TV tonight: 'Mysteries of Laura,' 'Black-ish'
The Mysteries of Laura
NBC, 8 ET/PT
It could be Laura will be with us for a while: The show is doing surprisingly well, particularly with an older audience. So let's hope the writers use that time to improve their scripts — starting with the sometimes cringe-inducing leaps between comedy and drama. On the plus side, it's possible they realize they've already exhausted our patience with the kids, who were largely absent last week and this week get turned over to a new, tough babysitter. Now pray the babysitter sticks: The last thing this show needs is a weekly Sound of Music search for the right governess.
The Goldbergs
ABC, 8:30 ET/PT
On a happier note, there's a chance ABC may have finally found a Wednesday lineup that works — starting with putting this very funny family comedy between The Middle and Modern Family. Ana Gasteyer guests this week, in an episode that finds Adam brooding over his failure to get the lead in his school's production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Black-ish
ABC, 9:30 ET/PT
Ultimately, though, for the new lineup to be successful, this promising new sitcom has to hold up in ratings and quality. Tonight, we'll see how well the show handles an episode that is not as tightly focused on race, as Dre overrides his wife's efforts and gives his son "the talk."