Monday night
“Top of the Lake”: Elisabeth Moss of “Mad Men” delivers an Emmy-worthy performance in this edgy, disturbing and altogether fascinating miniseries mystery from Jane Campion (“The Piano”).
Moss plays a detective from Sydney who is investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old among the backwoods of New Zealand.
The saga is full of intriguing twists and eccentric characters, including a bizarre mystic (Holly Hunter) who heads up an all-female commune. 9 p.m., Sundance Channel.
Let’s get ready to rumba. “Dancing With the Stars” is back for its 16th season with a roster that includes wannabe hoofers Wynonna Judd, Kellie Pickler, Andy Dick, D.L. Hughley and Dorothy Hamill. 8 p.m., ABC.
Is it time to avoid the shower again? In “Bates Motel,” a prequel to Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” we’re introduced to troubled teen Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his domineering mother (Vera Farmiga). 10 p.m., A&E.
Tuesday
Will “Splash” make a big one in the ratings? It’s a new reality series that has celebrities facing off in a diving competition. Olympian Greg Louganis serves as a coach. 8 p.m., ABC.
Wednesday
On “Duck Dynasty,” the company throws a casino night party to celebrate the sale of its 5 millionth duck call. Now, that’s something to really quack about. 10 p.m., A&E.
Thursday
So, just who isn’t sleeping around on “Scandal”? In tonight’s episode, the president’s (Tony Goldwyn) top choice for a Supreme Court seat is caught in a torrid affair with a high-powered CEO (Lisa Edelstein), who just happens to be a client of Olivia’s (Kerry Washington). 10:02 p.m., ABC.
Friday
On “Nikita,” our title hero (Maggie Q) wants the president of Chad to be killed in Paris, but Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca) disagrees and refuses to take part in the plan. We say make her go stand in the corner. 8 p.m., The CW.
Saturday
Josh Duhamel is our host for the 26th annual “Kids’ Choice Awards,” which honor kids’ favorites in TV, movies, music and sports.
Scheduled performers include Pitbull, Christina Aguilera and KeSha. 8 p.m., Nickelodeon.
Chuck Barney
Contra Costa Times
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
