Race problems in the United States are complicated. They're not black and white.
American Race, a two-night, four episode docu-series, premieres at 8 p.m. today on TNT. In the first episode, "Baltimore Rising," NBA legend/sports commentator Charles Barkley begins an ambitious journey across the country to discuss racial matters "with the goal of building the kind of mutual understanding that can lead to productive solutions."
"Race is the most divisive issue in America," Barkley says in the series, "and the biggest problem in my adult life. This is not about black and white. It's about everybody. We're all in this together."
Baltimore is the first stop because it's a key city in the Black Lives Matter movement. Barkley embeds with the community and police.
The premiere is followed by a second episode, "Muslim Is the New Black." In this hour, Barkley heads to Irving, Texas, where a local ordinance has banned "foreign laws" and armed protests have taken place outside the local mosque.
The final two episodes follow Friday.
At 8 p.m., "Entertainment Still So White" has Barkley discussing racial stereotypes with entertainers in Los Angeles, including Korean rapper Dumbfounded, rapper/actor Ice Cube (Barbershop films) and the improvisational comedy troupe The Upright Citizens Brigade.
The finale at 9 p.m., "The Divided States of America," finds Barkley in Atlanta where he meets undocumented residents and civic leaders who are using social media to oppose new immigration policies. He also has an interview with C.T. Vivian, civil rights pioneer and close friend of Martin Luther King Jr.
In a news release, TNT says the goal of the series is "to take a journey across the country to explore the race issue from different angles and engage in thoughtful but spirited dialogue with a diverse cross section of Americans."
Barkley says he is troubled by the way racism and other forms of discrimination have affected so many communities. He has made it his mission not only to learn about varying perspectives but also to give a voice to those most affected by discrimination.
TNT notes, "The results are shockingly provocative and strikingly emotional, with Barkley finding his own preconceived notions being examined and challenged in each episode." Barkley eventually realizes that his own views continue to evolve.
The series, which was previously titled Race Card, is rated TV-14 for language and violence.
• I Love Dick. OK, Amazon. We get it. The title of your new comedy is supposed to cause titters and tongue clucking. What are you guys, 14 years old?
Oh. Wait. I Love Dick is adapted from the 1997 Chris Kraus novel of the same name and is directed and executive produced by Emmy-winning Transparent creator/writer/executive producer Jill Soloway.
Never mind.
At any rate, I Love Dick arrives Friday on Amazon. Dick is short for Richard.
In the series, Kathryn Hahn (Crossing Jordan, Transparent) plays frustrated filmmaker Chris, who is treading water in a troubled marriage and stagnant career.
She attends an artistic retreat in Texas and develops an obsession with a charismatic sculptor named Dick, played by Kevin Bacon (Footloose, The Following). Griffin Dunne (Dallas Buyers Club) portrays Chris' historian husband, Sylvere. He also develops an obsession with Dick.
This is serious TV-MA stuff with lots of "erotic tension, feminine desire and complex humanity." It also has fascinating, nuanced characters, shifting points of view and an in-depth exploration of diverse feminism designed for the discerning viewer.
If this sort of adult intellectual TV comedy appeals to you, check out I Love Dick.
SEASON FINALES
Today:
Chicago Med, 8 p.m. NBC. In "Love Hurts," a brash new doctor arrives at the hospital.
The Catch, 9 p.m. ABC. In "The Mockingbird," a shocking betrayal could change everything.
Mom, 8 p.m., CBS. In "Lockjaw and a Liquid Diet," Bonnie (Allison Janney) gets in trouble with the IRS.
Life in Pieces, 8:30 p.m. CBS. In "Poison Fire Treats," Colleen and Matt (Angelique Cabral, Thomas Sadoski) miss their flight to Mexico, plus lots of other stuff.
Riverdale, 8 p.m. The CW. In "Chapter 13; The Sweet Hereafter," Archie and Veronica (KJ Apa, Camila Mendes) continue to grow closer.
Friday:
Shark Tank, 8 p.m. ABC. A recap highlights the Sharks' inspirational stories.
Hawaii 5-0, 8 p.m. CBS. In "Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono," Five-0 attempts to rescue girls trapped in a sex trafficking ring.
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Weekend on 05/11/2017