1) “Evil,” 10 p.m., CBS. A week before the holiday, here are four Halloween-night plotlines, including two compelling ones for Kristen and her kids (shown here). She’s at an exorcism gone bad; they’re at a party with a scary newcomer … and Ben is trying to debunk a ghost-hunter show. Mixed in are some scenes that are brilliantly played by two gifted Emmy-winners — Michael Emerson as the creepy/crafty Leland and Christine Lahti as Kristen’s mom. Blend these together and you have a great hour.
2) “Will & Grace” season-opener, 9:30 p.m., NBC. This is the 11th and final season for a terrific show. Fans had been told they would have to wait until at least January. Not so; “Sunnyside” was cancelled (but will continue to have new episodes on Thursdays, via streaming). Now “Will & Grace” — with 18 episodes – links with “The Good Place” (9 p.m.) to give NBC some top-level comedies.
3) “Mom,” 9 p.m., CBS. Death is a steady part of this comedy. “Mom” has killed Bonnie’s mother, Christy’s dad, Marjorie’s husband and a teen addict … all while bringing solid laughs. Now CBS says only: “Following the sudden death of a friend, Christy and Bonnie look for ways to honor her.”
4) “Supernatural” and “Legacies,” 8 and 9 p.m., CW. This is like Halloween arriving a week early. First, Sam and Dean try to keep all Hell from breaking loose … literally. Then a monster arrives on campus, before the big football game. Afterward, shift to “ Evil” on CBS. And o complete the almost-Halloween experience, catch Netflix’s “Daybreak,” a zombie comedy with Matthew Broderick.
5) “Doc Martin,” any time, www.acorn.tv. Here’s the exact opposite of all that Halloween intensity. It’s a feel-good drama/comedy about a socially awkward doctor in a small English village. In this excellent hour, there are worries about who will buy the pub. There’s also a crime spree – a guy (Danny Huston) shot while maybe stealing eggs