Backstrom, on Fox, City TV
Rainn Wilson brings Swedish criminologist and novelist Leif G.W. Persson’s character to life. Cantankerous cop Everett Backstrom (Wilson) sees the worst in people, and he’s usually correct as he heads up Portland’s newly minted Special Crimes Unit.
Fresh Off the Boat, on ABC
When 11-year-old Eddie Huang (Hudson Yang) and his family move from Chinatown in Washington, D.C., to Orlando, he desperately wants to fit in with the other kids. The new comedy is Eddie Huang’s best-selling memoir of the same name.
Parks and Recreation, on NBC, City TV
The people of Pawnee continue to rely on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), who’s risen through the ranks to become the department’s Deputy Parks Director. The critically acclaimed series also stars Chris Pratt as local TV personality Andy Dwyer and Nick Offerman as Leslie’s old boss Ron Swanson.
2 Broke Girls, on CBS, City TV
Unlikely friends and business partners Max (Kat Dennings) and Caroline (Beth Behrs) may be from completely different worlds, but they bond over cupcakes. While continuing to wait tables at the diner, they also operate an after-hours cupcake window in the hopes of building their business.
The Blacklist, on Global, NBC
Liz (Megan Boone) is in a race against time when Red (James Spader) is arrested and taken to a top secret detention facility in this new episode. She must locate Red and free him from the facility before he disappears into thin air forever.
New Releases for the week of February 1 - 7
Dracula Untold
At the turn of the century, a strong young prince named Vlad Tepes (Evans) peacefully rules a small kingdom. When a ruthless sultan threatens the lives of his wife and son, however, Vlad is willing to go to great lengths to keep them safe -- even at the cost of his very soul. His journey takes him to a cave high on a mountain where he encounters a being that bestows upon him a frightening power. In receiving this power, Vlad the Impaler becomes the legendary vampire Dracula.
Director: Gary Shore. Stars: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Charles Dance, Sarah Gadon, Art Parkinson, Diarmaid Murtagh, Paul Kaye, William Houston, Noah Huntley, Ronan Vibert, Zach McGowan. 2014. 92 min. Action.
Dear White People
Biracial student activist Samantha White (Thompson) hosts a provocative campus radio show at the prestigious Winchester University. Sam is elected president of Parker-Armstrong, a residential hall under the threat of losing its traditionally all-black status in the face of diversification. Amidst the growing clamour, Afro-sporting nerd Lionel Higgins (Williams) is recruited by the all-white student newspaper to go undercover and write about black culture, though he really knows little on the subject. Resentment and misunderstandings abound in what turns into a campus culture war that challenges the conventional ideas of what it means to be black.
Director: Justin Simien. Stars: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris, Brandon P Bell, Malcolm Barrett, Dennis Haysbert, Peter Syvertsen. 2014. 108 min. Comedy.
Exists
Matt (Davis) and Brian (Osborn) are looking to spend a weekend partying with three of their friends in their uncle’s secluded cabin in the woods of east Texas. The five pals set out for their summer getaway in high spirits, which are abruptly dampened when they arrive at the cabin and see its dilapidated state. Nevertheless, the pals are determined to have a good time and to film the weekend’s antics. The vacation is anything but fun, however, when an urban legend becomes reality and the partygoers find themselves stalked by the Sasquatch.
Director: Eduardo Sánchez. Stars: Dora Madison Burge, Samuel Davis, Roger Edwards, Chris Osborn, Brian Steele, Denise Williamson, Jeff Schwan. 2014. 81 min. Horror.
Ice Lake Rebels, on Discovery Channel
One of the most savage winter storms in recorded history charges toward Great Slave Lake, bearing down on the rebels. As the temperature plummets to unfathomable levels, they appear to be fighting a losing battle.
Taking names: Marvel's 'Agent Carter' provides viewers with a long overdue trail-blazing female lead
Enver Gjokaj, Chad Michael Murray, Shea Whigham and Hayley Atwell star in “Marvel’s Agent Carter”
The latest and greatest trends in Hollywood have revolved around larger-than-life characters overcoming major obstacles through sheer determination, super powers or by working closely with their team members.
Hawaii Five-0, on CBS
Det. Steve McGarrett and his Five-0 team return with another crime-fighting adventure in paradise. Now in its fifth season, the show, a reboot of the classic TV series that aired from 1968 to 1980, recently celebrated its 100th episode.
The Biggest Loser, on NBC
All of the former Season 16 contestants return to weigh in one more time as they compete for a special $100,000 “at home” prize in this two-hour season finale. Then, it’s the moment fans have been waiting for as this season’s winner is crowned.
