In this installment of his “What’s On?” column, Jeff Holbrook outlines his TV picks for the week starting January 30.
1. Alcatraz 1.04 “Cal Sweeney” (FOX)
Air Time: Monday, January 30th, 2012 @ 9PM ET
See some images from this episode! – Alcatraz at KSiteTV
Synopsis: When a bank robbing criminal (guest star Eric Johnson) returns from the past and things go wrong in the present, Rebecca has to break him out of the hostage-filled bank before people can find out who he is…
Thoughts: After two truly disturbed criminals in back-to-back episodes, I am excited to see what emotion the writers can invoke from viewers with a bank robber. Plus, it is always a pleasure to see Eric Johnson, Smallville’s Whitney Fordman, back on the small screen.
2. The Vampire Diaries 3.13 “Bringing Out The Dead” (The CW)
Air Time: Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 @ 8PM ET
See some images from this episode! – Vampire Diaries at KSiteTV
Synopsis: Sheriff Forbes delivers some disturbing news to Alaric and Elena about the weapon used in a recent murder. In the Salvatore brothers’ escalating quest to kill Klaus, Stefan turns to Bonnie and Abby, while Damon reaches out to an old acquaintance for help in setting up an elaborate plan. Intent on a plan of his own, Klaus hosts a strange dinner party, where he reveals another story from his family’s violent past until an unexpected guest brings the party to an end. Meanwhile, Caroline is heartbroken when she is unable to stop a tragedy from unfolding.
Thoughts: Elijah is back and the continuing quest of twists and turns continues this week! Also, what exciting new story does Klaus plan to unleash? This, like most episodes of this hit series, is an episode you will not want to miss!
3. Secret Circle 1.13 “Medallion” (The CW)
Air Time: Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 @ 9PM ET
See some images from this episode! – The Secret Circle at KSiteTV
Synopsis: Cassie enlists the Circle’s help when she receives a frightening warning about the witch hunters’ return. At the same time, her true feelings for Adam and Jake surface during a birthday party that Ethan decides to throw with the help of Diana. Meanwhile, Faye and Melissa take their inner power to a chilling new level when they try a little of Lee’s (guest star Grey Damon) “Devil’s Spirit.”
Thoughts: After learning more about the boat fire in the last episode, I’m excited to see more about the witch hunters and the extents they are willing to go. Plus, now that we know that Blackwell is still out there, it’s only a matter of time before he surfaces. Hopefully, this episode will be the night.
4. Supernatural 7.13 “The Slice Girls” (CW)
Air Time: Friday, February 3rd, 2012 @ 9PM ET
See some images from this episode! – Supernatural at KSiteTV
Synopsis: Sam and Dean investigate a case where the victims’ hands and feet have been severed and each have been branded with a strange symbol. While Sam does some research at a local university, Dean heads to one of his favorite places to investigate – the town bar. Dean strikes up a conversation with a local named Lydia (guest star Sara Canning, The Vampire Diaries), and the two go back to her place. Sam discovers the symbol on the bodies is a sign of Amazon warriors.
Thoughts: Life is just not the same without this show. This week’s episode contains an extra dose of awesome with Sara Canning, The Vampire Diaries‘ Aunt Jenna, guest starring. In a recent interview, Jared Padalecki has stated that Sam is put in the same situation that Dean faced in the third episode of the season with guest star Jewel Staite, so this episode is looking to be a heart-wrencher.
5. Spartacus: Vengeance 2.02 “A Place In This World” (STARZ)
Air Time: Friday, February 3rd, 2012 @ 10PM ET
Synopsis: Spartacus and his men liberate a Roman villa, but its slaves are wary. Oenomaus throws himself into the brutal Pits, and Glaber supports Lucretia’s prophecies, despite Ilithyia’s protests.
Thoughts: After an epic premiere that has made the stakes of this season extremely high, the second episode looks to throw us into more action. I love Peter Mensah as Oenomaus and cannot wait to see his backstory and more vicious brawls with him. Lucy Lawless also looks to entertain this week now that we see she may be remembering what has happened to her.
