John Byrne’s TV choices for the week ahead (Saturday Mar 07-Friday Mar 13)
This looks like being a great week for new drama with the likes of American Crime, Poldark and the latest season of The Following all hitting the small screen over the coming days.
Pick of the Week
American Crime, Sunday, RTÉ2
Last year we had Fargo and True Detective, this year could be the year of American Crime. Reports from across the Atlantic are promising a cable-like drama, and the fact that the pilot was written and directed by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) adds weight to that.
Throw in Timothy Hutton and Felicity Huffman starring as the parent of a man murdered and his wife seriously injured, and anyone in their right mind is already reaching to press the red button on their remote. Oh, and the story is told, Crash-style, from various perspectives.
It sounds quite ambitious, as the drama sets out to examine preconceptions on faith, family, gender, race, class and other aspects of social experience in the USA with an approach and perspectives historically under-served in media.
Blimey. It's all a far cry from frothy Sunday night period dramas such as Call the Midwife and Mr Selfridge. Or Poldark . . .
Star of the Week
Aidan Turner
Poldark, Sunday, BBC One
Yet another remake of an old TV favourite, this time Aidan Turner (The Hobbit Trilogy, Being Human, Desperate Romantics) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Death Comes to Pemberley, The White Queen, Jack The Giant Slayer) star as Ross Poldark and Demelza in Debbie Horsfield’s adaptation of Winston Graham’s acclaimed sweeping saga set in 18th century Cornwall, 40 years on from the BBC's last stab at this story.
31-year-old Dubliner Turner (pictured) graduated from The Gaiety School of Acting in 2004 and, after appearing several theatrical productions, he moved into television in 2007 with a guest appearance on The Tudors. That was followed by Desperate Romantics and a recurring role as Ruairí McGowan on The Clinic.
For three seasons he played the vampire John Mitchell on the cool BBC drama, Being Human. His film career took off when he played the dwarf Kíli in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, but Poldark offers him a chance at success as a lead in a mainstream TV drama.
In Sunday's opener, Ross Poldark joins the army to avoid charges of smuggling and goes to fight in the American War of Independence, leaving behind his sweetheart. Three years later he returns home to discover that his father has died, his estate is in ruins and his sweetheart engaged.
Starting This Week
The Following, Saturday, Sky Atlantic
After a dramatic season two finale, Kevin Williamson’s often daft but always entertaining serial killer thriller returns with a double-bill premiere. With cult leader Joe Carroll (Noel Gallagher-lookalike James Purefoy) waiting for execution on death row and all signs of his following erased, Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) has apparently moved on from the dark events of his past.
But his newfound happiness is soon shattered when a series of brutally-staged killings threatens to tear open old wounds. Hardy and his team are forced to unravel a twisted web of violence - leading them to face a terrifying truth: the demented killing spree inspired by Joe Carroll was just the beginning. His ex-follower Mark (Sam Underwood) is still out there and the blood-soaked cat-and-mouse chase is far from over.
Forever, Thursday, Sky 1
Back from its winter hiatus, this silly and slight procedural sees Ioan Gruffudd play Dr Henry Morgan, a New York City medical examiner who studies the dead for criminal cases, and – given that he's somehow immortal - to solve the mystery of his own unending life. Henry and Jo hit the ground running by investigating the murder of a financial investment whipper-snapper who came from humble beginnings. Indeed, it transpires that the victim was the son of one of Abe’s old army buddies, prompting the dreamy immortal to revisit the time he let a 17-year-old Abe go to Vietnam.
Young magician Troy Von Scheibner returns for a second season, armed with more astonishing stunts and illusions as he takes to the streets of London to capture the reactions of unsuspecting members of the public. Hard to take anyone seriously when they wear a baseball cap back to front, though.
Ending this Week
Call the Midwife, Sunday, BBC One
Well it's the end of yet another season and it's hard to see how they can keep this medical nostalgia-fest going for much longer, although it is unquestionably a joy to watch and the Beeb have confirmed a fifth season for 2016. In the season four finale it's now the end of 1960, Trixie and Sister Mary Cynthia team up to support a deaf mother-to-be, while a case of morning sickness proves more serious than initially suspected. Elsewhere, Fred’s daughter is less than delighted about his forthcoming wedding.
The Notorious, Monday, RTÉ2
It's the final episode of this entertaining behind-the-scenes documentary about mixed martial arts fighter Conor 'The Notorious' McGregor. How does his family cope with his success and fame?
Ear to the Ground, Tuesday, RTÉ One
Pets turn savage as lambing season is in full swing? Innovation is at its best in County Cork, and with the end of dairy quotas we look to the north for a view to the future.
Reginald D Hunter's Songs of the South, Saturday, BBC Two
This musical tour of the old American South hits Mississippi, Memphis and New Orleans, while meeting legendary musicals such as Dr John and Steve Cropper.
Eco Eye, Tuesday, RTÉ One
Duncan Stewart investigates the state of community energy projects in Ireland, and explores the obstacles to real community sustainability here.
Hey Ho Let’s Go, Monday RTÉ2
Joining Colin Murphy from Mock the Week and Drunk History are Tiff Stevenson and star of Father Ted and Killinaskully, comedian Joe Rooney (pictured). John Colleary has footballer Stephanie Roche and comedian Al Porter on his side.
Take Me Out, Saturday, UTV
This finale features a hotel receptionist from Belfast, a plumber from Pontefract a builder from Darlington and a Cornish model - all seeking to impress 30 single women.
Drama Of The Week
Scandal, Thursday, Sky Living
The most bonkers show on telly went into overdrive in recent weeks, and it looks like they've managed to ratchet it up another notch this week, which means someone's head is bound to explode, and soon. We're promised an 'edge-of-the-seat instalment' of the political thriller following last week’s cliffhanger ending. As we see the dramatic recent events from Olivia’s point of view, the fight for her life begins.
Comedy Of The Week
Togetherness, Monday, Sky Atlantic
The debut season of this nicely-crafted relationship comedy from Mark and Jay Duplass concludes. When Alex finally gets his big break, the only person he wants to share the news with is Tina - but she’s busy planning her future with Larry. Michelle and Brett, meanwhile, have been going through a tough time and as Michelle goes away on a work trip, she has a lot of thinking to do about her family, and her new friend David. After a day at the beach with the kids, Brett figures out what he wants from the future, and heads for Michelle in Sacramento.
Reality - Entertainment Pick of the Week
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Saturday, TV3 and UTV Ireland
Arguably one of the slickest shows on TV – these two are just amazing presenters, and up there with the best of them all, Bob Monkhouse – Ant and Dec are this week joined by comedian Rob Brydon as the Star Guest Announcer, while Jeremy Jyle is the focus of I'm a Celebrity . . . Get Out of Me Ear!
On Demand
American Horror Story, Netflix
The first three seasons of this very stylish and cinematic drama from Ryan Murphy include some fantastic performances, not least from series perennial Jessica Lange. The first two seasons are superb, with Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott as a couple trying to rebuild their lives in the first, while Lange and Lily Rabe head a great cast in the second season's tale about a mental institution. The third season is about witches and isn't quite as good as the first two, although it has its moments.
Documentary of the Week
The Battle for Rural Ireland, Monday, RTÉ One
Rural Ireland is facing huge challenges. Ravaged by emigration, depopulation and a radically changing jobs market, some communities are in a battle for their survival. Journalist Richard Curran - who has recently moved to County Donegal - is tyhe presenter, pictured below with wife Cathy. Also worth checking in a great week for documentary are Cumann na mBan (Sunday, TG4, see picture); Noel Coward: Talking Pictures (Saturday, BBC Two); and The Irish Rock Story: A Tale of Two Cities (Friday, BBC4).
Film of the Week
Good Vibrations, Saturday, BBC Two
This is a right hoot with Richard Dormer in excellent form as Terri Hooley, the legendary looney music-lover in 1970s' Belfast during The Troubles who decides to open a record shop on the most bombed half-mile in Europe and call it Good Vibrations. The arrival of punk had a profound effect on young people in Belfast and Derry, and encouraged Hooley to set up his own record label.
