Q: Was "Father Dowling Mysteries" based on anything? Are there books?
There are books, and then there are other books. This could lead you down a deep literary rabbit hole.
"Father Dowling Mysteries," the feather-light mystery series starring Tom Bosley (of "Happy Days" fame) as a priest with a sideline in sleuthing, was based on a series of Father Dowling novels by American author Ralph McInerny.
However, mystery heads will note the character's similarities with another popular clergyman-turned-crime fighter, Father Brown.
Zookeeper, on AMC
Thinking a more prestigious job might get him a girlfriend, a zookeeper plans to quit. When the animals find out his plan, they reveal the secret that they can talk, and attempt to help their beloved keeper find love. Kevin James and Rosario Dawson star.
'B'-ing happy in 2020: 'B Positive' brings laughter to a grim world
Annaleigh Ashford and Thomas Middleditch in "B Positive"
Q: Who was the actor who played the deposed dictator in "The Bourne Identity" (one of my favorite movies)? I'm sure I recognize him from something.
You almost certainly do. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has been involved in some enormous film and TV projects over the past few years.
He was already on the Hollywood map before appearing in 2002's "The Bourne Identity," in the relatively small but demanding role of a deposed dictator trying to shake down the CIA (communicated through a series of wild-eyed, tooth-gnashing monologues).
The Voice, on NBC
Musical superstars John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton coach teams of talented singers, each hoping to win audience votes after incredible performances in this new episode. The artist with the least votes is sent home each episode.
The Voice, on NBC
Musical superstars John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton coach teams of talented singers, each hoping to win audience votes after incredible performances in this new episode. The artist with the least votes is sent home each episode.
Late Laughs for the week of November 22 - 28, 2020
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Republicans made a big power grab before an election that could very well wipe out their majority in the Senate. Usually when this many white people get together for one last heist it's an Ocean's Eleven movie.
Minnesota, as you know, is the "The Gopher State," as in, "You better gopher a test, because the president gave you COVID."
A 'Cake Boss' Christmas: Valastro headlines new Christmas competition
Buddy Valastro and co-star Duff Goldman of "Buddy vs. Duff"
Deck the halls with cake? Why not! Food Network's seasonal lineup of cake competition series has repeatedly shown us that a creatively decorated cake is edible art that's worthy of display.
New Releases for the week of November 22 - 28
The Irishman
When truck driver and World War II veteran Frank Sheeran (De Niro) meets mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci), his brutal background as a soldier and penchant for violence make him an ideal hire as one of the gangster's goons. As decades pass, with multiple kills to account for and a promotion to hitman, Russell decides to use Frank's value in another crucial task. At his recommendation, Frank is sent to work as the bodyguard of one of the most powerful men in organized crime in the country: union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). As his duties to Hoffa begin to bleed into his personal life — and while still secretly working for Bufalino — Sheeran's entire world begins to waste away in the face of his immoral, criminal choices.
Director: Martin Scorsese. Stars: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin. 2019. 209 mins. Crime.
Ava
Ava (Chastain) is a high-ranking hitwoman with a problematic habit: she refuses to terminate her targets before they tell her why they think they deserve to die. This inability to perform her job without involving her conscience, in addition to her escalating substance abuse, leads her organization and colleagues — specifically fellow hitman Simon (Farrell) — to mark her as a liability. With only her mentor, Duke (Malkovich), to account for as an ally, Ava decides to go rogue, knowing it's only a matter of time before her superiors issue a global kill order against her.
Director: Tate Taylor. Stars: Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell, Geena Davis, John Malkovich, Common, Jess Weixler. 2020. 96 mins. Action.
After We Collided
Trying to pick up after Hardin's (Fiennes Tiffin) betrayal, Tessa (Langford) focuses her attention on her new gig as a publishing house intern, where she meets — and is immediately pursued by — a squeaky-clean accountant named Trevor (Sprouse). This road to stability proves to be short-lived however, as Hardin makes his way back into Tessa's life, desperate for a second chance. Irresistible as they are to each other, Hardin's demons trail close behind him, forcing Tessa to decide whether he's worth the impending trouble.
Director: Roger Kumble. Stars: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dylan Sprouse, Candice King, Louise Lombard. 2020. 105 mins. Romance.
Moonbase 8, on Showtime
Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker and John C. Reilly star as a group of subpar astronauts living together in isolation at a NASA simulation moon base in this new comedy. Each hopes to achieve their dream of getting chosen to travel to the moon.
