Not so jolly ol' England I'm wary of epic miniseries because the creators are often so intent on living up to the word "epic" that they forget to tell an engaging story. That's not the case with "The Pillars of the Earth" (9 p.m. Friday, Starz), a $40 million, eight-hour adventure that looks at the power struggles facing England in the 12th century. That description might make your eyes a bit droopy, but it's based on a novel by Ken Follett, who knows a few things about injecting thrills into history lessons. It also helps that the cast includes Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Donald Sutherland and Alison Pill.
Arabian night Consider "Pillars" a mere warmup to 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia" (7 p.m. Saturday, KTCA, Ch. 2), the standard-bearer when it comes to epic filmmaking. It wouldn't hurt if today's action directors took another look at this masterpiece and remind themselves that a movie's power isn't based on how much blood is spilled.
Men behaving badly Critics who give too much away about the season premiere of "Mad Men" (9 p.m. Sunday, AMC) should be stripped of remote-control rights for two weeks. That said, I don't think I'm talking out of school when I reveal to you that January Jones is sporting a new haircut. It's a bit disconcerting, but -- excuse me? Who are you? What, what are you doing with my remote?!? Have mercy!!!!
Shuffling the deck "My Boys" (9 p.m. Sunday, TBS) returns, but without regular Jim Gaffigan. No matter. The comedian's absence makes for an engaging episode, in which the gang must find a new regular poker player with predictable but heartwarming results. The series rarely provides gut-busting laughs, but the actors are so familiar and engaging, particularly star Jordana Spiro, that you might find yourself dreaming about a spot at that poker table.
NEAL JUSTIN
