‘Evil’ among TV’s frightening choices
Halloween was week, but frights can be found on “Evil” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). For the uninitiated, this spiritual/supernatural procedural is set up like “The X-Files,” except, instead of working for the FBI, its sleuths are hired by the Catholic Church.
Dutch actress Katja Herbers stars as skeptical psychologist Dr. Kristen Bouchard, teamed with journalist-turned-student priest David Acosta (Mike Colter). As in “The X-Files,” a certain friction arises as they tangle over questions of skepticism and belief. Michael Emerson (“Lost”) also stars as a creepy character who uses social media connectivity to encourage others to acts of evil.
In tonight’s episode, Kristen and David are asked to look into the activities of a self-proclaimed prophetess, who startles them with a prediction so accurate that David begins to fret why the Almighty speaks with (or through) her and not him.
This is the second CBS series, after “God Friended Me,” to revolve around communications with the divine. And it’s not the only Thursday night series with a cosmic connection. NBC’s “The Good Place” takes place in the hereafter, and “Perfect Harmony” in a church choir. And “Young Sheldon” often involves the dynamics between its scientific hero and his religious mother.
It’s hard to call “Evil” a hit. It airs opposite “SVU” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” well-established series with faithful audiences. But it has been renewed.
› Viewers in search of something much more terrifying should sample “Marianne,” a French-language horror series now streaming on Netflix.
Victoire Du Bois stars as author Emma Larsimon, all too happy to end her best-selling series of novels about witches. Her announcement sparks lamentations from her many readers and fans, and an explosion of gruesome nightmares.
It seems Emma thought she had been channeling her subconscious demons onto the page. Little does she know that they are all too real and waiting for her in her hometown, and they’re none too happy about her lack of literary output.
To reveal much more would be a shame. Suffice it to say that the terrifying shocks come early and often, and from some peculiar angles. “Marianne” is the stuff of real nightmares, far scarier and faster-moving than Hulu’s “Castle Rock.” If horror is your cup of tea, please pounce.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
› Catherine returns without a clue on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› The LA Chargers and Oakland Raiders meet (8 p.m., Fox, NFL).
› Theo turns 10 on “A Million Little Things” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin .tvguy@gmail.com.