NEXT WEEK’S TV
ISOLATION STORIES
Monday
to Thursday, STV, 9pm
These
short standalone dramas were still in post-production when I wrote this, but
given the talent involved they’ll probably be worth watching. Produced by the estimable Jeff
Pope (Philomena; Stan & Ollie), they’re vignettes featuring characters in
lockdown. Mel (Sheridan Smith) is heavily pregnant and at home all alone; the
father of her child has elected to stay elsewhere with his wife and children.
Ron (Robert Glenister) is ill with the virus, which has put added strain on his
relationship with one of his sons (played by Glenister’s son, Tom). Anxious
Mike (Darren Boyd) insists on an online therapy session with Rochelle (Angela
Griffin), and a grandad (David Threlfall) attempts to entertain his family
(Eddie Marsan and his actual sons) from afar.
THE A WORD
Tuesday,
BBC One, 9pm
Peter Bowker’s sensitive drama about a family
coping with a child who has autism is marred by the continuing presence of an
embarrassingly miscast Christopher Eccleston. A fine dramatic actor, Eccleston
simply cannot handle the demands of playing light comedy. It’s beyond his stern
capabilities. That’s a shame, as the rest of the cast, including the entirely
natural Max Vento as nine-year-old Joe, is excellent. As series three begins,
the family’s situation has become even more complicated. Alison (Morven
Christie) and Paul (Lee Ingleby) are divorced, which means that Joe has to cope
with living in two places at once. When he angrily discards his beloved
headphones, usually a permanent fixture around his neck, you know he’s
struggling.
I’LL GET THIS
Tuesday,
BBC Two, 10pm
Here’s
a bit of harmless fun to while away those hours in lockdown. Now in its second
series, each episode involves five celebrities attending a swanky restaurant,
placing their credit cards in a bowl in the centre of the table and proceeding
to play a series of simple yet revealing games. If they win a game, they get to
retrieve their card. If not, they have to pay for the meal at the end of the
night (hardly a tragic sacrifice for such well-heeled people, but let's keep it light). The celebs in this week’s episode are the old smoothie’s old smoothie
Nigel Havers, Made in Chelsea star and
pro-fox hunting young Conservative Georgia Toffolo, Alex Brooker from The Last Leg, comedian Desiree Burch and
former Coronation Street star Sally
Lindsay.
LAST WEEK’S TV
VAN DER VALK
Sunday 26th April, STV
Let’s
get the most important thing out of the way first: the minimalist rearrangement
of that once triumphant theme tune is simply unacceptable. Even the John Lewis Christmas publicity team would reject it for being too weak and twee. A travesty. Otherwise, this handsomely
produced contemporary take on the adventures of Amsterdam’s most famous
detective is serviceably generic cop show fare. The role will forever by
associated with the late Barry Foster, but Marc Warren does a pretty good job
of slipping into his caustic brogues. It's nothing, though, a Sunday night time-passer. Still, nice canals.
STACEY DOOLEY: COSTA
DEL NARCOS
Sunday 26th April, BBC Two
Dooley’s
latest investigation revealed how southern Spain has, in recent years, become
the main turf-warring gateway for drugs into Europe. She met some heavily
disguised dealers and smugglers, as well as some of the police officers tasked
with seizing back control of the region. Dooley may not be the world’s greatest
investigative journalist, but her reports are always clear-eyed and
informative. This was no exception.
ABSOLUTELY INDIA:
MANCS IN MUMBAI
Wednesday 29th April, STV
The
Thomas brothers, Ryan, Scott and Adam, are familiar to millions for their
respective roles in Coronation Street,
Emmerdale and Love Island. But did you know they’re of Indian descent? Accompanied
by their dad, the singer Dougie James of Soul Train minor fame, they explore
their heritage in this lively travelogue which also doubles as a family therapy
session. They’re amiable tour guides.
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