TV picks for April 13: 'Jackie Robinson,' 'Game of Silence,' Willmar mom on 'Strong'

April 7, 2016 at 10:51PM
GAME OF SILENCE -- Pilot -- Pictured: (l-r) David Lyons as Jackson Brooks, Michael Raymond-James as Gil Harris, Larenz Tate as Shawn Polk -- (Photo by: Bob Mahoney/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season:Pilot
David Lyons, Michael Raymond-James and Larenz Tate in “Game of Silence.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

"Jackie Robinson," Ken Burns' two-part tribute to one of sports' most enduring figures, features plenty of on-field action. But the real all-star in this two-part production is widow Rachel Robinson, a strong-willed, fierce observer and ally whose insights deserve their own space in Cooperstown. The varied list of commentators includes Don Newcombe, Harry Belafonte and the Obamas, who have rarely come across as so unguarded.

8 p.m. Mon.-Tue., TPT, Ch. 2

Silent treatment

"Game of Silence" is based on a Turkish TV shows called "Suskunlar," but it sure feels like a small-screen adaptation of "Mystic River," with a blue-collar group of Texas friends still reeling from a childhood drama. Elements of "I Know What You Did Last Summer" also creep in. This kind of drama requires standout performances and gritty dialogue, both of which are in scant supply in early, very dark episodes.

9 p.m. Tue., KARE, Ch. 11

Don't mess with Minnesota mom

Jill May, a 35-year-old mother of four from Willmar, gets a full workout — and then some — in the season premiere of "Strong," a new fitness competition series in which the biggest obstacle is one's own ego. Producer Sylvester Stallone introduces the series, but quickly hands off hosting duties to Gabrielle Reece.

8 p.m. Wed., 7 p.m. Thu., KARE, Ch. 11

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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