Big Brother: The Live Final (Friday from 8pm, C4)
I did it! I haven’t seen one second of footage from this year’s tedious quest for hollow celebrity. If you need me, I’ll be in the corner smashing a frying pan into my face as something more interesting to do.
The IT Crowd (Friday 9.30pm, C4)
To my utmost surprise, I found myself laughing out loud at this last week, so I shall be back for more tonight. It’s still Black Books in a different setting, but cast and script seem to be gelling more than series one, which is all to the good. Moss sounds uncannily like Will Grundy off of The Archers though, which is very disconcerting.
The Shield (Friday 11pm, Five)
Sadly it’s the last in the series, so expect brutal conclusions all round as Vic must form some uneasy alliances to safeguard his position at the head of the Strike Team. Any chance we could have Mr Mackey in the Big Brother house next year? Now that would make me watch!
The X Factor (Saturday 7.50pm, ITV1)
Oh all right then, you got me. I was very dismissive of last year’s Cowell-fest, but I’m well and truly hooked this year (so that probably cancels out my Big Brother-free existence). The gang are off to Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff to put some more poor souls through some ritual humiliation.
Eurovision Dance Contest (Saturday 8pm, BBC1)
Oh come on now, this is getting silly isn’t it? How much more can the facecloth of dance be rung out? I’m sure with Graham Norton on hosting duties, there’ll be a decent audience for this, especially in the second half when The X Factor has finished. Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole is there is one half of the couple representing the UK, and there’s a certain camp entertainment value to proceedings.
Rebus (Saturday 9pm, UKTV Drama)
With only a few days to Exit Music, what some are saying is the last of Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus books, it’s interesting to check out this original TV incarnation of the tortured detective. Black and Blue is quite far into the series, but it’s the book that really out the books on the map, and these adaptations are pretty fair. John Hannah might not have Ken Stott’s Rebus-esque frame, but unlike the Stott versions, the scripts don’t shy away from the fact that Rebus is a drunk and not particularly pleasant to be around. Good, solid crime drama.
Coronation Street (Sunday 7.30pm, ITV1)
Finally, the highly tedious storyline involving Ashley, Claire and the badly-acted Casey comes grinding to a halt this week, culminating in a balcony-based finale that puts little Freddie in danger. And Norris has a proposal that brings a shock for a Weatherfield veteran.
Coming Down the Mountain (Sunday 9pm, BBC1)
Mark Haddon, he of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, has penned this highly enjoyable and thoughtful one-off drama about the relationship between a teenager and his Down’s syndrome brother. Nicholas Hoult play his familiar role as disaffected teen David, consistently frustrated at the attention his brother receives from his parents. Hoult is great, but it’s Tommy Jessop as Ben who deserves all the praise here for a truly stunning performance. Highly recommended.
The Sopranos (Sunday 9pm, E4)
The final nine episodes of the classic US drama arrive on British shores, so enjoy them while you can. This show has been consistently brilliant, affecting, funny, thoughtful, superbly acted, written and directed, and that quality should be cherished and celebrated wherever we find it. Nine weeks of brilliance. Bliss!
'...but unlike the Stott versions, the scripts don’t shy away from the fact that Rebus is a drunk and not particularly pleasant to be around. Good, solid crime drama.'
You are kidding aren't you? Have you actually watched any of the Stott versions? Rebus is clearly portrayed as a functioning alcoholic.
Hi JA
Oh yes, Stott's Rebus likes a pint, but I don't think it goes much further than that. While he *looks* like Rebus, I think too many edges have been rounded off the character to make him a bit too cuddly and likeable.
Whereas, I do think Hannah catches more of a sense of the character's spikier elements, the waking up in the chair at 4 in the morning with a bottle of whisky next to him, the boozing is more explicit. I honestly think the Hannah adaptations are much more faithful than the Stott versions. Hannah was very ,uch the reluctant Rebus (he had the TV rights, but didn't want to play the part until ITV put pressure on him) and I think that gives his performance a raw edge
Hi Mark
Well we'll have to disagree on that then.
Stott's Rebus is often seen slumped on the sofa with an empty glass on the side or fully dressed on his bed and rarely appears to sleep. There’s one scene for example in Question Of Blood where is heading back to the pub for a 'whiskey before sleep,' in the early hours of the morning after he's been on the drink all night. In The Falls at the end he is in the pub with the alcoholic shake clearly seen as he attempts to pick up his pint.
It's funny how people see things differently. After watching Hanna as Rebus I was completely turned off from the series with his, as I thought insipid portrayal of the character.
Stott is far closer to Rankin’s character (as much as TV adaptations allow) and plays the part well without being irritating and manages to show a human side to Rebus which garners the empathy from the viewer.
But the good thing about disagreeing is that it makes the television stations earn their keep by trying to please everyone!
JA
Ps I thoroughly enjoy reading your comments!