TV: Natasha attempts to transform trauma into activism
TV WEEK (Wednesday 25th to Tuesday 1st)
TOP SPECIALS
Twitter: Breaking The Bird (RTÉ 2, Wednesday 25th, 9.35pm)
In 2006, a group of tech entrepreneurs created the revolutionary social media app Twitter, and transformed the way the world communicated. This is the inside story of how Twitter was invented, how it spread across the world, and how difficult it became to control the volume of hate speech and misinformation posted on the platform.
The Mortician (Sky Documentaries, Thursday 26th, 9pm)
This gripping series unravels the haunting story of LA’s most infamous family-run mortuary and its dubious part in a multi-billion industry. In the early 1980s, David Sconce took over the Lamb Funeral Home and engaged in morally questionable and inhumane practices to increase his earnings.
Sean Connery v James Bond (Sky Arts, Thursday 26th, 10pm)
In 1963, a young newcomer bursts on to the screen in James Bond – the first episode of a saga destined to become legendary. His name? Connery. Sean Connery. The role of James Bond brought Connery fame and fortune, but it also became his burden. For a long time, the actor tried to break away from his image of 007, but it remained the role that defined his life.
Extraordinary Life: The Ben Dunne Story (RTÉ 1, Thursday 26th, 10.15pm)
The remarkable story of Ben Dunne, chronicling the highs and lows of his life, from the spectacular 1980s success expanding Dunnes Stores to the trauma of his kidnapping by the Provisional IRA in 1981. And then the 1992 escapade in a Florida hotel where cocaine and a call girl made him front page news. The famous comment ‘thanks big fella’ is part of his legacy.
The Gilded Age (Sky Atlantic, Monday 30th, 9pm)
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic and social change, when empires were built, but no victory came without sacrifice. The new series follows the Opera War in season two, with New York’s old guard weakened and the Russells stand poised to take their place at the head of society. Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that is keenly balanced between huge riches and complete ruin.
Special Occasions (RTÉ 2, Monday 30th, 11.35pm)
Theresa Kelly explains what motivated her to open her pop-up shop ‘Special Occasions’ in Edenmore and why she wants every child to enjoy the experience of buying their Holy Communion outfit. The shop’s success is a tale of community togetherness: “I didn’t do this without everybody pulling together for an experience every child should have.”
WATCH OF THE WEEK
Natasha (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 25th, 9.35pm)
After surviving a violent assault by a serving soldier – who was convicted but walked free with a suspended sentence – Natasha O’Brien refuses to stay silent. Her public outcry against the lenient ruling ignites national protests and forces a reckoning with how the Irish justice system treats survivors of gender-based violence. This documentary follows Natasha and how she attempts to transform her trauma into activism. Women with similar stories – Bláthnaid Raleigh and Maev McLoughlin Doyle – share harrowing stories of how the system also failed them.
BEST FILMS
Emily (RTÉ 1, Friday 27th, 9.15pm)
Emma Mackey plays Emily Brontë in this story of her life and the inspiration for her seminal novel, Wuthering Heights. Struggling within the confines of family life, she yearns for personal freedom and channels her energy into one of the greatest novels of all time.
The Silence Of The Lambs (RTÉ 2, Saturday 28th, 10.45pm)
Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins display electric and Oscar winning performances in the dramatic story of the hunt for cannibal serial killer Hannibal Lecter and the strange relationship that develops between cop and criminal. A true crime classic that still engages many years later.
My Policeman (RTÉ 1, Sunday 29th, 9.30pm)
A story of forbidden love which follows three young people – policeman Harry Styles, teacher Emma Corrin and museum curator David Dawson – as they embark on an emotional relationship journey in 1950s Britain. Based on the book by Bethan Roberts, it circles a retro portrait of a threesome caught up in the restrictive conventions of another age.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Gladiator II (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius enters the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honour needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.
KIDS STUFF
Piece By Piece (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
A unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams, told through the lens of Lego animation. Turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.
Not A Box (Apple TV)
Get creative with Riley, a bright-eyed bunny with a big imagination who loves crafting make-believe worlds out of simple cardboard – and meeting new friends along the way. Based on the award-winning book series by Antoinette Portis.
ON DEMAND
The Bear (Disney+)
Back for its fourth season, this multi-Emmy awarded series has things hotting up even more in the kitchen. This time, Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto, Sydney Adamu, and Richard ‘Richie’ Jerimovich are working harder than ever in their mission is to turn The Bear from a small restaurant into a world-class one. As new challenges arise, the team have to adapt quickly and decide what matters most.
Smoke (Apple TV)
From novelist Dennis Lehane comes this thriller series inspired by true events starring Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett concerning an arson investigator who begrudgingly teams up with a police detective in a race to stop two arsonists igniting a twisted game of secrets and suspicions.
Squid Game (Netflix)
The third and final season of Squid Game follows Gi-hun after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man, who was hiding his true identity to infiltrate the game. Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues to his next move and the surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round.
SPORTS CENTRE
Rásaí Beo (TG4, Friday 27th, 5.10pm)
Live horse racing from the Irish Derby Festival in the Curragh, Co. Kildare as the event celebrates 160 years. Presented by Seán Bán Breathnach with Mánus Ó Conghaile, Evelyn Ní Ghriallais, Daragh Ó Conchúir.
All Ireland Football Quarter-Finals (RTÉ 2 and GAA Go, Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th, various times)
This is the knockout stage of the competition and Meath, Armagh, Monaghan and Tyrone await the winners of last weekend’s preliminary rounds. These are the best eight teams in the country, playing the new rules. Expect tears, cheers and triumph.