TV: ‘Poker Face’
Maybe it’s because I’m old enough to remember watching “Columbo” with my parents, but I welcome the return of “Poker Face,” Rian Johnson’s delightful — dare I say cosy? — comedy-mystery series (Citytv+, CBC Gem). With her weathered-cherub voice and ginger Troll mane, Natasha Lyonne remains a hoot as Charlie Cale, the human lie detector, and the twisty episodes so far satisfy. Season 2’s opener features an Emmy-worthy turn by Cynthia Erivo as multiple siblings who think they’re entitled to an inheritance from their horrible mother. The show promises even more high-profile guest stars. I can’t wait. —Doug Brod
Comedy: Katherine Ryan
As Canadians are wont to do, comedian Katherine Ryan made her name by leaving her home country. The 41-year-old Sarnia native honed her standup act in England and appeared in TV series there, both as a host and an actor, before creating her London-set, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy “The Duchess.” Now Ryan, who expertly taps her life with her Canadian husband and three British-born kids for laughs, is back in Toronto for two shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd.) on Saturday. Limited tickets were still available at press time. —Debra Yeo
Concert: ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert’
Hearing John Williams’s iconic score for “Star Wars” performed live by a full symphony orchestra is an otherworldly experience — and a must for any fan of the film saga. From next Thursday to Sunday, Toronto audiences will have that opportunity when the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents four screenings of “The Empire Strikes Back” (the series’ fifth — and best — episode) in concert at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.). Australian composer and conductor Nicholas Buc will lead the TSO in his debut with the orchestra. —Joshua Chong
Album: billy woods, ‘Golliwog’
In 2023, billy woods established himself as one of underground hip hop’s most compelling storytellers with “Maps,” a remarkably original (and occasionally hilarious) concept album that offered a glimpse into the chaotic misadventures of a middle-aged rapper on tour. On his new album, “Golliwog,” woods takes a left turn into horrorcore, weaving dense lyricism into a sinister tapestry of sound — woozy string samples, staggering beats, occasional screams of terror — assembled by an all-star roster of producers. “The English language is violence, I hotwired it / I got a hold of the master’s tools and got dialed in,” woods raps on opener “Jumpscare,” setting the stage for a brilliant and bleak journey into the heart of darkness, and an exploration of the revolutionary, post-colonial school of thought that might offer an escape route. —Richie Assaly
