John Byrne brings a round-up of all things telly!
Raw Law
Reviewed: Eternal Law (Thursday, UTV)
While I wouldn’t be the biggest David E Kelley fan in the world, I do get some of the American TV writer/producer’s quirky shows. His most recent effort, Harry’s Law, is on the right side of okay, but on the other hand I’d rather chew on elephant toenails than ever watch Ally McBeal again.
Kelley’s regular mix of legal and oddball sprang to mind as I watched the opening episode of ITV’s newest drama, Eternal Law. Its concept is certainly of his world, if not quite up his street, as it mixes the peculiar (angels) with the mundane (the law). Basically, what we’ve got here is a pair of angels who are sent down to Earth to help straighten things out, to find a path of redemption for humans. One of the angels, Zac Gist (played with effervescent cynicism by Samuel West), has been to Earth many times before and, we soon discover, has some baggage.
His partner Tom Greening (Ukweli Roach) is a complete novice who nearly causes a motor accident just moments after his arrival, and shows his lack of local knowledge by attempting to eat a still-skinned banana.
Arriving in the picturesque English city of York, the couple set up a legal practice and immediately find themselves defending a man accused of attempted murder. And what do you know? The lawyer working for the prosecution isn’t just any old legal eagle, it’s another angel; a fallen one at that. These guys are everywhere!
As no one else outside their circle knows that Zac and Tom are angels it’s assumed that this is a secret between them and us viewers, an advantage that may create a little loyalty for a show that’s on a bit of a learning curve.
In truth, the rather mundane first case and its rather lame conclusion didn’t help matters at all. While Zac and Tom offer an instantly recognisable pairing of opposites (think: a celestial version of The Odd Couple) and a purpose that has great potential, the writers need to work a little harder on plot.
It took no time to settle into a world where two angels become legal eagles, but that’s an indication that it needs a lot more going on if Eternal Law is going to build up a favourable head of steam over the course of its six episodes.
From an Irish perspective, it was good to see Orla Brady pop up on our TV screens once more. Here, she plays Mrs Sheringham, the angels’ minder. It’s certainly not a taxing part for her, which is a similar story for a quite impressive cast.
Overall, it was a bit of a ho-hum opening for Eternal Law that doesn’t bode well for the show’s future. The idea’s good, the cast is strong and the show’s not short on playful fun, but the stories need to get a whole lot better it it’s to really take off.
Pick of the Week
The Good Wife (Thursday, More4)
The best TV show of the last two years returns for a third season – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Last time out, fans saw Alicia Florrick finally give in to her desires and head for a night of passion with Will Gardner. The ads and posters for season three have been hugely provocative, showing Felicia as a bit of a sexpot. No bother to Julianna Margulies, who has made a career-defining role out of her character, but Felicia faces a huge task trying to keep her affair with Will a secret while also getting on with the day job. Elsewhere, regular viewers can look forward to a superb supporting cast (Alan Cumming! Archie Panjabi! Matt Czuchry! Christine Baranski!) playing in the best ensemble show to come from the USA since The West Wing.
New this week
Homeland (Friday, RTÉ Two)
Fridays are looking a lot brighter on RTÉ Two from this week (although where the hell is the wonderful Parks and Recreation gone?) with The Big C, the superb, scenery-chewing Damages and this new, highly-rated drama starring Damian Lewis and Claire Daines as a suspected rogue US soldier and the CIA agent on his case.
Unforgettable (Tuesday, Sky Living)
You might remember Poppy Montgomery from Without a Trace? She played Special Agent Samantha ‘Sam’ Spade. Here she stars as a crime-solver with a very special gift that’s also a curse: a condition that allows her to remember everything that she has ever seen. Former Nip/Tuck star Dylan Walsh features as her trusty sidekick.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood ((Tuesday, BBC TWO)
The Beeb’s year-long tribute to Charles Dickens continues with this promising drama based on the great author’s final and unfinished novel. Former Brothers & Sisters star Matthew Rhys heads the cast in a two-parter about an opium-addicted choirmaster that brings the incomplete story to a conclusion.
Ending this week
Sherlock (Sunday, BBC ONE)
Just as it happened with the first, short-lived season of Sherlock, this second one’s ending almost as quickly as it began. A smart, but not too clever modernisation of Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman come back a third time as Holmes and Watson for The Reichenbach Fall is the final episode of the much-praised, multi-award-winning drama.
James Moriarty is the greatest criminal mind that the world has ever seen, so Sherlock and John knew he wouldn’t stay hidden for long. But even they never guessed the sheer scale and audacity of the crime that would propel Moriarty back into the headlines. The Tower of London, the Bank of England, Pentonville prison - all sprung open on the same day as if by magic! But Moriarty’s plans don’t stop there . . . Sherlock and John lock horns with their old enemy in one final problem that tests loyalty and courage to their very limits. Sherlock must fight for his reputation, his sanity and his life. But is he all he claims to be?
Documentary of the week
The Nurse (Thursday, RTÉ One)
This new six-part documentary series follows the daily lives of six nurses, their patients and their communities. From Inishbofin Island to inner city Dublin, Castleknock to Coolock and Cavan to Clare, these community nurses work at the frontline of the health service. The commitment and humanity they show is matched only by the courage, resilience and good humour of their patients - this series is all about life, from the cradle to the grave, offering an honest and touching portrayal of real people and real struggles all across Ireland. The opening episode features Mary Walsh from Mayo, who has been nursing on Inishbofin island for the past four years. Despite her initial fears she has grown to enjoy island life. In contrast, the episode also visits the predominantly working class Dublin suburb of Coolock, where nurse Kirsten Priesler has been nursing in the community for five years.
Repeat of the week
The Closer (Wednesday, Alibi)
This welcome re-run of the superb ensemble cop show starring Kyra Sedgwick as the unconventional-but-brilliant Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson continues as Brenda discovers that the FBI have ulterior motives in an investigation. If you haven’t seen The Closer before, do yourself a major favour and get viewing. Sedgwick is fantastic, and the rest of the cast and characters aren’t far behind.
Guest stars of the week
Graham Norton definitely strolls away with the star of the week as he’s got Madonna on his BBC ONE show next Friday. The pop legend will be talking about her directoral debut, W.E. and will be joined by the film’s stars, Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy, who play Wallis Simpson and Edward Windsor. Also on Friday, QI guests include Jo Brand and Ben Goldacre. Saturday night’s second episode of The Jonathan Ross Show on UTV sees Wossie chatting to Emma Thompson, Brooke Shields and Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness. Florence and the Machine will be performing.
Casting Couch Corner
Who’s heading to what show
Former Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors is making a guest appearance on procedural show CSI: NY. He’ll play a detective who worked on a cold case back in the 1950s that has resurfaced once again.
Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice are set for another crossover. This time around Derek’s sister Amelia, will appear on Grey’s, while McDreamy and Lexie take a trip to Oceanside Wellness. Meanwhile, Kate Walsh will appear on Grey’s as part of the upcoming alternate reality episode.
The Thick of It star Peter Capaldi – who played the delightfully appalling Malcolm Tucker – will reappear this year as the eccentric new Head of News Randall Brown in the second season of BBC TWO period drama The Hour.
Sienna Miller is also BBC TWO-bound as she’s been cast to play Tippi Hedren in The Girl, a one-off drama about legendary movie director Alfred Hitchcock’s obsession with the then unknown actress he cast in the 1963 thriller The Birds.
Sat Nav
Satellite Highlights
Enlightened (Tuesday, Sky Atlantic)
Laura Dern’s surprisingly impressive sitcom about a corporate type who starts a new life after suffering an on-the-job meltdown and receiving therapy at a hippie holistic treatment centre continues. Amy is delighted to get a visit from Sandy (Robin Wright), whom she met at therapy, but their friendship begins to falter when Amy’s mother gets involved.
Body of Proof (Thursday, Alibi)
Still without a start date on Irish TV, former Desperate Housewives star Dana Delaney’s quirky-lite and comfortingly predictable procedural is now in its second season on Alibi. This week, Megan Hunt and the gang are called in when a millionaire is accused of shooting his wife while out hunting deer.
American Horror Story (Monday, FX)
From Nip/Tuck to Glee to this spooky drama, diverse show creator Ryan Murphy’s sure proving his worth to TV these days, while former Friday Night Lights star Connie Britton is outstanding as the highly stressed lady of the haunted house, Vivien Harmon. We’re up to episode 10 (of 12) and Violet learns more about the Murder House and her role in it - and the true story of Larry's burns is revealed. Great fun!
John Byrne
