They might not be up for an Oscar anytime soon, but you’ll appreciate these actors in the spotlight this week:
“Vikings”
“Game of Thrones” may be getting too complicated for some, but if you’re still yearning to watch an ultra-violent, hyper-sexualized costume drama where you never know who’ll die next, consider this series starring the wonderful Donal Logue, who plays the pillaging King Horik. The brutal saga of Ragnar Lothbrok’s (Travis Fimmel) family and crew returns for its 10-episode second season with more brutal, historically based tales.
Thursday, 10 p.m., History
“Bates Motel”
Yes, the A&E series features Vera Farmiga, who was nominated as 2009 Best Supporting Actress for “Up in the Air” and has snagged an Emmy nomination for this role — but the underrated star of this show is Freddie Highmore.
He should have been nominated for an Oscar as a little boy for “Finding Neverland” and deserves to be recognized here for his outstanding, if disturbing, portrayal of the young Norman Bates in this back story of the villain from “Psycho.”
Also underrated in this offbeat series is Nestor Carbonell as the pursuing sheriff.
Monday, 9 p.m., A&E
“Happy Face Killer”
Mama has always suspected that funny man David Arquette would make a great creepy loner, so here’s his chance to prove her right.
He stars as the truck driver who murders women as he crosses the country, leaving a ghoulish happy face as his calling card at the scenes of the crime. Gloria Reuben co-stars as the FBI investigator chasing him.
Saturday, 8 p.m., Lifetime
“Dallas”
This oily soap opera is in no real danger of garnering elite awards, but it’s hard to deny how much fun it is, even more so now that Judith Light is back as the Texas-sized grandma-from-hell.
She’ll chew up the scenery as she helps her trampy granddaughter Emma (Emma Bell) get it on with the recently engaged, but equally devilish, John Ross (Josh Henderson).
Also back: Devious daddy Harris Ryland, played by “X-Files” alum Mitch Pileggi.
Monday, 9 p.m., TNT
“Suits”
Whoa, Daddy: Is the NBC-owned USA cable network late with its Olympic-sized guest star, or are they just getting a jump start on promoting the 2016 Summer Games? Either way, “Suits” returns for its third season, promoting an upcoming guest shot by swimmer Michael Phelps who plays himself as a client of Pearson Specter.
Thursday, 9 p.m., USA