This article was originally published in The Courier on 20th July 2019.
NEXT WEEK’S TV
KEEPING FAITH
Tuesday,
BBC One, 9pm
The
first series of this BBC Wales hit was compared favourably to series one of Broadchurch. The latter famously lost
the plot completely after that inaugural outing, so let’s hope the comparison
doesn’t persist. The excellent Eve Miles (who coincidentally starred in Torchwood, which was helmed by Broadchurch and incumbent Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall)
stars as a solicitor whose partner disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The
story continues 18 months after his eventual return, with occasional flashbacks
filling in the gaps. While Faith struggles to make sense of everything her
family has been through, she takes on the case of a farmer accused of murdering
her husband. A web of vaguely Nordic noir-influenced intrigue ensues. It’s a
promising return.
I AM NICOLA
Tuesday,
Channel 4, 10pm
This
new female-led anthology series kicks off with a standalone drama starring
Vicky McClure as a woman searching for the perfect relationship. Unfortunately,
she’s stuck in a dysfunctional rut with a partner who doesn’t remotely live up
to her romantic ideal. Preview copies weren’t available, so I’m afraid I can’t
tell you if this semi-improvised experiment pasts muster, but McClure is always
worth watching and writer/director Dominic Savage is known for curating raw,
compelling character studies developed in conjunction with his actors. Then
again, his working methods have also resulted in some aimless, self-indulgent
tedium from time to time. Your guess is as good as mine, folks, but this does
sound potentially interesting.
ANIMAL BABIES: FIRST
YEAR ON EARTH
Wednesday,
BBC Two, 9pm
The
‘aww’ factor is higher than the sun in this beautiful new series. Three
wildlife camera operators and various conservationists set their benign sights
on six infant animals as they develop the fundamental skills required to
survive in this big bad world of ours. It begins with a family of African
elephants gathering to protect a vulnerable new arrival. She gradually learns
how to use her trunk while becoming au fait with the intricate ways in which pachyderms
communicate. Meanwhile, some baby hyenas bond with their dedicated mothers, a faltering
sea otter comes to terms with life in a dangerous human-made environment, a
wrinkled little macaque gains a degree of independence, and a rare mountain
gorilla navigates treacherous treetop life.
BROKE
Thursday,
BBC Two, 9pm
In
the UK today, a third of those in gainful employment have less than £500 in life
savings. They work hard, yet struggle to stay afloat. The cost of living rises
every year, while wages remain in stasis. This humane and hugely vital series
follows nine families from all walks of life as they explain what it’s like to
just about scrape by. We meet a father and son who’ve been left homeless due to
direly unforeseen circumstances. Dad is signed up to a precarious zero hours
contract. The future looks bleak. In Wales, a steelworker supports his family on just £300 a month. In London, an
ageing Uber driver with no pension barely survives. Britain is one of
the world’s richest countries. Utterly scandalous.
LAST WEEK’S TV
TV’S BLACK
RENAISSANCE: REGGIE YATES IN HOLLYWOOD
Saturday 13th July, BBC Two
Recently,
a new generation of African-American artists has examined the black experience with
a frankness never before seen on television. This revealing documentary sent a
positive message: the uncompromising wit and insight of shows such as Donald
Glover’s Atlanta (which I urge you to
watch) aren’t anomalous. They’re part of a growing reaction against endemic
racism in an oppressive society governed by rich, white bigots.
LOUIS THEROUX:
SURVIVING AMERICA’S MOST HATED FAMILY
Sunday 14th July, BBC Two
Thirteen
years after his first encounter with the notorious Westboro Baptist Church – a fundamentalist
Christian ministry and anti-gay hate group – Theroux returned to find out how
the 2014 death of twisted leader Fred Phelps has affected its members. He also
investigated rumours that Phelps had been excommunicated in his final days after
supposedly renouncing his vile beliefs. This led to another round of tense exchanges
with indoctrinated church members, including one where the usually unflappable
interlocutor almost lost his temper.
They seemed broken, tired, their unspoken
yet palpable fear being that if Phelps was a fallible human being, then maybe their
hate-fuelled martyrdom has been meaningless. On this occasion, they came across
as almost pitiable; victims of their extremist ideology. But it’s hard to feel
sorry for an organisation that has caused people so much pain. It’s their own hell-bound
fault.
Meanwhile, a bittersweet sliver of uplift was provided by long-serving member Megan,
who’d escaped the church and now spreads a message of tolerance. Megan has lost her family, who refuse to communicate with her, but I hope she finds some comfort in the real world.
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