— We critics are never satisfied. Give us what we want, and we complain. Some days ago, I complained that the second season premiere of “I’m Dying Up Here” was too frantic and filled with rapid-fire scenes that piled on sensation to disguise the lack of actual conversation and human interaction.
I’m not saying I was wrong. I’m just admitting that sometimes too much conversation and thoughtful human interaction can be a bad thing, too. I’m talking, of course, about “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
This is a very good show. And it’s down to its final four episodes. So why do I still feel like watching “The Americans” has become more of a chore than a joy?
Almost all of the scenes in “The Americans” consist of two people talking about serious matters. Family stuff, secret KGB matters or FBI strategy. With so many dour conversations unfolding, things tend to move at a glacial pace. Until they don’t.
Not to give too much away, but tonight’s episode, “Harvest,” contains a chase scene, a shootout and some gruesome doings involving an ax that I’d rather not talk about. Then it’s back to serious conversations on dark streets and dimly lit rooms. The only scene that takes place in full daylight concerns one of Elizabeth’s many alter egos, where she plays a caretaker for an artist who happens to be bedridden and suffering from excruciating pain.
Maybe one of the reasons “The Americans” is so serious is because, deep down, it’s completely ridiculous. The thriller “24” taught us that every White House meltdown and national security crisis is really a family battle. But the secrets in Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth’s (Keri Russell) fake family defy description. And has Elizabeth always been this glum? I guess if I had to change my hairstyle between murders on a regular basis, I’d be grumpy too. But she’s nearly catatonic now.
Not to give too much away, but Stan (Noah Emmerich), the crack FBI agent and goofy neighbor, has finally gotten wind of something amiss with the travel agents next door.
Congratulations, Stan! It’s only taken you 72 episodes.
TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
— The NBA Playoffs continue (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., TNT).
— Alfre Woodard guest-stars on “Empire” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
— “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) explores the devious extremes that some critters will go to in order to find a mate, settle down and raise a family.
— Devoted to the really big questions, “NOVA Wonders” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) ponders signs of extraterrestrial life.
— Jesse’s brother shows up in battered shape on “Code Black” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
— Antonio’s loyalty is tested on the season finale of “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
— Kendra’s dilemma puts others in jeopardy on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
— Will and Katie risk everything to make contact with the Resistance on “Colony” (10 p.m., USA, TV-14).
CULT CHOICE
Real aliens mistake has-been actors (Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman) from a canceled science-fiction series for space heroes in the 1999 comedy “Galaxy Quest” (10:30 p.m., IFC), a gentle media parody that works on nearly every level.
SERIES NOTES
A visit from loved ones on “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) … Red pursues a bag of bones on “The Blacklist” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) … Adam honors his idol on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) … An incident sparks a rumble on “Riverdale” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) … Deirdre erases a valuable tape on “Alex, Inc.” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
A helicopter crash alters plans on “SEAL Team” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) … Fin investigates startling charges on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) … Seizing the spotlight on “Star” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) … Haley meets all of her exes on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) … Klaus takes hostages on “The Originals” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) … Katie shows off on “American Housewife” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG)
LATE NIGHT
Diane Guerrero is booked on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) … Brian Posehn chats on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) … Gayle King and Anna Wintour are scheduled on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jimmy Fallon welcomes Jennifer Lopez, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Car Seat Headrest on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC).
Michelle Wolf, Zach Woods, Jessie Ware and Aaron Spears visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) … Heidi Klum, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alice Merton appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS).
(Kevin McDonough can be reached at [email protected].)
