Friday’s TV Highlights: ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’ on Starz

Click here to download TV listings for the week of Jan. 20 - 16, 2013 in PDF format

This week’s TV Movies

SERIES

Nikita: Nikita (Maggie Q) joins forces with Owen (Devon Sawa) to bring down a rogue “cleaner” (Pedro Pascal), while Michael (Shane West) assumes a new position at Division and where he watches Nikita and Owen work together in this new episode (8 p.m. KTLA).

Shakespeare Uncovered: In this new six-part series the story behind Shakespeare’s greatest plays is presented by celebrity hosts. In the opening episode, “Ethan Hawke on Macbeth,” the actor invites viewers to play the murderous Thane of Cawdor by uncovering the true story that served as inspiration (9 p.m. KOCE). Joley Richardson hosts a second episode at 10.

Austin City Limits: Norah Jones presents songs from “Little Broken Hearts” and Kat Edmonson performs songs from “Way Down Low” in this new episode (9 p.m. KLCS).

Spartacus: War of the Damned: The epic, blood-drenched series begins its final season tonight with “Enemies of Rome,” as Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) leads his growing slave rebellion against the Roman Empire. Simon Merrells also stars (9 and 10 p.m. Starz).

Merlin: Princess Mithian (Janet Montgomery) pleads with Arthur (Bradley James) to help her father (James Fox), who’s hiding from Uther Pendragon’s killer (Fintan McKeown). Colin James also stars in this new episode (10 p.m. Syfy).

SPORTS

Tennis: Australian Open men’s semifinal (10 a.m. ESPN2); Women’s final (Midnight ESPN2).

Winter X games: (Noon ESPN; 7:30 p.m. ESPN).

Pro basketball: The San Antonio Spurs visit the Dallas Mavericks (5 p.m. ESPN); the Jazz visits the Lakers (7:30 p.m. TWSN).

Hockey: The Vancouver Canucks visit the Ducks (7 p.m. FS Prime).