“Journey to 10,000 B.C.” (8 p.m., History Channel): As climate changes were leading to a

“Journey to 10,000 B.C.” (8 p.m., History Channel): As climate changes were leading to a mini Ice Age, humans were just arriving on the North American continent. This new series looks at how mankind survived even as wildlife such as the saber-toothed cat and the woolly mammoth became extinct. The episode follows scientists on archaeological digs as they examine fossilized bones as well as remnants of ancient homes and weapons made of stone. Mammoth hunts are re-created using CGI animation.

“The Wire” (9 p.m., HBO): “[It’s] like a war,” an exasperated “Bunk” says of McNulty’s outlandish serial-killer scam. “Easy to get in. Hell to get out.” Tell us about it. In the series finale of this absorbing crime saga, the gig is up for McNulty and Lester, who see their ill-conceived scheme to funnel more money and resources into the Baltimore Police Department blow up in their faces. As the fallout seeps into City Hall and beyond, it’s ceaselessly intriguing to see how the bigwigs — desperate to protect their self-interests — decide to play their hands. And it’s one last thoroughly enjoyable hurrah for a drama series that gave us five seasons of substance and smarts. Now, if only the Emmy voters would wise up and hand over some hardware.

“Breaking Bad” (10 p.m., FX): The captivating — and way too short — first season of “Breaking Bad” comes to a close with an episode that has Walt getting more comfortable with his new criminal identity. Meanwhile, Jesse, who is still reeling from what has transpired under his roof, decides to sell his house.

“Ax Men” (10 p.m., History Channel): Shades of Paul Bunyan! The rugged, often perilous life of Pacific Northwest timber cutters is captured in “Ax Men,” which premieres tonight. During its 13 episodes, “Ax Men” documents the challenges of four logging crews through a season in the forested wilderness of northwest Oregon. The task: to retrieve timber perched on mountainsides too steep for accessing with machines — and to get out alive. Snapped cables, runaway logs and unforgiving weather (including a hurricane) make the job harder and riskier. “That’s the trouble with what we do,” says one logger — “you never know how you’re gonna get killed.” The series, from the team that produced History Channel hit “Ice Road Truckers,” will also chronicle the long history of the logging industry, while bringing viewers up to date on modern-day tools of the trade.