What is origin story of ‘Ms. Marvel’ series?

You have questions. I have some answers.

I’ve been able to watch most anything on television. However, ABC has seen fit to dump something called “Ms. Marvel,” which is not only unfit for prime time but generally drivel. Who is the target audience supposed to be? What is the plot or concept?

I should start by saying that I like the show, and the overwhelmingly positive response to it on the Rotten Tomatoes website is summed up this way: “a genuinely fresh addition to the (Marvel Cinematic Universe) — both stylistically and substantively — with Iman Vellani ably powering proceedings with her super-sized charisma.” Originally made for Disney+ and then given an airing on its broadcast sibling, ABC, the series stars Vellani as Kamala Khan, a Pakistani American teen who gets superpowers. Not only is a second season expected, Ms. Marvel is one of the main characters in the upcoming movie “The Marvels,” alongside Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris).

What happened to “Evil” on Paramount+?

Another series that made the move from broadcast to streaming, the thriller aired on CBS for its first season, and has had two more since on Paramount+. The third season arrived on Paramount+ in 2022, and all three seasons are still on the streamer. Paramount+ has ordered a fourth season, but I have not yet seen an air date.

I started watching the new season of “Billions.” Why is this the last season?

As you know, shows end for a lot of reasons, sometimes because the studios or networks are done with them, sometimes because the creative team is done. In this case, it appears that the Showtime series, while still doing well, can be put aside in favor of new but related ventures. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, “the world of the show could continue as Showtime is developing several spinoffs (two of which are tentatively titled ‘Millions’ and ‘Trillions’ with (‘Billions’) co-creators Brian Koppelman and David Levien.” USA Today, meanwhile, mentioned plans for “Billions: Miami” and “Billions: London.”

It seems almost every time we see a Native American on an old TV show, we see Frank DeKova. Is there any record of his performances?

The Italian American actor (1910-1981) had a strong background in theater, including Shakespeare plays. Still, he “possessed the indeterminate but sharply chiseled facial features that allowed him to play a wide range of ethnic types, from East Indian to American Indian,” says one movie reference. IMDb lists 155 roles in movies and on television, often though not exclusively in Westerns. In various productions he was Chief Red Hawk, Yellow Elk, Red Cloud, Chief Yellow Wolf and others. His biggest claim to fame was the Western comedy series “F Troop” (1963-67) where he played Chief Wild Eagle.