This article was originally published in The Courier on 22nd October 2022.
NEXT WEEK’S TV
The Love Box in Your Living Room – Thursday, BBC Two, 9pm
Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse’s contribution to the BBC’s centenary is this very funny spoof documentary about the corporation’s history.
All entirely fabricated, yet partially grounded in reality, it’s presented in the signature style of documentarian Adam Curtis; as we’ve come to expect, the duo's attention to detail is almost entirely flawless.
Fans of Smashie & Nicey: End of an Era and their fiftieth anniversary ‘tribute’ to BBC Two, Story of the 2s, will know that spoof documentaries are an ideal format for Enfield and Whitehouse. They can pack loads of silly gags into an hour, while also delivering some pointed satire.
Love Box gleefully mocks the BBC while attacking those who seek to destroy it. There are a couple of gags towards the end that cause some mild tension, but for the most part it's delightful.
Made in the ‘80s: The Decade That Shaped Our World – Monday, Channel 4, 9pm
Deeley Boppers! The Rubik’s Cube! Black Lace! Weren’t the ‘80s great? Such a laugh. Good times.
That heavy-handed sarcasm will give you an idea of where this new series is coming from. Preview copies weren’t available, but it sounds like a sombre documentary antidote to lazy, trite nostalgia.
It begins with Britain anxiously awaiting the very real threat of nuclear Armageddon. We’re reminded of the various ad men and artists who reflected that terrifying epoch in their confrontational work.
It also recounts the story of several brave women who stood up against
the American military industrial complex, and an unsung spy who apparently
saved us all from oblivion. Fingers crossed, it could be fascinating.
Jimmy Carr Destroys Art – Tuesday, Channel 4, 9:15pm
Seeing as its only reason for existing is to generate headlines, you’ve probably read about this programme in which Carr, following a no doubt nuanced studio debate about censorship, will literally destroy an artwork created by an awful person.
The artists under review include Hitler, Picasso and Rolf Harris.
Yes, I know. Pure Brass Eye.
I understand why Channel 4, which turned 40 this year, are doing this. It’s a desperate attempt to remind viewers of its provocative origins. One in the eye for the right-wing politicians who argue that it provides no alternative to its competitors, hence why it should be sold off.
I don’t want that to happen, obviously, but I
daresay this isn’t the ideal form of protest.
Kids’ TV: The Surprising Story – Wednesday, BBC One, 9pm
The BBC’s centenary celebrations continue with this insightful essay from former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq.
Children’s programmes have always been one of the most important facets of the BBC’s output. They’ve shaped our lives and attitudes. They’ve encouraged diversity and understanding.
Huq interviews luminaries such as Johnny Ball, Floella Benjamin, Cerrie Burnell, Sarah Greene and Phil Redmond. This is no mere exercise in cosy nostalgia, it’s a considered study of how certain pioneering programme-makers and gifted presenters have made a hugely positive impact on British culture.
As Redmond, the architect of Grange Hill, says: “Kids’ TV can be pure entertainment, or actually help people navigate society. You’re not alone… everything you’ve been through, somebody else has been through.”
Grand Designs – Wednesday, Channel 4, 9pm
This week, hard-hatted Kevin McCloud revisits Vicky and Ed, who – full disclosure, I’m quoting from the press release here – “in 2015 broke free from the shackles of their hectic London lives to try to build a new life in the Somerset countryside.”
Pretty much yer standard Grand Designs set-up, and you can absolutely guarantee that McCloud has no memories of Vicky and Ed. These people are just a blur to him.
Vicky and Ed, like most foolhardy Grand Designs contributors, have invested all their money in a massively ambitious building project. Why bother? Just, if you possibly can, find a decent dwelling and enjoy life. Get a cat. Order some cushions online. No one needs this ridiculous hassle.
Inside Russia: Putin’s War At Home – Thursday, STV, 10.45pm
Another edition of ITV’s award-winning Exposure strand – they broke the Jimmy Savile scandal back in 2012 – this documentary, which was filmed in secrecy, gives voice to defiant Russians who have refused to remain silent in the wake of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
By standing up against their authoritarian ruler, these brave people are risking their lives so that we can gain a greater understanding of the situation.
One of the key contributors is Vasiliy, a Russian journalist and filmmaker. “All the laws are really vague in Russia,” he says. “To me operating in this kind of environment is very difficult. You start getting a little bit paranoid. It's uncomfortable in an emotional way.”
Young, Black and Right-Wing – Thursday, Channel 4, 11:05pm
Broadcaster Zeze Millz, who hosts this documentary, is a somewhat controversial figure. A woman of colour, her views are often categorised as right-wing: antithetical to the innate needs and values of her community.
She regards herself as someone who cannot be easily placed on the political spectrum. Her argument, broadly speaking, is that Black people who have a socially conservative outlook shouldn’t be blithely disregarded as a homogenous sector of society incapable of nuanced debate. That's immensely patronising and reductive.
Millz’s report wasn’t available for preview, so I’m not
qualified to comment on what it specifically entails, but it does sound
interesting. As always, I bring these programmes to your attention for that
very reason.
LAST WEEK’S TV
Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel – Sunday 16th October, BBC Two
This was rather fascinating. Hans Zimmer is one of the most prolific and respected composers of music for Hollywood films and ‘high-end’ television. His work has burrowed its way into our heads over the years.
Throughout this documentary, Zimmer – an affable, intelligent, sensitive and slightly eccentric character – didn’t seem particularly bothered by the notion of being a fairly anonymous contributor to works of art beloved by millions. He’s secure in the knowledge that his music is an integral part of various significant films and TV shows. His legacy is assured.
The programme also reminded us that Oscar-winning Zimmer wrote the theme tune for ‘80s daytime quiz show Going for Gold. One helluva career.
Our Jubilee – Sunday 16th October, STV
Screened by ITV as part of Black History Month, this ruminative documentary recounted the stories of various Black British citizens who lived through the late Queen’s reign.
It was, of course, filmed before she passed away, but that worked in the programme’s poignant favour. The interviewees spoke of her – and what she meant to them - in the present tense, while reflecting upon the last seven decades. Several nuanced thoughts and feelings ensued.
ITV is often,
quite rightly, pilloried for its questionable output, but worthwhile programmes
such as this tend to go unnoticed. And that’s probably because ITV stick ‘em out
late at night on Sundays. This should’ve been shown at 9pm after Corrie.
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