TV picks for Jan. 18-22: 'Grantchester,' MLK, 'Backstrom'

January 16, 2015 at 12:45AM
James Norton as Sidney Chambers in "Grantchester."
James Norton as Sidney Chambers in "Grantchester." (Marci Schmitt — Lovely Day Productions & ITV for MASTERPIECE/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dear minister

Those tuning in for "Downton Abbey" are strongly encouraged to stick around for "Grantchester," a new limited series about a hard-drinking reverend who uses his free time to solve crimes in 1950s England. James Norton, who plays the brokenhearted minister, manages to make the collar look sympathetic and sexy. Even better are the tight, intriguing mysteries that astute viewers actually have a shot at solving before the minister does. At the very least, this is a delightful fill-in as we eagerly await a new round of "Sherlock." 9 p.m. Sunday, TPT, Ch. 2.

He had a dream

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by watching "King: A Filmed Record … Montgomery to Memphis," a 1970 documentary that uses footage from 1955-68. Heavyweights Joseph Mankiewicz and Sidney Lumet teamed up for directing duties. 8 p.m. Monday, Bounce.

Full House

In an effort to boost ratings and encourage bipartisanship, President Obama will move his State of the Union Address from the House chamber to Disney World, where politicians will be provided unlimited rides and caramel apples. OK, just kidding. 8 p.m. Tuesday, various channels.

Let it Rainn

Guthrie veteran Rainn Wilson, best known for "The Office," returns to TV for "Backstrom," a series about a brilliant but cranky detective nobody wants to work with. Think "House" on the mean streets. The first episode lacks a great mystery, but the concept of a rude Columbo could have legs. Look for an interview in Thursday's Variety section. 8 p.m. Thursday, KMSP, Ch. 9.

Neal Justin


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