Love Crimes of Kabul
Nine years after the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, half the women in Badam Bagh Women’s Prison in Kabul are there for “moral crimes,” such as premarital sex and adultery. This documentary profiles three young inmates, each of whom could be convicted and sentenced to up to 20 years for alleged sexual transgressions—unless the men involved can be persuaded to marry them. Monday, July 11, at 9 p.m., HBO
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Alphas
Co-created by one of the writers of the X-Men films, this new sci-fi series similarly follows a team of misfits with superhuman abilities. But it elevates the formula with intriguingly quirky characters, smart writing, and brisk action scenes. David Strathairn stars as the team’s subtly manipulative leader; the cast also includes Malik Yoba as an ex-FBI agent with adrenaline-triggered superstrength. Monday, July 11, at 10 p.m., Syfy
Great Performances: Rigoletto From Mantua
This production of Verdi’s masterpiece garnered international acclaim when it was broadcast live around the world, in September 2010. The performance was recorded at various locations across the Italian city in which the opera is set. Tenor Plácido Domingo plays the baritone role of Rigoletto and Zubin Mehta conducts the RAI National Symphony Orchestra. Friday, July 15, at 9:30 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Breaking Bad
This Tarantino-esque drama about a New Mexico chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer trends even darker in its Season 4 premiere as the rogue educator faces the consequences of a recent desperate gambit for survival. Bryan Cranston returns to the role that has won him three consecutive Emmys, ably supported by fellow Emmy winner Aaron Paul, who plays his young partner in crime. Sunday, July 17, at 10 p.m., AMC
Other highlights
The Pick, the Pawn & the Polish
Three “trash-to-treasure” series—American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and American Restoration—join forces to restore a 1957 Chevy. Monday, July 11, at 9 p.m., History
Gordon Ramsay’s Great Escape
The renowned chef explores Southeast Asian cuisine in the first episode of a four-part series that will take him to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Tuesday, July 12, at 9 p.m., BBC America
Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?
This true-crime docuseries focusing on deceived women starts its second season with the story of a con-artist groom who claimed to be an ER doctor. Wednesday, July 13, at 10 p.m., Investigation Discovery
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