Looking past the age-old tradition of turkeys and pigskin, the Fourcast delves in the heart of this week’s cornucopia of television and picks the best.

Sunday, November 24

Live:        The Walking Dead
Why: ‘Dead Weight’ is the second installment in the Governor’s story, where the quasi-villain’s priorities have changed to include a little “taking-a-liking-to-little-Meghan” as a possible replacement for Penny. Or maybe he’s just saving her to do what he couldn’t for his little girl. Either way, he’s in charge.
American Music Awards
Why:  Though the trophies are beyond pointless, the performers at this year’s event, hosted by Pitbull, reflect pop’s eclectic 2013 menu: One Direction, Florida-Georgia Line, Kendrick Lamar and Miley Cyrus–who will have to incorporate endangered sea turtles and top secret nuclear codes in order to top her VMA twerktacular.

DVR:       Once Upon a Time
Why:  On hiatus this week (because of the AMA’s), but we’re still reeling from last week’s plot twist. Update: Henry Mills’ Thanksgiving is not the best.
Homeland
Why: Carrie and Brody reunite under difficult circumstances; Saul gets a win from an unlikely source; Dana struggles with her new life.
Revenge
Why: Victoria eagerly threw Emily a bridal shower. As Daniel grew more distant, Emily has to take measures to keep control of the Graysons, telling him she was pregnant.

Monday, November 25

Live:        How I Met Your Mother
Why:  In an entire half-hour of just rhymes, Marshall tries to get Marvin to sleep by reciting three bedtime tales about his friends as they wind down their epic cross-country journey. Meanwhile, it becomes increasingly nerve-wracking whether or not he’ll make it to the wedding on time.
Almost Human
Why: After the two episodes that aired back to back, J.J. Abrams’ newest science fiction creation is solidly good television in an era where fantasy and the supernatural have dominated TV.  With an exciting plot and fabulous acting from Star Trek’s Karl Urban, the sci-fi cop show surpasses Supernatural creator Kripke’s falling Revolution.
Sleepy Hollow
Why:  I’ve never been one to shy away from ridiculously attractive men with accents (TVD, OUAT I’m looking at you) yet, with this first attraction, Sleepy Hollow is a surprisingly deep story that entrances the viewer, providing ‘just the right amount’ of everything that made shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer so amazing.

DVR:        Dancing with the Stars
Why: Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani have been eliminated. The final four include Amber Riley and Derek Hough, Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff, Jack Osbourne and Cheryl Burke and Bill Engvall and Emma Slater.

Tuesday, November 26

Live:        Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Why:  Amy (Melissa Fumero) wants to host a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire precinct, but it turns into a holiday disaster when Holt and Jake must leave to go catch a perp. So, Boyle steps in to save Turkey Day.

DVR:       Agents of SHIELD
Why:  In this episode we explore Agent May’s mysterious history, why she’s called the calvary, and a classic children’s rhyme: ‘the power on the bus goes down, down, down.’
Supernatural
Why: When four murder victims from the same church chastity group are murdered, Sheriff Jody Mills calls in Sam and Dean for help. However, Dean soon disappears and Sam and Jody have to go after him.
New Girl
Why: The gang goes camping for Thanksgiving. Coach and Schmidt have a “male-out,” while Cece and Winston bond over mutual distaste for the outdoors.
The Mindy Project
Why:  When Mindy’s cheating ex-boyfriend Josh invites her to his wedding, Mindy panics to find a date and begrudgingly decides to take Peter.

Wednesday, November 27

Sadly, Wednesday and Thursday’s amazing shows don’t get an episode, due to Thanksgiving activities such as running a ball wearing tight pants while flexing muscles; I advise watching Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 29

Live:         Nikita
Why: In its fourth and final season, Nikita reunites with Michael, Birkhoff and Ryan aboard the team’s aircraft command center. Michael refuses to discuss their relationship but tells Nikita she should stay with the group and let them help her clear her name. Ryan realizes Amanda is making doubles of VIPs with The Shop’s help.

DVR:       Grimm
Why: Nick and Hank are on the case: repeat instances of vigilantism incite whispers of an old Spanish legend making its way through a working-class neighborhood.

– Kate Clement