WATCH OF THE WEEK: Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius
TV WEEK (Wednesday 4th to Tuesday 10th)
TOP SPECIALS
Nationwide (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 4th, 7pm)
This week to coincide with the anniversary of the Normandy landings, Nationwide delves into stories of families with connections to events of World War II. A family with German roots who now live in Wicklow have a fascinating historical connection, added to by the story of the Irish woman whose weather forecasting helped ensure that D-Day took place on June 6.
Traces (RTÉ 1, Thursday 5th. 11.15pm)
Set against the stunning landscape of Dundee, Scotland, the story follows newbie lab assistant Emma Hedges at the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science, who accidentally digs deeper into the unsolved murder case, and quickly realises she has unearthed a criminal enterprise where she can’t trust anyone.
St Denis Medical (BBC 1, Friday 6th, 10.40pm)
A ‘mocumentary’ sitcom which follows the overworked doctors and nurses at an under-funded Oregon hospital. As the medical centre groans under the weight of trauma and emergencies, the dedicated staff balance treating patients while attempting to maintain their own sanity.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius (BBC 2, Monday 9th, 9pm)
On this, the 250th anniversary of her birth, Jane Austen is getting a new lease of life. By 1814, she is 38, has had three novels published – Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park – all of which earned her a modest income and hint at the promise of financial independence. Determined to secure her future, Austen dives into her most ambitious project yet: Emma.
BEST FILMS
The Front Room (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
Described by one reviewer as “a new Rosemary’s Baby”, this shows everything going to hell for newly-pregnant Belinda, played by Brandy Norwood, after her diabolical mother-in-law moves in and tries to get her claws on the child.
Spartacus (BBC 4, Thursday 5th, 8.15pm)
A classic from 1960 has Kirk Douglas as the rebellious Spartacus, born and raised a slave, and eventually sold to the gladiator arena. Trained to kill for entertainment, Spartacus turns on his Roman masters to lead a slave army uprising that threatens the Empire. The great Stanley Kubrick directs a starry cast that includes Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons and Tony Curtis.
A Man Called Otto (RTÉ 1, Friday 6th, 9.35pm)
Tom Hanks is a grumpy widower whose only joy in life is now criticising and judging his exasperated neighbours. When a young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside down.
Venom: The Last Dance (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Tom Hardy returns as one of Marvel’s most complex characters, for the final film of the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run – hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision bringing the curtains down on their last dance
CLASSIC MOVIE
Songbird (CH4, Wednesday 4th, 1.55am)
The kind of thriller that will remind us of what could well have happened during the pandemic. Set in 2023, where the Covid-23 virus has repeatedly mutated and force the world into its fourth year of lockdown. As a brutal fascist government takes the reins of society, the world is kept under permanent lockdown as the infected are forced into quarantine Q-Zone camps. Demi Moore and Bradley Cooper have cameo parts in a story that might well have happened in reality.
KIDS STUFF
An Ghig Mhor (RTÉ 1, Monday 9th, 8pm)
Renowned Irish musicians mentor up-and-coming bands, helping them organise and prepare for that first big gig in their hometowns. The series will shine a light on the hard work, creativity and dedication that goes into organising your own gig. Mentors are Rónán Ó Snodaigh, lead vocalist of Kíla, hip-hop duo Tebi Rex and singer-songwriters John Spillane, Síomha and Eve Belle.
Aistear an Amhráin (RTÉ 1, Tuesday 10th, 7pm)
Telling the fascinating origins behind songs we all know and love. You’ve heard them sung at parties, across the airwaves, on television and in film – but do you know the stories behind some of Ireland’s best-loved songs? Aistear an Amhráin tells the fascinating stories behind songs we all know and love.
ON DEMAND
A Widow’s Game (Netflix)
In a Spanish parking lot, the body of a man stabbed seven times points to a crime of passion. The Homicide Group start an investigation that soon leads them to a suspect that no one expected – Maje, the sweet young widow, married to the victim for less than a year.
The Better Sister (Amazon Prime)
An eight-episode thriller series about the terrible things that drive sisters apart. Chloe lives a picturesque life with her handsome lawyer husband Adam and teenage son, while her estranged sister Nicky struggles to make ends meet and stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the news of who the prime suspect is sends shockwaves through the family.
Criminal Code (Netflix)
Brazilian crime drama series which follows federal police officers who solve complex robberies using innovative methods. Based on a real-life investigation, special agents painstakingly trace DNA evidence leading them to a mountain of stolen cash.
SPORTS CENTRE
International Friendly (RTÉ 2, Friday 6th, 7pm)
Peter Collins is joined by Didi Hamann and Shay Given for Republic of Ireland v Senegal from the Aviva Stadium. Commentary from Darragh Maloney. KO 7.45pm.
Athletics: Diamond League (BBC 4, Friday 6th, 7pm)
Athletics from the Eternal City as a plethora of household names in track and field compete at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in the fifth Diamond League meet of the season. The USA’s 400m Olympic champion Quincy Hall is set to make his Rome debut, while the women’s 5000m sees Beatrice Chebet of Kenya takes on home favourite Nadia Battocletti.
F1: The Academy (Netflix)
Docuseries which follows 15 female drivers across all five F1 Academy teams – highlighting the drama of the races, as well as the personal stories and high stakes for these incredible drivers and the teams around them, as they break barriers in one of the most demanding sports in the world.