BTW why in America do you actually have to physically be served the summons or court order? Is that just something they invented for the movies?

Because it's the only way they can prove you knew you were supposed to show up for court. Otherwise you could claim you never got the letter in the mail or never got a phone call.

ill be god damned to show up somewhere by hear say

he really would check all three options even if it's redundant

very realistic