Day: April 14, 2021

1) “Van Helsing” season-opener, 10 p.m., Syfy. After four seasons with Vanessa Van Helsing (shown here) in a near-future world, this goes back to the roots of vampire-hunting: It starts its final season with three episodes set in old Romania. This opener was beautifully directed by Jonathan Scarfe, a gifted actor (and son of Canadian star Sara Botsford) who later will return to his role as Axel. Jack (Nicole Munoz) has been flung into the past, told only to “kill the Dark One.” That’s not easy, amid castle schemes. Read more…

1) “Mom,” 9 p.m., CBS. Only five episodes remain in this show’s great, eight-year run. For a time (after “Big Bang” left), this was TV’s best comedy. It slipped a tad this season, with Anna Faris (as Christy) leaving; still, it has sharp scripts and one of TV’s great characters. That’s Bonnie, perfectly played by Alison Janney, who has two Emmys in the role … plus five in other roles and an Oscar. Tonight (shown here), after a fairly funny “United States of Al” at 8:30, Bonnie is jealous of Tammy’s success. Read more…