Daily Best Bets

Best-bets for April 29: library joy, Arctic cool

1) “Independent Lens,” 10-11:30 p.m., PBS. Here is a joyous journey through the world of libraries. We see grand temples in big cities … tiny oases in small towns (an example is shown here) … and a bookmobile roaming Baton Rouge. We hear of crises – tax revolts, segregation, book-banning – and heroes who brought books to everyone from inner-city kids to rural Wisconsinites. Read more…

Best-bets for April 27: a great night for dramas

1) “Dark Winds” season-finale, 9 p.m., AMC. Four potent stories wrap up in a deeply moving hour. Joe (shown here) chases the killer who haunts a terrified teen. He agonizes over the FBI agent pursuing him … and over his wife, who left when his agony became overwhelming. Also, his ex-deputy is on a one-person battle with a cartel. It’s a superb finish. Read more…

Best-bets for April 26: Burt, Paul and Queen

1) “I Am Burt Reynolds” (2020), 8 p.m., CW. Reynolds (shown here) chose Florida State because it matched his prime interests – girls and football. He excelled at both, until two injuries forced a detour. He transformed into an action hero with a breezy sense of humor; for five straight years, he was No. 1 at the box office. It was a fascinating life, skillfully described here. Read more…

Best-bets for April 25: flames, crooks and jazz

1) “Fire Country” season-finale, 9-11 p.m., CBS. Two new episodes conclude a strong season. At 9 p.m., a fire erupts at a gas station; Manny (shown here) and Bode jump into action. At 10, fierce winds push a wildfire toward the town and toward the care home where Walter Leone (the retired fire chief, who is Vince and Luke’s father and Bode’s grandfather) lives. Read more…

Best-bets for April 22: some Earth Day splendor

1) Earth Day, streaming networks. This is the day for streamers to debut nature films. There’s “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” on Disney+ and “Kiss the Ground” on Amazon Prime, each with a companion film. Also, Netflix has “Pangolin,” Apple TV+ has the new “Jane” season and Peacock and Hulu have the “Americas” series (shown here), a gem that just finished its NBC run. Read more…