The Goldbergs | Wednesday, 8 p.m., ABC
He’s baa-aaaaack! In Wednesday’s episode of the ABC sitcom “The Goldbergs,” horror movie icon Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) stalks doting ’80s mom Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) in a dream after she balks at her son Adam (Sean Giambrone) wanting to see “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Englund last played the disfigured, clawed-glove-wearing killer — who haunts and slashes people as they sleep — in 2003’s “Freddy vs. Jason,” in which he faced off with the hockey mask-wearing murderer from the “Friday the 13th” films.
Englund, 71, recently spoke with The Post by phone from his LA home, talking about the “Nightmare” fan base, Freddy’s humor and working with McLendon-Covey.
Why does Freddy Krueger still resonate with horror fans?
In a strange, bizarre way, the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise became a sort of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for Halloween. I get stories from adults who have this memory of their family watching in the middle or late ’80s, having walked home from the video store, popping it in and sending out for pizza. This great nesting experience, cuddling with dad or mom before they passed away, watching and getting scared. The fun of tormenting your kid brother or sister, having dad go outside the kids’ bedroom at night with a fork and a knife and scratch the window and scare the bejesus out of the kids.
Were you hesitant to insert Freddy into a sitcom?
I’ve been very protective of the character for years … I said no to [series creator] Adam [Goldberg]. And then he sent me probably the most beautiful fan letter I ever received, telling me how much “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” meant to him. And then I started thinking about my fans, how it dovetails with the ’80s experience and this sort of retro memory play that “The Goldbergs” is about.
What else loosened the reins for you?
Freddy’s been absorbed by popular culture. There’s Hello Kitty decals now. He’s been on “The Simpsons,” “South Park,” “Family Guy,” “Rick and Morty.” He’s in comic books. He’s everywhere with action figures and dolls and stuff, late-night talk show punch lines. It’s like Frankenstein now: he’s just a by-word, a logo for the memory of an experience. So I was able to kind of make peace.
Is Freddy actually suited for comedy?
Freddy’s always had this great personality and sense of humor — that kind of cool clown-jester-from-hell aspect — and over the years that has been exploited by us, me, the film editors. [Creator] Wes Craven, God rest his soul, had me cracking wise from the get-go.
Is Beverly a worthy opponent for Freddy?
Yes, Beverly’s great. It’s Freddy versus the yenta. [laughs] She has that way of talking. [Englund slips into a judgmental, dismissive tone] “Mister Melty-Face … Mister Knifey-Hands.” It was fun working with Wendi because she’s just so gifted and quick. She’s one of the funniest gals on network TV.
Were you worried about wearing the costume again after so many years?
Well, I put on weight; I’m a little barrel-chested now … I said, “You guys, I’m old but not old enough that I have to wear Spanx yet!” [laughs]
— Eric Hegedüs
And here’s what else to watch this week:
God Friended Me | Sunday, 8 p.m., CBS
Suggestions from the God account lead Miles (Brandon Micheal Hall) and Cara (Violett Beane) to a young woman, Fliss (Annaleigh Ashford), searching for her old boyfriend.
The Romanoffs | Friday, Amazon
Michael Romanoff (Corey Stoll) and his wife, Shelly (Kerry Bishe), book a cruise with the Romanov Society, for descendants of the Russian royal family. Michael’s a cad who would rather do jury duty because there’s a hot juror whom he views as a femme fatale. Shelly goes on the cruise alone and meets Noah Wyle.
Bodyguard | Wednesday, Netflix
Series premiere. It’s not Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. It’s Richard Madden from “Game of Thrones” and British actress Keeley Hawes. He’s David, an ex-military vet and heroic police officer who’s been assigned to protect a government minister. She’s Julia Montague, a Home Secretary with a weakness for media appearances. They’re poorly matched, so it’s a given they will have an affair. It’s a TV show.
Manifest |
Monday, 10 p.m., NBC
Cal (Jack Messina) takes Ben (Josh Dallas) on a mysterious adventure that awakens Ben to his son’s perplexing abilities. Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh) tries to protect Jared (J.R. Ramirez) from consequences at work.
A Million Little Things | Wednesday, 10 p.m., ABC
Gary and Maggie (James Roday, Allison Miller) plan a romantic date (he’s got a secret agenda); Eddie (David Giuntoli) begins to understand the sacrifices Katherine (Grace Park) has made while he was messing around with Delilah (Stephanie Szostak).
New Amsterdam | Tuesday, 10 p.m., NBC
A journalist visits the hospital to shadow Max (Ryan Eggold) and learn about the scope of his job and the facility. Bloom (Janet Montgomery) and Reynolds (Jocko Sims) have a major disagreement over protocol, and Kapoor (Anupam Kher) deals with issues from his past.
911 | Monday, 9 p.m., Fox
When the first responders race to the rescue of a crashed news helicopter, they become the subject of a reporter’s first on-air assignment. Athena (Angela Bassett) prepares for May’s homecoming dance.
