This article was originally published in The Courier on 28th September 2019.
NEXT WEEK’S TV
THE APPRENTICE
Wednesday,
BBC One, 9pm
It
is, I suppose, comforting to know that in these uncertain times, there will
always be another conveyer belt of grasping buffoons for Alan Sugar to cast a
jaded eye over. As series 15 commences, we’re required to play the usual game
of assessing who this year’s breakout stars will be. Who will become the
nation’s favourite laughing stock, only for them to eventually turn up on You’re Fired! to reveal that they’re
actually more human and likeable than the edit made out? Candidates this year
include a Shakespeare-quoting librarian, a cockney geezer and a Michael
McIntyre clone who describes himself as “a pig in business”. Task one: set up a
bespoke tour in the countryside around Cape Town. Heaven help us all.
WHAT BRITAIN BUYS AND
SELLS IN A DAY
Monday,
BBC Two, 9pm
Our
trading relationships are about to face their biggest challenges in decades, but
how much do we really know about the systems which enable Britain to import and
export goods on such a massive scale? In this, to say the least, optimistic new series, Ade
Adepitan, Cherry Healey and, yes, Ed Balls examine the ways in which Britain trades with the rest of the world. It begins with a hard-hatted Balls visiting
the vast London Gateway port to find out more about where our fruit and veg
comes from. Adepitan travels to Peru to reveal how our growing interest in
healthy eating has had a positive economic impact on overseas communities, and
Healey visits a busy trading centre responsible for securing global produce.
TINY LIVES
Thursday,
BBC One, 9pm
The
specialist neonatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw is dedicated to caring
for seriously ill and premature babies. It’s the setting for this sensitive
three-part series from BBC Scotland, in which amazing NHS professionals and
anguished families deal with a variety of complex medical emergencies. Charlie
was born at just 23 weeks, almost the earliest stage at which a baby can be
kept alive outside the womb. “You’ve got to have hope,” says his tired young
mother. “If you don’t have hope you don’t really have anything.” Tiny Lives makes for difficult viewing
at times, but no one could fail to be moved by the abiding theme of kindness,
love and courage in the face of adversity. It’s humbling.
BETTY DAVIS: GODMOTHER
OF FUNK
Friday,
BBC Four, 10:30pm
Pioneering
funk musician Betty Davis vanished from the spotlight over 30 years ago. This
unusual documentary tracks down, sort of, an enigmatic cult performer whose
raw, raunchy stage persona paved the way for artists such as
Prince and Madonna. She also inspired her late husband Miles to embrace
jazz-rock fusion. He inspired her to write and perform. He also physically
abused her. Davis, who remains unseen for much of the film, recounts her story via
a narrator reading poetry inspired by conversations with the filmmakers. Betty
Davis was an independent black woman who defied convention. She played a
sexually-charged role to make a socio-political point, but the attendant
controversy and her innate sensitivity couldn’t support the weight. A sad film,
it will linger with you.
LAST WEEK’S TV
ARENA: NOMAD – IN THE
FOOTSTEPS OF BRUCE CHATWIN
Saturday September 21st, BBC Two
Werner
Herzog is one of the world’s greatest living filmmakers. An actual genius. As a
documentary-maker, he’s been responsible for haunting films such as Grizzly Man. Once seen, never forgotten.
This profile of the late, renowned adventurer Bruce Chatwin didn’t scale such
heights, but it was typically idiosyncratic. Herzog, no stranger to fantastical
adventures himself, collaborated with Chatwin during the last years of his
life. They were kindred spirits. This affecting ode to their friendship was a
dry-witted affair in which fond understatement said more than cheap
sentimentality ever could. Herzog and Chatwin are inspiring figures. Life-affirming
myth-spinners. Also, as all civilised people agree, Herzog’s none-more-Herzog
style of narration is one of life’s eternal pleasures. He should be the voice
of the BT speaking clock.
JAPAN WITH SUE PERKINS
Wednesday September 25th, BBC One
In
the concluding chapter of her Japanese odyssey, Perkins confirmed that she’s
one of the best celeb-orientated travelogue presenters. Like Palin and
Connolly, she’s genuinely interested in the cultures under scrutiny. She makes
witty asides whenever witty asides feels appropriate, but never sneers or hogs
the limelight. She’s funny, sensitive, thoughtful. A surprisingly
moving series at times, far removed from the bland, gawping norm.
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