Today's Entertainment

2 • October 29 - November 4, 2017 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kat Mulligan TV Media L ong before the trends of grandes, macchiatos and pump- kin spice lattes, neighborhoods were graced with unique little treasures: independent doughnut shops. Variety wasn't necessarily found in a coffee cup — typically your two choices were caff or de- caf — but it did abound in the de- licious rotating selections of doughnuts, be they glazed, iced, filled or something in between. The magic of these locally owned establishments is wonderfully cap- tured in "Superior Donuts," a com- edy series based on a play by the same name, returning Monday, Oct. 30, on CBS. Nestled in the busy streets of Chicago, 75-year-old Arthur Przy- byszewski (Judd Hirsch, "Taxi") struggles to keep his beloved doughnut shop afloat. The shop, open since 1969, means every- thing to Arthur, but his initial resis- tance to change and evolving to compete with larger franchises puts the business in jeopardy. Thankfully, Franco Wicks (Jermaine Fowler, "Friends of the People") notices that Arthur's looking for a new employee, and brings to the business a youthful energy that sees the shop's popularity start to return. While Franco can, at times, seem a bit too optimistic and care- free, his passion to see Superior Donuts succeed reignites Arthur's own entrepreneurial fire. Their growing relationship is at once hu- morous and endearing, blossom- ing alongside the shop as it con- tinues to draw new faces in, while never losing sight of its regulars. The quick wit and bold ap- proach to discussing modern is- sues make it unsurprising that the series is back for a second season. "Superior Donuts" never shies away from confronting topics such as gentrification, the corporation creep into small neighborhoods and the death of the small busi- ness owner. Rather than succumb- ing to what seems an inevitability, Arthur and Franco work together to inspire social change, all while figuring out how to incorporate modern tastes into classic, mom- and-pop-style dining. Additionally, much emphasis is placed on the welcoming environment created by small businesses, where accep- tance of all is readily en- couraged, rather than impressing conformity or exclusivity upon guests. While season 1 placed much of its focus on the cor- porate infiltra- tion of tradi- tional neigh- borhoods and main streets, season 2 looks to pit small business against small business, providing Arthur with a brand-new chal- lenge. The new season introduces viewers to Sofia (Diane Guerrero, "Orange Is the New Black"), a young food truck owner who takes up shop directly outside of Arthur's Superior Donuts. Her plan: to pro- vide customers with healthier breakfast alternatives, keeping in mind social and ethical principles. The discussions surrounding mil- lennials aren't new for "Superior Donuts," but the addition of Sofia provides yet another outlet for Ar- thur's reluctance to change, as her healthy alternatives food truck threatens to take away some of the fresh clientele Franco and Ar- thur worked so hard to acquire. The show's success is largely due to the dynamic between Ar- thur and Franco, whose relation- ship parallels the experience actors Hirsch and Fowler bring to their respective roles. Hirsch is no stranger to television viewers, partic- ularly those who were around in the late '70s to mid-'80s to enjoy "Taxi." Since then, Hirsch continues to be a bea- con of comedy, though "Superior Donuts" marks his long-awaited return to the world of sitcoms. For Hirsch, the series is an excellent example of how comedy operates in the everyday, as "humor is based on the worst of things and the best of things," as he told CBS Chicago. In contrast to Hirsch's lengthy and legendary career, Fowler is a relatively fresh face in the comedic world. With less than a decade of professional experience, the actor remains bold and relevant in his humor. As Fowler told the hosts of Good Day Sacramento, the series "[talks] about a lot of the topical things going on in the world right now," which allows for an elevat- ed kind of humor, challenging so- cial norms while simultaneously knocking down worn-out stereo- types. This pairing of experience and youthful passion provides the series with the ideal means to in- spire change and to challenge per- spectives, all with a side order of laughs. Viewers may think twice before reaching for that blended frappuccino, inspired to take a chance on the sweet, little inde- pendent shop instead. In preparation for the premiere of season 2, four of "Superior Do- nuts's" most hilarious standup co- medians hit the road for a five-city, seven-day comedy tour. Fowler, Da- vid Koechner ("Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues," 2013), Maz Jo- brani ("The Interpreter," 2005) and Rell Battle ("Key and Peele") are stopping in New York City, Philadel- phia, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles to bring the laughs and hype for the new season of the se- ries. Fittingly, the Chicago stop of the tour takes place the same evening of the premiere: Oct. 30. The comedic power within the core cast brings a heightened level of wit to the show, which no doubt echoes throughout the tour's performances. The dough will rise, cinnamon- sprinkled, deliciously glazed and just in time for a fresh batch of ep- isodes in a new season of "Superi- or Donuts." Check out your own local mom-and-pop doughnut shop and settle in with a baker's dozen to catch the season 2 pre- miere of the comedy when it airs Monday, Oct. 30, on CBS. Tasty yet topical: Deliciously real laughs in season 2 of 'Superior Donuts' Cover Story this week Judd Hirsch as seen in "Superior Donuts" Conan To raise money for Puerto Rico, celebrities have been posting pictures online of themselves from puberty. However, after one look at mine, Puerto Rico said, "Haven't we been through enough?" The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon United Airlines just launched the shortest domestic flight that's only 16 minutes long. And, somehow, there's STILL a passenger who decided to eat a tuna sandwich. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert As commander in chief, President Trump has nearly unlimited power to wage war at his fingertips — and that's just Twitter. The Late Show With James Corden An article published today revealed that Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr. were nearly indicted for fraud back in 2012 for misleading investors. You know what they say — the apple doesn't fall far from the guy who stole a bunch of apples. Late Night With Seth Meyers Today was World No Alcohol Day. "Robitussin it is!" said Steve Bannon. Weekend Update With Colin Jost and Michael Che The world's heaviest woman died this week. The world's heaviest woman was best known for her catchphrase: "Stop calling me that." Late Laughs 16-5658_Nisswa Chamber Ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/18/16 3:11 PM Page 1 S E A M L E S S "EXPERIENCE THE ADVANTAGE" Advantage Seamless, Inc. 218-270-2663 or 888-570-5778 WWW.ADVANTAGESEAMLESSGUTTERS.COM THE BEST DEFENSE IN GUTTER PROTECTION AMERICA'S FIRST HIGH FLOW SYSTEM™ S E A M L E S S THE BEST DEFENSE IN GUTTER PROTECTION COUPON *** Must do entire home. Must book project by 11/30/17 *** Call 1-888-570-5778. Must present coupon at the time of consultation. We will match any competitor coupons. Cannot be combined with other offers. % OFF FULL HOME VALOR GUTTER GUARD SYSTEM 001632127r1

• Cover