What to Watch on TV this Weekend: Jenn's Guide

April 29 – May 5, 2016

Just as I remember my location when I learned about the deaths of Elvis, MJ and Whitney, I’ll remember exactly where I was when I learned that Prince had passed away. I was texting with my friend about securing Gwen Stefani tickets for her summer show in Atlanta as the interrupting text came through: “Prince is dead.”

It may just as well have said “Up is down,” or “Left if right.” The sequence of words took some time to sink in, especially given that he had performed in Atlanta only one week earlier. My mind began to spin as I remembered how each of his albums was a backdrop to my life, dating back to middle school. His songs were anthems and his brilliance dominant as he created masterpieces to be performed by not only him, but also other highly regarded artists.

If you haven’t seen the iconic movie Purple Rain which personified the color purple for millions of us, you can catch it on Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m. on VH1 Classics, Ch. 358. I managed to get the Purple Rain cassette tape in sixth grade and had to hide it from my parents. Darling Nikki would have led to immediate confiscation. It was fantastic. Prince was fantastic. I know he’d adore the nonstop celebrations of his life and music that have been constant during the last week. I plan to raise a purple drink in his honor this weekend, in addition to taking in some quality TV!

Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming week of April 29 – May 5.

Monica the Medium

Monday, May 2 – ABCF – 10 p.m.

We’ve seen mediums of all ages grace the television screen, but Monica brings a storyline that adds a new level of interest. She and her best friend leave the chilly temps of Penn State to head for sunny San Diego. It’s almost as if she stops to do a reading here and there as we watch her figure out a new life in California. Her readings seem spot on, as most televised readings will. More than anything, I’m anxious to find out who her new roommates will be – and what they’ll think of her “gift.”

The First 48

Saturday, April 30 – A&E – 9 p.m.

I have been hooked on this show for years. I had heard before that if a homicide isn’t well on its way to being solved in the first 48 hours, the odds of it being solved diminish drastically. Turns out, it’s true. This show films in several different major cities, including Miami and Dallas. The viewer arrives at the crime scene as the detectives initially begin an investigation, and the clock begins to tick. It’s interesting to watch the behavior of suspects and witnesses, since it doesn’t seem to vary much from region to region. Forensics is a true science. Great show.

The Blacklist

Thursday, April 5 – NBC – 9 p.m.

This is a story we’ve heard before: Criminal turns into federal helper and all-around good guy. Well, that’s sort of the story. Raymond "Red" Reddington is a bit of a jerk, but we love him anyway because he’s played by James Spader. And we all know that James Spader can only play a jerk – and no one does it better. Reddington has a robust list of criminals that includes politicians, mobsters and terrorists, and he’s ready to help put them away for good. Buckle your seatbelt.

The Dead Files

Saturday, April 30 – TRVL – 10 p.m.

This show is a great tool for actually “proving” psychic ability. Amy Allan, who has become one of my heroes, is a psychic who can tour a building and tell you exactly who or what is haunting it, and why. Meanwhile, a retired NYC detective, Steve DiSchiavi, does his own investigation of the property. The two come together at the end to compare notes, and they always match up nicely. Allan has a sketch artist recreate an image of the head ghost in charge, and it undoubtedly matches a real-life picture of some creepy, mean man that DiSchiavi has managed to secure. Chilling and addictive.

The Vampire Diaries

Friday, April 29 – KTLA – 8 p.m.

Admittedly, I’m not much of a “vamp.” This is probably the only vampire-themed show that has drawn me in and kept me interested. It’s based on a wildly popular book series of the same name, written by L. J. Smith. It’s set in a fictional Virginia town that has a haunting problem. Vampires, werewolves and witches feel really at home there, but moreover, the regulars – love, lust, jealousy, revenge and atonement – all come into play. We’re still learning about the mysterious past of this spooky little town some seven years later. Talk about staying power.

Jane the Virgin

Monday, May 2 – KTLA – 9 p.m.

I wasn’t sold on the premise of this show at first. My first assumption was that it made light of pregnancy or virginity – or something like that. That’s what I get for assuming. The show is a little offbeat but very witty and actually family driven. I wouldn’t let my 9-year-old watch it, but that doesn’t mean a teenager and parent wouldn’t – together – find it entertaining. As you might have guessed, Jane is a young virgin. She is accidentally impregnated (Can you imagine the lawsuit?) and now must deal with her future as well as the future of her child.

This feature is brought to you by Cox Communications.

Check out the new Contour from Cox where you can find your favorite shows and movies after with Smart Search and voice commands, save up to 1,000 hours of programming, watch anywhere in your home and more.

To learn more about the latest in Cox TV offers, click here.

Do you have enough speed to stream movies? Discover your speed with just a click.

Cox is in the Community. See how we support our local communities at www.Cox-Cares.org.