Credit: Wayans Jr (Brian To/WENN.com)

Coming up in primetime television.

Soaps.com has a “House of Cards” early release for the week of February 16 as well as a few TNT winter premiere episodes, network renewals, including an “Unforgettable” resurrection, a Rainn Wilson interview, a new ‘mistress’, teasers, casting and more in our latest Primetime Dish column…

Arrow:
In the CW’s Wednesday February 18 8:00 PM episode titled “The Return,” Oliver and Thea come face to face with Oliver’s former enemy, Deathstroke. A flashback reveals Oliver and Maseo’s return to Starling City to retrieve the Omega bio weapon. Though Oliver was ordered not to reveal himself, he checks in on his family, Laurel and Tommy.

Backstrom:
Interview! Soaps.com sat in on a conference call with FOX series star Rainn Wilson (Everett Backstrom). When asked how the characters came to have such great chemistry Wilson shared, “The chemistry, obviously, is created by the actors, but chemistry is also, really, created by the writer. Shows where people lack chemistry, usually the chemistry is lacking in the writing, that there’s not a sense of dynamism between the characters. Both on ‘The Office’ and in ‘Backstrom,’ both Hart and Greg Daniels focused a lot of time and energy on how do characters relate to one another. In shows that are a little bit more standard, like standard procedurals or standard comedies, there are goofy characters, but a different chemistry is created when you match any two people together. It’s like flavors in a recipe.”

Cougar Town:
On TBS’ Tuesday February 17 episode titled “The Wild one, Forever,” Jules helps out after a hurricane floods the high school and offers Gray’s Pub as a venue for their prom, along with the gang as chaperones. While Andy and Ellie deal with a bunch of bullies, Travis and Grayson play matchmaker for their teen counterparts.

Downton Abbey:
In PBS’ Sunday February 15 9:00 PM episode, there’s a focus on Bates’ train ticket. Isobel faces an unexpected roadblock to happiness. New hope comes in the form of an arrival, as departures deliver both respite and sadness.

Extant:
David Morrissey (“The Walking Dead”) has landed a recurring role as General Tobias Shepherd on the CBS series. Season two will return this summer.

Glee:
In FOX’s Friday February 20 8:00 PM episode titled “A Wedding,” Santana and Brittany have a few final details to settle before their upcoming nuptials, which leads to a difference of opinion regarding Sue’s invitation. Brittany is spotted in her wedding dress before the big day. Family and friends inspire Kurt and Blaine to take a leap of faith, despite the mistakes and regrets of their past, and Artie isn’t sure Tina’s plan to ask Mike Chang to marry her is the right thing to do.

Gotham:
In FOX’s Monday February 16 8:00 PM episode titled “The Bling Fortune Teller,” Gordon and Dr. Leslie Thompkins’ day at the circus turns into chaos. Falcone asks Butch Gilzean to help Penguin with the night club in Fish’s absence, and a meeting is scheduled with the Wayne Enterprises board.

In casting news… Milo Ventimiglia (“The Whisperers,” “Chosen”) has landed a recurring role as a serial killer named Jason ‘Ogre’ Lennon. His character is a lady’s man, who gets rid of his prey when they don’t live up to his expectations. Keep an eye out for Ventimiglia’s first appearance in episode nineteen.

Grey’s Anatomy:
Read our Grey’s Anatomy Spoilers to find out what has Maggie so upset in ABC’s Thursday February 19 8:00 PM episode titled “The Great Pretender.” Soaps.com posts recaps after each episode airs.

Hart of Dixie:
Some better be ready – or not – in the CW’s February 20 8:00 PM episode titled “Alabama Boys.” Friday episode teasers: Zoe and Wade learn the gender of their baby and realize neither is ready for parenthood. BlueBell must partner with rival town Fillmore in order to be in contention to host the state football championship. Lavon agrees to talk to his nemesis but needs AnnaBeth’s help, and Brick is shaken to the core due to a surprise from his past.

House of Cards:
Oops, an early release! Fans have been waiting for season three of the Netflix series to return on Friday February 27. If you happened to be on the streaming site on Wednesday you may have noticed the new season available for viewing – only to be taken down shortly after it went up. What appears to be a reflection of the ‘technical glitch’ the show tweeted:

Jane the Virgin:
It’s all about feelings in the CW’s February 16 9:00 PM episode titled “Chapter Fourteen.” Monday episode teasers: Jane grows suspicious of Rafael’s recent actions after Michael is convinced he’s hiding his father. Xo and Rogelio aren’t prepared for what the other has to say when they are forced to reveal their real feelings about each other. Petra finds a new way to torture Rafael, and serious questions come to light while planning Jane’s baby shower.

Melissa & Joey:
Canceled. ABC Family has decided not to renew its highest rated comedy series starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence and feels as though storyline-wise it’s a good time to end its run. Tune in as season four comes to a close Wednesdays at 8:00 PM.

Mistresses:
In light of Alyssa Milano not returning to Mistresses the ABC series has cast its new co-leading lady, Jennifer Esposito (“Blue Bloods”). The actress will play the new role (Milano’s character will not be recast) of a fashion director named Calista Raines, who will become quick friends with Joss (Jes Macallan). Stay tuned for season three’s return date.

NBC Renewals:
Word came late last week that NBC has renewed “Blacklist” (for season three), “Chicago Fire” (season four), “Chicago PD” (season three), “Grimm” (season five) and “Law & Order: SVU” (season seventeen).

New Girl:
Leaving! Damon Wayans Jr, who’s played Coach since 2011, has decided not to renew his contract with the FOX series. Fans will still be able to see him during the current season four, which airs Tuesdays at 9:00 PM, and the show is working to execute an exit that would make it possible for the actor to return in the future.

Perception:
Winter premiere! In TNT’s Tuesday February 17 10:00 PM episode titled “Brainstorm,” James and Paul Haley have to decide on whether or not to allow Pierce to undergo a high-risk surgery, and Pierce questions everything he sees and hears.