“Outlander”: an 8-year, 12-year, 225-year journey

A dozen years ago, Scottish actors were buzzing about the odd project that was consuming their film industry.
“It just arrived in force and it absorbed about 85 percent of our television crew,” Richard Rankin said.
This was “Outlander” (shown here) now a familiar show — its eighth and final season starts Friday -(March 6) — but then an oddity. Its time-travel story sweeps across two centuries of adventure and romance; working in it was a logical goal for Scotsmen and others. Read more…

Best-bets for March 1: new “Marshals,” old musical

1) “Marshals” debut, 8 p.m., CBS. As “Yellowstone” finished, Kayce Dutton gave his family’s mega-ranch to his wife’s tribe; he was at peace. Now his world has been upended; he needs a new life — and a former SEAL buddy, now a U.S. marshal, needs help. There are some strong action moments, including (shown here) trouble during a speech and protest. This sequel is way too thick with its macho dialog, but gives us sturdy people to care about. Read more…

Week’s top-10 for March 2: return of “NCIS,” “St. Denis” and much more

1) “NCIS” shows return, 8-11 p.m. Tuesday, CBS. After waiting for the Olympics, State of the Union and more, all three have new hours. Ellie (Emily Wickersham, shown here), now a suspected terrorist, returns to the original show. On “Origins” (9 p.m.), young Gibbs, already widowed, has married Diane; they ponder their future. On “Sydney” (10 p.m.), the team probes a murder in Antarctica. Read more…

Best-bets for Feb. 28: Image Awards and “SNL”

1) “NAACP Image Awards,” 8 p.m., BET, CBS, MTV, VH1, CMT, TV Land, Comedy Central, more; repeating at 10 on BET. Deon Cole hosts, Viola Davis gets a lifetime honor and there are awards for movies, TV and music. Nominated for best movie are “Sinners” (shown here), “Wicked: For Good,” “Sarah’s Oil,” “Highest 2 Lowest” and “One of Them Days.” Read more…

Best-bets for Feb. 27: a tough, taut night for dramas

1) “Boston Blue,” 10 p.m., CBS. Back from a nine-week break, here’s a potent hour. Jonah, a rookie cop, was on a solo mission to avenge the murder of his dad, a judge. That creates a fresh crisis; At the shooting scene (shown here), Jonah’s family has to step aside, with Danny and Sean taking over. The result is what “Boston Blue” thrives on — a mixture of tough, cop-show action and family emoti0n. Read more…

“Marshals” revives the “Yellowstone” world

The “Yellowstone” world is back now, surprising viewers … and surprising the people involved.
“I thought ‘Yellowstone was over,” said Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton. “I didn’t see any chance of it continuing — especially with Kayce’s arc ending so sort of perfectly.”
But now “Marshals” (shown here) debuts at 8 p.m. Sunday (March 1) on CBS. with a familiar feel. “We shot on the same sound stages that we started ‘Yellowstone’ on, in 2017,” Grimes told the Television Critics Association.
And in the same settings. “We still have the great cinematography landscape,” said Gil Birmingham, who plays the tribal leader on both shows. “And we’re going to still have the center and the nerve of ‘Yellowstone.'” Read more…