TV picks for Nov. 1-3: Marcia Wallace, 'Time of Death,' Kerry Washington, 'It Takes a Choir'

October 31, 2013 at 7:05PM
Nicolle Kissee with her aunt, Tiffani Bean, in a scene from the six-part Showtime documentary series Time of Death (Episode 6). - Photo: D&J Productions/Courtesy of SHOWTIME - Photo ID: TimeOfDeath_.ep6_06.R
Nicolle Kissee with her aunt, Tiffani Bean, in the Showtime documentary series “Time of Death.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia

Marcia Wallace, who passed away earlier this week, may have been best known for her work on "The Bob Newhart Show" and "The Simpsons," but she also proved a valuable asset on game shows. A four-hour marathon in her honor will include classic episodes of "Match Game," "Password Plus" and "The $100,000 Pyramid" (7 a.m. Friday, GSN).

The long goodbye

TV can kill off a dozen characters before the first commercial break, but it rarely examines dying in any deep capacity. "Time of Death" (8 p.m. Friday, Showtime), a new docu-series, is the exception as it spends quality time with families facing the loss of a loved one.

Kerry on

"Saturday Night Live" (10:35 p.m. Saturday, KARE, Ch. 11) responded to criticism about a lack of black females in the cast by wisely selecting Kerry Washington to host with musical guest Eminem. Don't expect the "Scandal" star to guzzle champagne at the after-party. She's pregnant.

Finding harmony

In "It Takes a Choir" (7 p.m. Sunday, USA), choirmaster Gareth Malone unites families and communities through the power of music — and lots of rehearsal time. Now if only he would work his magic on the Minnesota Orchestra.

Neal Justin

FILE - This 1972 file photo made available by CBS Television shows Marcia Wallace. Wallace, who played a receptionist on "The Bob Newhart Show" and the voice of Edna Krabappel on "The Simpsons" died Saturday Oct. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/CBS) ORG XMIT: MIN2013103014150251
Wallace . Wallace, who played a receptionist on “The Bob Newhart Show” and the voice of Edna Krabappel on “The Simpsons” died Saturday Oct. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/CBS) ORG XMIT: MIN2013103014150251 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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