Sunday TV: 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Pemberley'
Madam Secretary
CBS, 8:30 ET/8 PT
In what seems to be the show's early pattern, Elizabeth does something (this week, pleads to the president to help solve a problem in Africa), gets into trouble, and then, most likely, works herself out of it. That's fine for now: the show and the character are still finding their way. (And as a bonus, they get some help this week from guest star Louis Gossett Jr.) And it's not like most weekly series don't follow familiar plot patterns; that familiarity is often part of their appeal. But sooner rather than later, this particular pattern is one Madam has to break, because it risks putting our belief in the character's competence and continued employment in jeopardy.
Boardwalk Empire
HBO, 9 ET/PT
As this series makes its TV exit, Nucky considers exiting Atlantic City for the bright lights of New York. No doubt fans hoped for a longer run, but they can at least be pleased HBO gave the creators a chance to bring the show to an actual conclusion.
Death Comes to Pemberley
PBS, 9 ET/PT (times may vary)
Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Rhys star in this Masterpiece adaptation of a P.D. James mystery that takes Jane Austen's Elizabeth and Darcy and turns them into post-Pride and Prejudice detectives. Which probably strikes you as either fun, stupid or both.