks at the history and evolution of the most famous weapon on wheels. Among those interviewed: Christian Bale and Adam West. 8 p.m., The CW.
MONDAY: “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom” is an Oscar-nominated documentary short that chronicles how some Japanese citizens drew the courage to revive and rebuild from cherry-blossom season, shortly after the largest earthquake in their country’s history. 10 p.m., HBO.
TUESDAY: If you thought they only told fortunes, then you don’t know “American Gypsies.” This new reality series introduces us to a prominent Romani — or Gypsy — family in Manhattan as they try to adapt to American ways while still clinging to their heritage. 9 p.m., National Geographic.
WEDNESDAY: “Around the World in 80 Plates” crowns its Season 1 winner tonight. But not before the three finalists face their toughest critics yet: Members of Los Angeles’ culinary elite. Wolfgang Puck appears. 10 p.m., Bravo.
THURSDAY: Oh, this should be fun: Denise Richards joins ex-husband Charlie Sheen for an episode of his “Anger Management” sitcom. Now play nice, you two. 9:30 p.m., FX.
THURSDAY: Stand-up comedian Steve Byrne stars in the new sitcom “Sullivan & Son.” He plays a corporate attorney who ditches life in New York to run his parents’ popular bar in Pittsburgh. 10 p.m., TBS.
FRIDAY: The kooky Brit is back for Season 3 of “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show.” It has Oliver introducing America to more of his favorite comedians and delivering some laughs of his own. 11 p.m., Comedy Central.
SATURDAY: “An Officer and a Murderer” sounds like a creepy night of TV. It stars Gary Cole as a Canadian Air Force colonel leading a secret double life as a Peeping Tom. Even creepier: It’s based on a true story. 8 p.m., Lifetime.
