Nicholson Baker’s Hypnotic Allure
'Traveling Sprinker'Nicholson Baker’s trademark wit, riffs, and meditations are there in his new novel. Ken Tucker on what it adds up to.
The Next Great Western
'The Son'<p>Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy should welcome Philipp Meyer’s <i>The Son</i> into the the pantheon of great Westerns. Ken Tucker on a modern take on Indians, Texas, and buffalo.</p>
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Triumphs
Bazinga!Ken Tucker on ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ which wraps up its sixth season this month, is better than ever.
Television’s Beguiling Basket Case
Smotherly Love<p>On <i>Bates Motel</i>, Vera Farmiga masterfully transforms a would-be harridan into a new kind of protagonist: the sensual hysteric. Ken Tucker on the most naturalistic performance on TV.</p>
Remembering Jonathan Winters
R.I.P.<p>Jonathan Winters died today at the age of 87. Best known for his role on <i>Mork & Mindy</i>, he was a gifted comedian, a painter, and a tragic figure. </p>
Not Hungry for ‘Hannibal’
Killer SerialKen Tucker on serial killer show ‘Hannibal,’ which he deems ‘generally repulsive and definitely tiresome.’