TV reviews for May 18-21: 'Mad Men,' 'The Bachelorette,' David Letterman, Mariah Carey

May 15, 2015 at 5:55PM
Jon Hamm as Don Draper - Mad Men _ Season 7B, Gallery _ Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC
Jon Hamm as Don Draper. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

One last toast

From the looks of it, Don Draper's world will never be the same — and neither will ours. "Mad Men," which concludes its critically acclaimed run, may not go down as the greatest drama of all time — although some will make that argument — but it was instrumental in proving that basic cable could produce TV just as riveting as HBO and Showtime. How it all ends is not nearly as important as how it all played out, providing viewers a peek into a different kind of world with complex, compelling characters. There will never be another quite like it. 9 p.m. Sunday, AMC

Glitter

Mariah Carey makes an attempt to reclaim her diva status with an appearance on "The 2015 Billboard Music Awards," hosted by Ludacris and Chrissy Teigen. Carey may not be a hot hitmaker now, but keep in mind that she has had more No. 1 songs than any other solo artist in the Billboard chart's 56-year history. 7 p.m. Sunday, KSTP, Ch. 5

This means war

Things are getting even nastier on "The Bachelorette" — if you can believe that. This time, two female contestants will have to duke it out before choosing "the love of her life." The rose industry must be making a fortune. 8:01 p.m. Monday, KSTP, Ch. 5

Farewell to the king

For more than 30 years, David Letterman has been a fixture in late-night TV, influencing more comics and introducing great music more than any other figure. The final episode of "The Late Show With David Letterman" may not be as emotional as Johnny Carson's farewell, but its significance is just as important. 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, WCCO, Ch. 4

Neal Justin


FILE - In this Monday, April 27, 2015, file photo, Mariah Carey poses for a photo at her Official Welcome to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Billboard and Dick Clark Productions announced Tuesday, May 5, 2015, that Carey will perform on this yearís awards show. The 2015 Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17. (Photo by Andrew Estey/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this Monday, April 27, 2015, file photo, Mariah Carey poses for a photo at her Official Welcome to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Billboard and Dick Clark Productions announced Tuesday, May 5, 2015, that Carey will perform on this yearís awards show. The 2015 Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17. (Photo by Andrew Estey/Invision/AP, File) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
FILE - In this April 3, 2014 file photo provided by CBS, David Letterman, host of the ìLate Show with David Letterman,î smiles after announcing his retirement during a taping in New York. Letterman will host his final show on May 20. (AP Photo/CBS, Jeffrey R. Staab) MANDATORY CREDIT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, FOR NORTH AMERICAN USE ONLY
FILE - In this April 3, 2014 file photo provided by CBS, David Letterman, host of the ìLate Show with David Letterman,î smiles after announcing his retirement during a taping in New York. Letterman will host his final show on May 20. (AP Photo/CBS, Jeffrey R. Staab) MANDATORY CREDIT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, FOR NORTH AMERICAN USE ONLY (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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