The week’s best TV: ‘Arrow’ debuts, ‘Walking Dead’ returns
BY LORI RACKL TV Critic/lrackl@suntimes.com October 7, 2012 8:56PM
Updated: November 9, 2012 6:11AM
Old favorites (zombies! local restaurants!) are back this week, along with some fun new dramas and a timely documentary about our neighbor to the north:
MONDAY
“Independent Lens: As Goes Janesville”: 10 p.m. on WTTW-Channel 11
Shot over three years, this documentary follows four residents of Janesville, Wis. (hometown of Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, as well as the filmmaker’s wife), as they struggle to cope with the ripple effect of General Motors shutting down its plant there. The story starts shortly after the 2008 closure and continues through the infamous collective bargaining standoff between newly elected Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic state senators.
WEDNESDAY
“Arrow”: 7 p.m. on WGN-Channel 9
The CW, the network of pretty people, has outdone itself with Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy by day, vigilante by night. This slick ★★★ action-drama is based on the comic book superhero Green Arrow. Prepare to quiver.
“Nashville”: 9 p.m. on WLS-Channel 7
In a ★★★ drama, the always charming Connie Britton stars as a gently aging country music legend forced to make room for a devious, young up-and-comer played by Hayden Panettiere. Toss in some sex and Southern-style politics, and you’ve got plenty to sing about.
FRIDAY
“Check, Please! Food Truck Fest Special”: 8 p.m. on WTTW-Channel 11
This simple-yet-always-satisfying local restaurant review series kicks off its 12th season with a special highlighting the city’s food truck scene.
SUNDAY
“The Walking Dead”: 8 p.m. on AMC
Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his rough-and-ready band of survivors have fled the farm and hit the road in the highly anticipated return of the scariest show on television. Now in its third season, this zombie drama isn’t anywhere close to being dead.
