Underground, WGN America

With so many viewing choices available to us, it’s always easier to pick less challenging or “guilty pleasure” fare than a series intent on making us think about where we came from as a nation and how far we still have left to progress. “Underground” is one of those shows that shines a light on America’s fl awed past while also pointing out that many people of conscious fought both publicly and privately to end the abhorrent practice of slavery as it polluted the national character. The choice to tackle this subject matter right on the cusp of the Civil War only clarifies the stakes and gives us a window into how a long discredited and unwelcome vice met its demise even as its benefactors tried to hang on until the bitter end. This is one to watch. And we hope viewers get many seasons to contemplate.