Here’s what’s on John Byrne’s telly radar this weekend...
Something Dramatic
Quirke (Sunday, RTÉ One)
Gabriel Byrne stars in a drama based on the Benjamin Black novels about a 1950s pathologist and crime-solver. Quirke could be a broody, moody cracker.
Something Funny
Blandings (Sunday, BBC One)
This is a joy for Wodehouse fans – and very annoying for everyone else. Jolly good show!
Something Silly
Splash! (Saturday, UTV)
It’s the final episode. Be grateful for small mercies - and microscopic Speedos.
Something Cinematic
The British Academy Film Awards (Sunday, BBC One)
Nominees include Tom Hanks, Judi Dench, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. Many of whom may even turn up. One of the films up for an award is the visually stunning Gravity:
Something Tragic
Mr Selfridge (Sunday, UTV)
Thanks to the Great War the lights must go out in Selfridge’s. The horror of it all!
Something Magic
Keith Barry: Brain Hacker (Sunday, TV3)
Ireland’s great mentalist freezes himself in a coffin of ice. The things we do for a living, eh?
Something Familiar
Call the Midwife (Sunday, BBC One)
Jessica Raine’s eyebrows. Babies. Bicycles. Is this the most formulaic show on TV?
Something Nostalgic
Boogie Fever: A TOTP2 Disco Special (Saturday, BBC Four)
Disco was great. We get it. Can we move on, please?
Here are the Bee Gees Ji-ji-ji-ji-jive Talkin':
Something Peculiar
Scandimania (Sunday, Channel 4)
This smorgasbord of a series climaxes in Norway as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall tries smoked sheep’s head. Nice!
Something for Everyone
Ireland’s Fittest Family (Saturday, RTÉ One)
Down to the last four families to see who gets the inaugural title and a handy few quid in prize money. Christmas sorted already!
Something Appealing
Justified (Saturday, TG4)
Season two of this exceptionally entertaining modern western continues as a terminally ill ex-con is linked to a bank heist.
Something Appalling
The Hostages (Saturday, Channel 4)
How long must we wait for things to move along a little in this US show?
Something of a Comeback
The Saturday Night Show (Saturday, RTÉ One)
He was recently in the Doctor Who Christmas Special, here John Hurt tells Brendan O’Connor about his latest film Only Lovers Left Alive.
