Spies, Music, and Comedy

If you have caught up on all your shows over the holiday break, you may be ready for these new and returning shows.  And this is just the start. 

Marvel's Agent Carter, ABC, January 6:  Yes, we have a new hero on television, but this time it is not a man in tights.  Tonight's two-hour premiere will introduce you to wartime-era Peggy Carter and the covert Strategic Scientific Reserve, the predecessor to S.H.I.E.L.D.  

Empire, Fox, January 7:  Here you have a family struggle within a multimillion dollar music empire, with all of the trimmings to keep it interesting.  The Seattle Times calls is a "cliché-ridden but eminently watchable nighttime soap opera."

Portlandia, IFC, January 8:  Season five is here and I expect it to be as good as ever.  You cannot go wrong sitting down for half-an-hour and watching these strange and amusing skits.  Portland will never be the same. 

Glee, Fox, January 9:  This two hour premiere of Glee's last season with the kids from McKinley High.  Going into its sixth season, the glow has worn off, but they can still belt out some interesting variations on well-known songs.  Empire may be the new way of television shows, but the glee club certainly had its moment in the sun.  

Update: Empire has been picked up for a second season.