It’s often said that the vice president of the United States is “one heartbeat away” from the role of commander in chief. But if Veep (10 p.m., Sundays, HBO) is any indication, sometimes second-in-command is actually much further down the totem pole.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as America’s first female vice president, Selina Meyer, a role for which she received an Emmy in 2012. After serving as senator of Maryland and a failed run for president, Selina settles for the role as No. 2 to a president who seems comically unconcerned about her. In fact, the president has never even appeared in an episode — a constant reminder of the disconnect between the two positions.
When a national security issue sweeps the White House, Selina is sent away to make a public appearance at a pig roast. When she puts personal issues aside to endorse a gubernatorial candidate in Ohio, she discovers the politician doesn’t want any support from the low-rated veep.
And despite having to deal with these mundane, unsophisticated tasks, she’s still responsible when snafus arise (as they often do), almost in a constant state of damage control. This season, the president’s senior strategist Kent Davidson (Gary Cole) serves as another foil for Selina, proving a political consultant may serve a more important role than the V.P. herself.
This week, Selina visits Marine Corps Base Quantico with Secretary of Defense General Maddox, who doubts the vice president’s intelligence — er, military intel; the veep’s personal assistant Sue makes headlines after testifying at a congressional hearing on government spending; and Selina finds herself dealing with the Uzbekistani hostage crisis in a “shituation room.”
WEDNESDAY APRIL 24
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (9 p.m., NBC) – In another episode “ripped from the headlines,” a college student is gang-raped at a frat party and the college’s administration won’t cooperate with the victim or SVU. The investigation reveals a history of similar problems at the school.
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell (Season Finale, 9 p.m., Food Network) – Four chefs compete at Nikki Beach in Miami for an executive chef position at the chain’s Ibiza, Spain, location. Tune in to see if Cincy’s own Queen City star (never forget!) and chef at Igby’s, Lauren Brown, makes the cut.
Project Runway (Season Finale, 9 p.m., Lifetime) – Michelle, Stanley and Patricia show their full collections at Lincoln Center. Michael Kors returns to join Heidi, Nina and Zac on the judging panel.
The Office (9 p.m., NBC) – The gang embarks on an office-wide paper plane contest, which, as it turns out, has nothing to do with M.I.A. Andy’s new talent agent (Roseanne Barr) helps him prepare for an acting role.
Parks and Recreation (9:30 p.m., NBC) – Leslie is upset when Ron’s budget cuts propose closing the local putt-putt course. Does anyone else still feel uncomfortable seeing Jon Glaser without a ski mask?
FRIDAY APRIL 26
Vice (11 p.m., HBO) -– China’s one-child policy and centuries of son preference has resulted in a population of marrying-aged men that outnumbers women by millions — and is in need of matchmakers; a look at extremist youth reactions to economic crises in Greece and Spain.
SUNDAY APRIL 28
Game of Thrones (9 p.m., HBO) -– It’s Judgment Day for The Hound and Jaime Lannister, who face different kinds of consequences; Jon Snow proves himself at the Wall and finally gets some one-on-one time with Ygritte; Tyrion learns just how expensive royal weddings are.
Mad Men (10 p.m., AMC) – Rodger works with a new client. How long will it take for Harry Crane to join Cutler, Gleason and Chaough? This week: more Ginsberg and brunette Betty.
MONDAY APRIL 29
RuPaul’s Drag Race (9 p.m., Logo) – Looks like the finals will have a say in who becomes America’s next drag superstar. As votes for Jinkx, Roxxxy and Alaska roll in, we’ll get a Ru-cap of the season — and hopefully another glimpse at the first eliminated queen, Cincinnati’s Penny Tration.
TUESDAY APRIL 30
Inside Amy Schumer (Season Premiere, 10:30 p.m., Comedy Central) – Comedian Amy Schumer hops on the new Comedy Central series bandwagon with this sketch/interview/stand-up hybrid. In this premiere, Amy auditions for “2 Girls 1 Cup” and explores the aftermath of a one-night stand.
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected] or @jackern
