Weekend Preview: Not Even Carla Gugino’s Typewriter Can Salvage ‘Political Animals’

Breaking Bad (AMC, Sunday) — Walter White and Jesse Pinkman return with the second episode of the fifth season. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Chekhov’s gun, the pink teddy bear, and Plinko.

Political Animals (USA Network, Sunday) — I was actually excited about the USA Network series barely disguised as Hilary Clinton fan-fic, mostly because of Carla Gugino. But I thought the opening episode was pretty lousy, through and through.

Newsroom (HBO, Sunday) — Newsroom, on the other hand, I continue to like more and more, and I thought for all its over-the-top manipulations (and despite the Coldplay song) that the fourth episode was the best of the season so far.

Weeds (Showtime, Sunday) — It’s ironic that Weeds — the show that nearly stopped Breaking Bad from happening — would also be in its final season, airing on the same night. Thank God Vince Gilligan forgot to order Showtime.

Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, Friday) — Tune in tonight to see Ed Helms, because apparently this show loves everyone that’s ever been on The Office or Parks and Recreation, which isn’t at all a bad thing.

The Dark Knight Rises (Movie Theaters, All of Them) — Do it. Go see it. It’s a bargain at three times the price. Just don’t go on Sunday night.