I just went through a living room remodel and asked myself the same question.

1 - nope. You need a receiver because your tv will not give you enough amp to power your speaker or if your tv is recent you can buy a 200-300$ "sound bar" that should directly connect with your tv.

2 - you probably don't need a "14.1" sound system, but its definitively a better sound experience

3 - I put a set of tiny rear speaker inside the Lowe part of my couch and it sounds great and is totally "wife stealth".