Kevin Bacon plays a former FBI agent in 'The Following.' Photo credit: Fox
TV needs another serial-killer drama the way Bill Gates needs more money.
Yet “The Following,” a brutal drama debuting at 9 p.m. Monday, jolts a tired genre. This extremely grim and adult thriller has three valuable players. Creator Kevin Williamson knows how to tell a sprawling mystery yet slip in the shocks to keep viewers riveted.
“The Following” has two powerful stars: Kevin Bacon brings a haggard intensity to former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, who’s left shattered by his dealings with serial killer Joe Carroll. As the controlling Carroll, James Purefoy (“Rome”) shifts easily between charm and menace.
The series focuses on Carroll’s scary ability to mesmerize pathetic followers. Yet “The Following” balances that pack of loons with Hardy’s determined colleagues. The standout: Annie Parisse, who comes aboard as an FBI specialist in episode two.
Fox has endured a rough season so far, but “The Following” is a chilling step in the right direction. Keep in mind this warning, though: This horrifying show is not for the squeamish or the young.
Also this week:
“Private Practice,” the “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff that never matched the original, wraps up after six seasons at 10 p.m. Tuesday on ABC. The show will give fans a big wedding for Addison (Kate Walsh) and a return visit by Broadway star Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett.
“White Collar,” the USA drama, returns at 10 p.m. Tuesday with an episode that sends Neal undercover to thwart a kingpin in the Irish Mob.
ABC rolls out the two-hour premiere of “The Taste” at 8 p.m. Tuesday. This cooking contest seems to owe a debt to “The Voice,” because the judges are doing blind tastings. Those judges include Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson.
PBS’ “Nature” premieres the three-part “Life Stories” at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The program salutes filmmaker David Attenborough’s remarkable 60-year career.
“Project Runway” begins its 11th season at 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime. This time around, the contestants work as teams. The guest judges this season include Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler.
“Spartacus: War of the Damned” returnsat 9 p.m. Friday on Starz for the final season of the gladiator drama. You know how it’s going to end, from history and the Kirk Douglas movie, but Liam McIntyre is compelling as Spartacus.
Adam Levine hosts “Saturday Night Live” at 11:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC, and that news should please fans of “The Voice.” Kendrick Lamar is the musical guest.