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'Motive,' 'Narcos,' 'The Strain' and the MTV VMAs top this week's TV must-sees

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Bill Harris' TV must-sees for the week of Aug. 28:

1. Motive

Series finale

The only motive that remains is to wrap it all up for this steady performer that lasted four seasons. Several years after a killer got away, the team – including Angie (Kristin Lehman), Oscar (Louis Ferreira), Paula (Karen LeBlanc), Brian (Brendan Penny) and Betty (Lauren Holly) – reunites to close the case.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 30 on CTV

2. Narcos

Season-2 debut

This series continues to chronicle the real-life stories of the infamous drug kingpins of the late 1980s, when cocaine was as common as "new Coke." Or at least that's how we remember it now, anyway. Having lived through the '80s myself, apparently I wasn't nearly as high as I could have been.

When: Friday, Sept. 2 on Netflix

3. The Strain

Season-3 debut

The Strigoi – a.k.a. Vampires – are evolving, and the bio-weapon designed by Eph (Corey Stoll) is failing. That cannot be a good combination. Meanwhile, Fet (Kevin Durand) helps a Navy SEAL team on a deadly mission in New York, even though the rest of the world has written off the Big Apple.

When: Sunday, Aug. 28 on FX

4. MTV Video Music Awards

Live

This year's festivities are taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York for the first time in the show’s 33-year history. Canadian nominees include Drake, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara and The Weeknd. There will be performances by Britney Spears and Nick Jonas, and Rihanna will receive the Video Vanguard Award.

When: Sunday, Aug. 28 on MTV

5. Ice Road Truckers

Season-10 debut

This show has been around for a decade? Really? That's a lot of trucks and a lot of ice. But I guess just like everywhere, there's not as much ice as there used to be. As the new campaign commences, experts predict one of the shortest and warmest winters on record. As a result, companies risk financial ruin.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 31 on History

6. Pretty Little Liars

Season-7 finale

The girls face off with their enemies – there's a seemingly endless supply of foes – in a chaotic fight that ends fatally. Eep. Simultaneously, someone learns a secret about their past that changes everything, while someone else gets a life-altering glimpse into the future. Crave serenity and stability? Find another show.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 30 on Bravo (Freeform in the U.S.)

7. You're the Worst

Season-3 debut

Jimmy (Chris Geere) and Gretchen (Aya Cash) adjust to life after “I love you,” which you'd think should make things easier, at least theoretically, but frequently does not. Also, Lindsey (Kether Donohue) discovers a new hobby, and Edgar (Desmin Borges) experiences some delicate sexual problems.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 31 on FXX

8. Milwaukee Blacksmith

Canadian debut

Beginning with back-to-back episodes, this reality series focuses on a man named Kent Knapp who is trying to forge a living as a blacksmith in modern times. Kent has made it his mission to pass the trade down to his children, but as often is the case, the younger members of the family have their own wills of steel.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 30 on History

9. Almost President: The Agony of Defeat

Debut

This doc features several people who lost presidential elections – including Mitt Romney, John McCain and Michael Dukakis – talking about their journeys, analyzing their own mistakes and detailing the impact on their families. It's basically a primer on the sad fate that awaits either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 31 on CNN

10. Daily Planet

Boldly Go Week

The 22nd season kicks off with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek. There will be segments exploring the visions of the future that germinated from the franchise. Sounds like a great week for co-hosts Ziya Tong and Dan Riskin, as well as Ensign Smith. Uh-oh ... I worry about Ensign Smith.

When: Monday, Aug. 29 to Friday, Sept. 2 on Discovery

Twitter: @billharris_tv

bharris@postmedia.com

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