New show from ‘Breaking Bad’ creator and the return of Australia’s greatest punk band: What the Star’s culture team is loving this week

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By Doug BrodToronto Star, Joshua ChongArts Critic & Reporter, Debra YeoToronto Star, and Briony SmithCulture & Lifestyle Reporter

TV: Pluribus

I can’t think of another television creator who blends the quotidian, the quirky and the dramatic quite like Vince Gilligan. He made two of the best shows of the first two decades of the 21st century with “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Now he’s back with “Pluribus,” which uses science fiction as its foundation instead of crime and punishment in Albuquerque. It’s part horror story, part farce and part psychological drama, and at its heart is a cynical author of fantasy romance novels who might be the only person who can save the world. Gilligan writes, directs and produces the series, which debuted Friday on Apple TV Plus and stars the wonderful Rhea Seehorn of “Better Call Saul.” — Debra Yeo

Movie series: Family Reunions

As the temperatures drop and cosy season is upon us, the Criterion Channel has programmed the perfect li’l roundup of family films. But instead of puppies, cable-knit sweaters and touch-football games, it’s all the angst, intergenerational trauma and arguments that seem to pop up around any kind of homecoming. Must-watch titles include a wedding dysfunction double feature “Margot at the Wedding” and “Rachel Getting Married,” and the Laura Linney sibling twofer of “The Savages,” with Philip Seymour Hoffman, and “You Can Count on Me,” featuring Mark Ruffalo’s poignant breakout role as a black-sheep little brother. — Briony Smith

Fair: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Forget Halloween and Thanksgiving. My favourite annual fall tradition is attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. (Why is it called a “Winter” Fair when it’s held in the middle of fall? I digress.) This year’s edition, now running on the grounds of Exhibition Place (100 Princes’ Blvd.) through Nov. 16, features classic attractions, including horse shows, butter-sculpting challenges and farm animal showcases. Among my favourite activities are visiting the independent vendors and checking out the giant pumpkins entered in the annual competition. I’ll also be paying a visit to Rosie, the adorable six-year-old miniature donkey, this year’s Royal mascot. — Joshua Chong

Concert: The Saints ’73-’78

While the Ramones were conquering Lower Manhattan and the Sex Pistols were bringing anarchy to the U.K., the Saints were plying their prehistoric sounds Down Under with such roaring singles at “(I’m) Stranded” and “Know Your Product.” Singer Chris Bailey died in 2022, but original members Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay are touring with an all-star lineup, which includes vocalist Mark Arm, of grunge godfathers Mudhoney, and a horn section (yes, a punk-rock horn section). They come marching into the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne St.) on Thursday. — Doug Brod