THE OUTSIDER (series, 2020)

HBO’s The Outsider is an adaptation of a Stephen King novel that is as much about grief and being weird as it is about child murderers and doppelgangers. This police procedural meets horror film mash-up features a well-chosen cast that includes Cynthia Erivo, Paddy Considine, and co-producer Jason Bateman. Mr. Bateman is featured in and directs the first two episodes, and he start things off in fine form with crisp editing, strong performances, and some great camerawork, although whether it ends nine episodes later on an equally high note is debatable. Recommended for Stephen King fans or those of Ms. Erivo who wanted to see her in something darker than Wicked.