Day: October 15, 2022

1) “Masterpiece: Magpie Murders” debut, 9 p.m., PBS. Two mysteries wind through this intriguing six-parter. One is in real life … or the reality of this show. The other is in a novel that is missing its final chapter. We bounce between the two – one set in the 1950s, the other now; at times, a probing editor even envisions cryptic talks with the fictional,’50s detective (shown here with is assistant). With few likable characters, “Magpie” is slow to engage viewers; still, it’s worth the wait. Read more…

1) “Doc Martin” season-opener, any time, www.acorn.tv. From “Northern Exposure” to “Ted Lasso,” TV shines when putting someone in a new world. “Doc” deftly put a cranky, big-city doctor in a sweet, seaside town. He eventually married (they’re shown here), had two children and continued to grump. Most recently, he quit medicine and alienated his receptionist, who was still needed for his wife’s child-therapy sessions. As usual, the new season is sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic and always likable. Read more…