#CouchWorthy: October 2024 TV Highlights

October Highlights

Disclaimer: Limited Series (Anytime / Apple TV+)

Limited Series Premiere: Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Renée Knight. Acclaimed journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett) built her reputation revealing the misdeeds and transgressions of others. When she receives a novel from an unknown author, she is horrified to realize she is now the main character in a story that exposes her darkest secrets.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE LINCOLN LAWYER: SEASON 3 (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

The Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller, an iconoclastic idealist, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln, as he takes on cases big and small across the expansive city of Los Angeles.
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You may recall the 2011 movie of the same name, starring Matthew McConaughey. That movie was an adaptation of the 2005 novel The Lincoln Lawyer (aka Book #1) by Michael Connelly. This Netflix series created by TV stalwart David E. Kelley. The first season in 2022 was an adaptation of the second book in The Lincoln Lawyer series: The Brass Verdict. (I’ve never read any Michael Connelly. Is he any good?) “When his former law partner is killed, Mickey Haller is left to take over the firm, including a high-profile murder trial.” I didn’t expect The Lincoln Lawyer to deal with a murder case; figured with him driving around LA for 10 episodes he’d be…an ambulance chaser. #RimShot! I’ll cease and desist these bad puns; I’m sure they’re “driving” you up the wall! Now then. The second season (2023) was based on the fourth book in the series: The Fifth Witness. This third season is based on the fifth book in The Lincoln Lawyer series: The Gods of Guilt. Remember how Season 2 ended? “When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt.” Bonus Hook?! Holt McCallany (Mindhunter) appears in Season 3. Yo. Dope dude. I have no objections with that casting.

October Highlights

Teacup: Season 1 (Anytime / Peacock)

Series Premiere: Writer, producer, and showrunner Ian McCulloch has adapted Stinger. I think? First published as a paperback in 1988, Stinger is by Robert McCammon. (Only novel I’ve read by Robert is Boy’s Life. And it is breathtaking.) Anyways, Stinger is like The Stand only it unfolds over a twenty-four hour period in Inferno, Texas. How much of the novel survives in the TV show? “Of course, during production the series changed and evolved. Just as it should. Even the title’s different. Stinger is now Teacup. The reasons for this are too spoilery to share but watch the first few episodes and all will be revealed,” says McCulloch.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: HYSTERIA!: SEASON 1 (ANYTIME / PEACOCK)

When a beloved varsity quarterback disappears during the “Satanic Panic” of the late 1980s, a struggling high school heavy metal band of outcasts realize they can capitalize on the town’s sudden interest in the occult by building a reputation as a Satanic metal band, until a bizarre series of murders, kidnappings, and reported “supernatural activity” triggers a leather-studded witch hunt that leads directly back to them.
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Ah, yes: the embarrassing Satanic Panic of the late 1980s. So many grown, educated adults crying wolf. Over nothing. However, the Satanic Panic sadly destroyed lives and tore families apart. This is “Hysteria!” is back in Hysteria! “‘What are those kids up to? Whatever it is, it can’t be good.’ That fear haunts every generation. Children of the Atomic Age went on to [terrify] their families by turning on, tuning in, and dropping out in the sixties,” said executive producers and writers Matthew Scott Kane (Stitchers) and David A. Goodman (The Orville). Those same “free spirits” went on to vote for Reagan and called for censorship of the “obscene” and “satanic” heavy metal bands their own kids worshiped. Now, those kids are adults who rail against pronouns, TikTok, and a movie about Barbie. The stupidity cycle doesn’t end. And it’s hard to escape the feeling that someone, or something, is sitting by watching it all, and laughing. But this time…what if the evil is real? That would be, finally…a legit panic.

October Highlights

Game 7 (Anytime / Prime Video)

One Shall Stand; One Shall Fall. A five-part sports anthology covering key Game 7s: 101: 2003 ALCS – New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, 102: 1987 Stanley Cup Finals – Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 103: 2006 WCSF – Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs, 104: 2016 World Series – Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians and 105: 1994 Stanley Cup Finals – New York Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks. Let’s Go!
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: ROAD DIARY: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND (ANYTIME / HULU & DISNEY+)

Documentary which chronicles the behind-the-scenes preparation for Springsteen’s band 2023-2024 World Tour. The documentary offers the most in-depth look ever at the creation of the band’s legendary live performances, including footage of rehearsals, backstage moments, rare archival clips and personal reflections from Springsteen himself.
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At TIFF 24 I saw on the same day: Piece by Piece and Paul Anka: His Way. In the morning movie Pharrell said relevancy is a drug. He’s acknowledging there’s a massive difference between being relevant and being popular. (Relevancy is damn hard to do. Popularity is easy, just scan TikTok.) Then in the evening documentary; Paul Anka just over 80 years old and still actively touring and recording reflects on his life and his work…why hasn’t he retired by now? He concludes; it’s like a junkie with a needle in his arm. Relevancy is a drug. To that list add Bruce Springsteen who is well into his 70s despite a number of health issues. Road Diary isn’t the story of a tour…rather it’s the preparation to go out on the road. He’s firing up the E Street Band as a machine that needs to be warmed up. That prompts Bruce looking ahead as well as looking back. Variety reporting from TIFF said: “Throughout the film and in the post-screening Q&A, though, the 74-year-old rocker stressed that he doesn’t plan to hang up his guitar any time soon. He wants to keep rocking until “the wheels come off.” “If I went tomorrow, it’s OK,” Springsteen told the crowd to loud applause. “What a fucking ride!” Undaunted, you keep going. The road…The Work is a phone call and I’m ecstatic these delightful; dudes continue to pick up on the first ring.

October Highlights

Rivals: Limited Series (Anytime / Hulu & Disney+ Canada)

Limited Series Premiere: This eight-episode British drama is adapted from the Jilly Cooper novel of the same name and is set in the world of English independent television in 1986 and stars David Tennant.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE DIPLOMAT: SEASON 2 (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

When a London bombing shatters her world, U.S. diplomat Kate Wyler faces the ultimate test as her suspicions reach the top levels of the British government.
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To recap Season 1: “In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler a career diplomat lands in a high-profile job for which she was not suited, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future.” Throughout the season, the US Ambassador, Kate Wyler, has been investigating the attack on the British Warship. Initially believed to be caused by the Iranians, but before long, the finger is pointed at the Russians. However, Kate is eventually able to deduce that the person behind the attack was UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge, who wanted to use the false flag attack as a means to rally the country together and to stop any momentum for Scottish independence. As an American Keri Russel know how difficult it is to trust people. Still: a lot of “Americans” will check out The Diplomat: Season 2: West Wing meets High T(r)ea(son).

October Highlights

Sweetpea: Season 1 (Anytime / Starz)

The “need to be seen” is brutally cringey; online it’s a major red flag. It’s a cheap shortcut: validation without doing The Work. Sweetpea cashes in on that gross online trend: a wallflower resorts to murder. What an idiot: you can’t claim credit for that. So, now what? You’re even more stupid, now. This is where we’re at: “Suddenly, the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything… Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into a new, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?” Silly. This all sounds about as clear as pea soup. With no doubt lots of Fallout.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: LIONESS: SEASON 2 (ANYTIME / PARAMOUNT+)

CIA operative Joe attempts to balance her personal and professional lives as the tip of the spear in the agency’s war on terror.
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A must-watch for fans of espionage and suspense; Special Ops: Lioness is Paramount+’s latest new series that isn’t Yellowstone related. The Lioness Program, overseen by Nicole Kidman enlists Zoe Saldaña to oversee an aggressive Marine Raider whose operating undercover among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA’s efforts to thwart the next 9/11. Think Miami Vice but with terrorism instead of drugs. TV Guide says: “In season two, as the CIA’s fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe (Saldaña), Kaitlyn (Kidman), and Byron (Kelly) enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program.” Nothing like some sweet Special Ops to kick off the week.

October Highlights

The Devil’s Hour: Season 2 (Anytime / Prime Video)

The Devil’s Hour Season Two sees Lucy and Gideon (Peter Capaldi) forming an uneasy alliance in order to prevent a recurring tragedy and hunt down an elusive monster. So The Doctor and his companion? Heh.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: SALEM’S LOT (ANYTIME / HBO MAX & CRAVE)

Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.
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Yup. Based on Stephen King’s 1975 novel of the same name, which was terrible. There’s only a handful of Stephen King novels that I do not like and ‘Salem’s Lot is a top dog. It’s a terrible novel. And previous adaptations have also been disappointing. In 1979, Salem’s Lot was adapted as a three-hour two-part miniseries that aired on CBS. All directed by Tobe Hooper; David Soul was Ben Mears. (It’s streaming on Shudder if you wanna check it out.) In 2004, TNT premiered a new Salem’s Lot television adaptation (also a three-hour, two-part miniseries) this time starring Rob Lowe as Ben Mears. Lastly, there was the 2021 Epix television series Chapelwaite, starring Adrien Brody and Emily Hampshire, based on the short story Jerusalem’s Lot, a Salem’s Lot prequel set in the 19th century. Cancelled after one season. And now here we are in 2024: this latest adaptation is batting 113 minutes. So a classic horror movie run time. Lewis Pullman plays Ben Mears for this version. King adaptations continue to be mostly terrible so there’s little hope for this incarnation. It’ll no doubt join the junk-Lot with the others. Programming Note: 2025 ushers in two confirmed Stephen King adaptations: The Monkey on February 21, 2025 and The Life of Chuck, no confirmed date but sometime in Summer 2025.

October Highlights

Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (Anytime / HBO Max & Crave)

Taped at The Vic Theatre in Chicago and directed by Neal Brennan, this stand up special showcases Seth Meyers’ effortless conversational style as he offers up hilarious reflections on family, generational legacies, and why his kids provide the best material for his comedy.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS (ANYTIME / DISNEY+)

Meet the man behind the music that changed our lives.
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Prime Video will begin to broadcast NBA games next season. As such they’re currently negotiating with Ian Eagle to be their voice. And that’s a good start. However: it’s voice + player. What made NBA on NBC so good was the Marv Albert + Michael Jordan combination. That potent combination was incendiary. And that same inflammable premise applies to John Williams’ iconic theme music. His film music, no matter how electrifying, lacks an emotional punch if the images the directors have fashioned are lackluster. You need to see Christopher Reeve as Superman fly and hear the rousing theme song. Darth Vader is a dark character but the menace and his value as a threat comes from that undaunted John Williams score. That’s equally true about Jaws. The Jaws theme song has become a cultural shorthand; in some ways it’s more popular than the angry shark who takes everything so personally. I still don’t fully grasp how you can watch Jaws without music and yet come up and create the “correct” theme. Most people can see a movie (even on a page) but to accurately hear a movie is rare. What a gift. Make a tea and sip this stirring movie slowly.

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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.