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The new series "The Bastard Executioner" (11 p.m., FX) is the extraordinarily violent tale of a 14th-century warrior knight (Lee Jones) who believes he's called by God to lay down his sword and become a journeyman executioner.

It starts off slowly — I was sort of thinking "Huh?" for about the first hour — but the two-hour premiere picks up steam. By the time it was over, I was anxious to see more episodes.

The weirdest thing aboiut this is that it comes to us from "Sons of Anarchy" creator/producer Kurt Sutter.

Really. Because you'd expect that the next thing he'd do would be a medieval drama, right?

Also tonight, it's the premiere of "Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris" (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5). This new series is part variety show, part game show, part "Candid Camera."

I can't tell you if it's worth watching because it hasn't happened yet as of this writing. It's live — well, tape-delayed in this time zone.

And today on Hulu, the first episode of "The Mindy Project" begins streaming. Hulu saved the NBC-produced show, which used to air on Fox, from cancellation — and I'm beyond grateful that it did. I'm a huge fan of this show.

Elsewhere on TV ...

"Big Brother" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): The power of veto competition is held.

"America's Got Talent" (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): Eleven acts perform as the semifinals continue.

"In Their Own Words" (7 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7): A profile of Muppets creator Jim Henson.

"Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): Jeff Foxworthy hosts.

"Zoo" (8 and 9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): Jackson and the team make a final attempt to find a cure to the worldwide animal pandemic. (Season finale)

"American Experience: Walt Disney" (8 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7): The conclusion of this excellent, two-part, four-hour profile.

"Public Morals" (8 and 9 p.m., TNT): Shea partners with O'Bannon, who has fun at Shea's expense; Kane sets out to avenge Mr. O's death.

"The Agent" (11 p.m,. Esquire): The agents introduce their players to the world of NFL glam.