Mike Hughes on TV

1) “NCIS: Origins” and “NCIS,” 8 and 9 p.m., CBS. Put these together and you have a compelling, movie-length tale. The first hour (starting with Mark Harmon as the old Gibbs) takes the team to a small town (shown here) for quick twists, fierce action and a so-so finish. The second makes up for that, brilliantly bridging past and present, with a smart story, dabs of humor and deep pools of emotion Read more…

1) “The Paper,” 8:30 p.m., NBC. Twelve years after “The “Office” ended, the fun resumes. The company was sold to a Toledo firm, which has an awful newspaper (shown here). With much idealism and no experience, Ned takes over the paper. Some episodes (already on Peacock) paint him as too foolish, in the Michael Scott mold. This opener, however, is a delight. Read more…

1) “Maigret” season-finale, 9 p.m., PBS. In fiction, crimesolvers tend to live alone; Maigret is a pleasant exceptioon. His wife (played with subtle perfection by Stefanie Martini, shown here) is a psychiatric nurse and a positive force. Now she plays a key role in the compelling end to this two-week story. Read more…

1) “I Am Chris Farley” (2015), 8-10 p.m., CW. Farley was compared to one of his comedy idols, John Belushi. They were large men and gifted comedy actors, creating memorable characters. Both starred on “Saturday Night Live” for five years; both died of a drug overdose at 33. Farley created memorable characters, including his overwrought life coach, shown here. Fired from “SNL,” he was building a movie career; here’s a profile. Read more…