Critic’s corner

February 16, 2011|Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior 10 p.m., Channel 4

There’s something disappointing about this — not because Forest Whitaker is working on TV. We’re a decade into understanding that TV is a great opportunity for actors looking for rich material. But the fact that Whitaker (pictured), who won an Oscar for “The Last King of Scotland,’’ is working on a procedural spin-off feels wrong. He has an interesting, unusual screen presence, and more to offer than procedurals generally allow (see his interesting stints on “The Shield’’ and “ER’’). Also, franchise series have lost their buzz and ratings, making them more of a dead end than ever (see “Law and Order: LA,’’ currently in limbo).

Justified 10 p.m., FX

Whew. After the “Terriers’’ ratings debacle, I was anxious about this fine show. But the second season premiere last week brought in a very nice 3.5 million viewers — up 42 percent from the first season average. That means viewers are starting to catch on to the fact that this is one of the best shows on TV. I’m loving the new characters, played by Jeremy Davies of “Lost’’ and Margo Martindale of too many shows to name. Give the show a try.

Mr. Sunshine 9:30 p.m., Channel 5

Can it be any blander than last week’s premiere?

Hot in Cleveland 10 p.m., TV Land

The Lucci.

Survivor: Redemption Island 8 p.m., Channel 4

Maybe this should have been the title of “Lost.’’

Modern Family 9 p.m., Channel 5

Fizbo, snubbed.