TV

8 things to watch this week

1. The Knick

Friday, 10 p.m., Cinemax

HBO
Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland) forces Thackery’s (Clive Owen) hand during surgery, angering Eleanor (Maya Kazan). Still in recovery after her uncomfortable skin graft to her rotting, syphilitic nose, Abigail (Jennifer Ferrin) regrets her past choices involving Thackery. Cleary (Chris Sullivan), the ambulance driver, and Sister Harriet (Cara Seymour), the chain-smoking nun, strike a deal. Bertie’s (Michael Angarano, third from left) father, Dr. Bertram Chickering Sr. (Reg Rogers), scolds his son for his career choices. Nosy Nurse Lucy (Eve Hewson) learns of Thackery’s secret life when she enters the Mott Street opium den.

2. Houdini

Monday and Tuesday, 9 p.m., History

History Channel
The greatest escape artist of all time, Harry Houdini and his colorful life story get the biopic treatment on the History Channel. Adrien Brody, who once had his own magic act as an 11-year-old growing up in Queens, plays the magician who was born Ehrich Weiss and moved with his family from Budapest to Wisconsin. He went from circus sideshows to sold-out concerts and eventually private magic shows for the German kaiser and the Russian czar Nicholas II. Joining Brody is Kristen Connolly (“House of Cards”) as Bess Houdini, the love of Harry’s life and his right hand when it came to some of his most amazing feats.

3. Legends

Wednesday, 9 p.m., TNT

TNT
Martin (Sean Bean with Necar Zadegan) is sold some bogus VX gas, resulting in the apprehension of the Colonel and Ana Paulanos by the FBI’s Deep Cover Organization. Then one of the Colonel’s minions releases VX on a crowded bus, and promises more attacks if they aren’t released.

4. Rizzoli & Isles

Tuesday, 9 p.m., TNT

TNT
A notable county prosecutor (Jamie Bamber) is arrested for murder, and as the case against him grows increasingly strong, Jane (Angie Harmon) begins to doubt he did it. Angela nominates herself to educate Maura (Sasha Alexander) on the interests of kids today when she hears Maura is going to meet Jack’s 12-year-old daughter.

5. Ray Donovan

Sunday, 9 p.m., Showtime

Showtime
The you-know-what hits the fan this week. Mickey (Jon Voight) has an encounter at the home of a Paramount executive (Richard Benjamin, far right) with a guest who changes the tenor of the meeting. Lee Drexler (Peter Jacobson) won’t let Marvin Gaye Washington (Octavius Johnson) out of his record contract. Ray (Liev Schreiber) persuades him to let Cookie (Omar Dorsey) take over, with explosive consequences.

6. Under the Dome

Monday, 10 p.m., CBS

CBS
Big Jim (Dean Norris) finally learns the shocking truth about what really happened to his wife, Pauline (Sherry Stringfield), when they are reunited. Meanwhile, climate change poses a new threat to Chester’s Mill. Co-starring Mike Vogel and Eddie Cahill.

7. The Strain

Sunday, 10 p.m., FX

FX
After discovering the potency of ultraviolet light against the strigoi, Setrakian (David Bradley) gains a new and unlikely disciple. A quick trip to a Brooklyn convenience store turns into a deadly all-night siege. Starring Corey Stoll and Sean Astin.

8. The Brittany Murphy Story

Saturday, 8 p.m., Lifetime

Lifetime
Brittany Murphy (Amanda Fuller) was only 32 years old when she died, but how? Drugs? Poison? Brittany’s husband Simon Monjack (Eric Petersen) and her mother Sharon (Sherilyn Fenn) blame Hollywood for her death. How did this shining star from New Jersey who soared to instant fame in “Clueless” end up marrying a man who was known for swindling women and spiral into a life of antidepressants? This is the true story of how Brittany’s Hollywood dream turned into a nightmare.