This article was originally published in The Courier on 19th March 2022.
NEXT WEEK’S TV
Then Barbara Met Alan – Monday, BBC Two, 9pm
This excellent standalone drama tells the true story of two alternative cabaret performers who became the driving force behind a direct‐action campaign that led to the passing of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act.
It’s a love story. But above all else it’s an angry, humane and irreverent assault on terribly patronising attitudes towards people with disabilities. We’ve moved on since then, but it’s worth bearing in mind that this all took place just 30 years ago. In the supposedly groovy and enlightened 1990s.
Society changes for the better incrementally, in large part thanks to bold, eloquent civil rights activists such as Barbara and Alan. Writers Genevieve Barr and Jack Thorne make their point with commendable wit and sensitivity.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer – Tuesday, Channel 4, 8pm
Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas begin their annual charity diversion alongside TV presenter Emma Willis, Radio One DJ Clara Amfo, Blake ‘Inbetweeners’ Harrison and comedian Alex Horne. As always, judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith snoop about in the background while awareness of a good cause is raised.
In episode one, the contestants are tasked with making intricately decorated biscuits, some madeleines (that’s apparently a sort of cross between a cookie and a cupcake), and a decorative pastry sculpture that somehow reflects their character.
I will never understand the appeal of cakes or
programmes about cakes, but to each our own. I’m only recommending this because
I know some of you will want to watch it. Enjoy!
Rock Till We Drop – Tuesday, BBC Two, 9pm
In the final episode of this uplifting series, our seasoned rock bands perform at the Isle of Wight Festival. I defy anyone to resist the cockle‐warming joy of their moment in the sun.
As guitarist Leburn says with a knowing smile: “I was born to do this. I have lived my life to do this. I could die after this show and that would be perfectly fine with me.”
What a lovely endeavour this has been, a modest tribute to creative people who never wanted to work Nine to Five. Not that there’s anything wrong with a workaday existence, we’re all slaves to fortune, but some folk belong on a stage. Even if it is just for one day.
British Grandma on Death Row with Susanna Reid – Tuesday, STV, 9pm
We’re all sophisticated adults here, so let’s gloss over the fact that the clumsily worded title of this programme implies that Susanna Reid is doing some serious stir with an elderly lady.
Linda Carty is the only British woman on death row anywhere in the western world. She’s been awaiting her fatal sentence for almost 20 years. Carty has always maintained that she’s not guilty of her alleged crime, the details of which are so horrific I daren’t share them with you here. Far too upsetting.
Needless to say, this is a sobering programme, but Reid handles the central issue in a fairly nuanced way. It’s a halfway acceptable article of gloomy tabloid television. You have been warned.
The Simpler Life – Tuesday and Wednesday, Channel 4, 9:15pm and 9pm
Modern life is rubbish. We all know that. But would we be any better off by returning to the olden days? When life was simpler and more rural? Well, no.
You’ve seen versions of this programme a thousand times before, ‘a ground‐breaking experiment’ in which a bunch of volunteers reject the trappings of contemporary society to see what we can learn from living off the land.
This lot ‐ 24 total strangers ‐ are pretending to be Amish in the vicinity of actual Amish people. The whole thing is remotely overseen by psychologists, who chip in now and again to provide some analysis of how they’re getting on. Its heart, I suppose, is located in the right place.
The Witchfinder – Tuesday, BBC Two, 10pm
This sitcom from the Gibbons brothers of Alan Partridge renown got off to a slightly shaky start, but it really is worth sticking with.
At heart it’s a traditional odd couple screwball comedy road trip in which a foolish man (Tim Key) is repeatedly rescued and undermined by a sharp‐witted woman (Daisy May Cooper). Their chemistry is rather delightful.
This week the witchfinder tries to steal some bees while proving his worth as a woodland hunter. His ‘prisoner’ isn’t impressed. The Witchfinder is funny. Most of the jokes land. The characters and narrative are engaging. My only complaint is that the brilliant Jessica Hynes is underused. She deserves a more substantial role. Otherwise, two withered thumbs up.
Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities of the World – Thursday, STV, 9pm
This week’s stunningly beautiful destination is Rome. The ever‐ready Lumley arrives in town on the back of a Vespa. Moments later she’s throwing coins into a fountain for luck while delivering various pocket history lessons.
She also meets a delightful old photographer who chronicled all the great stars during their visits to Rome. Jagger, Ali, Audrey Hepburn, you name ‘em, this chap snapped ‘em. Other highlights include a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and an interview with 94‐year‐old Italian film sensation Gina Lollobrigida, who offers a few glimpses into her fascinating life.
Nessuna sorpresa (yes, I did
just Google Translate that), Lumley can speak Italian. She is, after all, a
cultured citizen of the world.
LAST WEEK’S TV
Top of the Pops: The Story of 1991 – Saturday 12th March, BBC Two
This documentary was supposed to go out last year when BBC Four launched its run of TOTP repeats from 1991, but better late than never.
It was a typically smart, warm and witty compendium of that year’s pop‐crazed highlights, chief among them being the overground emergence of rave culture, hip ‘indie’ bands such as Blur crossing over into the mainstream, and the magnificent pop‐art subversion of The KLF.
It also challenged the widely held belief that Kurt Cobain deliberately sabotaged Nirvana’s infamous performance of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Well maybe he did, but according to those who were there that day, his ludicrous baritone was caused by a heavy cold. Rock and roll.
Bridge of Lies – Monday 14th March to Friday 18th March, BBC One
A daytime quiz hosted by TV Hardman ™ Ross Kemp? There was just no way I could resist watching that. It’s such an inherently odd and intriguing concept. But I regret to report that Kemp is a blandly competent host.
His fellow EastEnders alumnus Danny Dyer scored big with The Wall because his blatant unsuitability for the role is an amusing gift that keeps on giving. And Dyer, even in his confused and bleary state, is capable of ramping up some drama. Kemp just politely goes through the motions like the pro he is. And where’s the fun in that?
The game itself involves contestants answering questions while
crossing a virtual bridge. It’s enjoyable enough. Final answer: meh.
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