1) “DMV” (shown here in a different episode), 8:30 p.m., CBS. This episode, like last week’s debut, is fast and fun. On a scorching day (shown here), these Department of Motor Vehicles workers are banned from touching the air-conditioning. Naturally, Colette obsesses on it … and on making sure the cute guy doesn’t quit. Read more…
1) “The Simpsons,” 8 p.m., Fox. The 36th Halloween special arrives, a tad early. It’s sometimes funny, sometimes way too violent, but always with sharp satire. One portion points to the quality kids’ shows that have ended. Others view our obsession with greasy food and with plastic (shown here). Homer fighting lard or turning into plastic? It’s both ominous and entertaining. Read more…
1) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. At 26, Sabrina Carpenter (shown here) takes on a challenge most people avoid — doubling up as “SNL” host and music guest. Last season, only three people — Charlie XCX, Timothee Chalamet and Lady Gaga — did both; even Ariana Grande had someone else do the music… as did Bad Bunny this season. Read more…
1) “Boston Blue” debut, 10 p.m., CBS. After 14 years of “Blue Bloods,” CBS isn’t ready to lose a good thing. So Danny (Donnie Wahlberg, shown here) heads to Boston (Wahlberg’s home town), where his son is a cop. He soon meets a large and tangled police/courts family like his own. This opener is too busy, but it’s also well-crafted by gifted director Anthony Hemingway, offering a rich blend of warmth and intensity. Read more…
1) “Elsbeth,” 10 p.m., CBS. After opening its season Sunday with a fairly good episode, this returns to its regular spot with a great one. The set-up is lame, with a reluctant gunman (David Cross) in a toy story. But that manages to surround Elsbeth (shown here with Cross) with toys and danger. The result is a delight. Read more…
1) “Abbott Elementary,” 8:30 p.m., ABC. The Philadelphia Phillies recently ended their play-off run, but we can view their best night. The “Abbott” cast went to the Aug. 28 game (shown here), to film an episode set on “Teachers Appreciation Night.” The result: Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs in a 19-4 win. Read more…
1) “American Masters,” 9 p.m., PBS. At 21, Marlee Matlin was the youngest best-actress Oscar-winner (for “Children of a Lesser God,” shown here) and the first deaf winner. She began a torrid and toxic romance, faced some rough times …. then settled into a long acting career, long marriage and more. This film starts poorly (34 minutes before the chronology begins), then becomes compelling.
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1) “DMV” debut, 8:30 p.m., CBS. In the “Superstore” style, it’s a workplace comedy that find fun little bits with the patrons and longer stories with the staff. Since this is the Department of Motor Vehicles, the patrons are far-ranging — an entitled jerk, a scary driver, a clueless oldster. The likable staff is led by Harriet Dyer and (shown here, center) Tim Meadows. Read more…
1) “Matlock” season-opener, 8:30 p.m., CBS (but 8 p.m. on the West Coast. Last season ended with Matty finding the key information: It was “Senior” (Beau Bridges) who ordered that the drug study be buried; his son Julian (Jason Ritter) did it. Now Julian’s ex-wife has the study and Matty (shown here) wants to go public. Tonight and Thursday, strong hours set the tone for this second season. Read more…
1) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. On Oct. 11, 1975, “SNL” debuted with a busy night — three comedians, two music acts, a film, Muppets … and lots of future stars. Now, exactly 50 years later, this season’s second episode (and, by one count, the 995th overall) is hosted by Amy Poehler (shown here earlier this week), with Role Model as music guest. Read more…
