Return to… Vets in Practice (Monday 7.30pm, BBC2)
Do you remember the bizarrely popular Vets School **and the subsequent **Vets in Practice? It was a hugely popular fly on the wall series that introduced us to a group of young vets, including Trude Mostue, Steve Leonard and the smitten lovebirds Joe Inglis and Emma Milne. We were suckers in our millions for their adventures in the vet trade, and Trude even forged a fledgling TV career on the back of it. This five-part series revisits them in the here and now. I’m not sure we need it, but ViP was a huge show, so should be of passing interest to some.
New Tricks (Monday 9pm, BBC1)
A very welcome return for one of the Beeb’s most popular dramas. Amanda Redman, Denis Waterman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolan are back as the lovable veteran coppers in a tale that sees Jack (Bolam) face Ricky Hansen, who is standing trial for the old fella’s attempted murder. There are the usual side plots and sweet character moments propping things up in jolly fashion, and I for one am glad to see this hugely enjoyable show back in the schedules.
Roman Mysteries (Tuesday 4.35pm, BBC1)
Thank god the BBC is still investing in quality, well-made children’s drama (just about). Roman Mysteries is a good, solid adventure series, based on the successful novels by Caroline Lawrence about a gang of children erm… investigating mysteries in ancient Rome. Et voila! Roman Mysteries. The first series was really rather jolly and in the first adventure of this second run a group of gladiators arrive in Ostia…
Bonekickers (Tuesday 9pm, BBC1)
While Hugh Bonneville looks vaguely embarrassed by the whole enterprise, and Adrian Lester bravely rallies like a pro in the face of adversity, Julie Graham goes for the full on scenery chewing in this highly implausible load of old cack. Bonekickers is a po-faced adventure drama about a group of archaeologists, led by Graham’s feisty Gillian, that possesses no sense of irony AT ALL. Ridiculous dialogue and improbable situations are thrown around with gay abandon and it’s impossible to take any of this seriously. And the biggest surprise? Bonekickers is from the pen of Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah, the genius brains behind Life on Mars. Sorry guys, but we really do expect better from you than this half-baked nonsense.
The Culture Show (Tuesday 10pm, BBC2)
David Simon, creator of cult HBO drama The Wire, pops in for a chat about the success of the show.
Celebrity Masterchef (Wednesday 8pm, BBC1)
Six more celebrities throw their chefs hat in the ring for a chance to be crowned Celebrity Masterchef 2008. Tonight, Denise Lewis, Linda Robson and Mark Monaghan, followed by Michael Buerk, Liz McClarnon and Julia Bradbury are all cooking up a storm. I just hope John and Gregg gird their loins to be a bit more unpleasant to the cooks when they serve up something dreadful. Just one disparaging comment would be okay!
Drama Trails (Wednesday 9pm, ITV3)
This week the labyrinthine connections that link The Jewel in the Crown and Band of Gold are examined in this enjoyable yet slight piece of fluff narrated by James (he’ll never be Doctor Who on my watch) Nesbitt.
A Very Peculiar Practice (Wednesday 9pm, Sky Arts)
A welcome chance to see one of Peter Davison’s finest roles, as he plays idealistic young GP Stephen Daker who pitches up to a new job at a university campus medical centre. This is the finest work to come from the pen of Andrew Davies, and it makes you weep for all those bonnets and corsets. Criminally overlooked.
EastEnders (Thursday 7.30pm, BBC1)
A significant episode of ‘Enders that introduces Gavin and Stacey/Triangle legend Larry Lamb as a major new character who is likely to have far-reaching consequences for at least two characters. Great casting too!
Mock the Week (Thursday 9pm, BBC2)
The always enjoyable, occasionally laugh out loud funny satirical panel show returns under the watchful eye Dara O’Briain. The usual teams are joined by Lucy Porter and Michael McIntyre.
Lab Rats (Thursday 9.30pm, BBC2)
Lab Rats is a genially traditional sitcom from the pen of Chris Addison and Carl Cooper. It’s about the hapless staff of a research lab at a university and is largely inoffensive, but that’s about it. The comedy isn’t razor sharp, but Addison, a graduate of some great Radio 4 comedy and of course, The Thick of It, has a nice line in startled charm, and it could have been a lot worse. And fair play to somebody having a bash at a traditional studio-bound sit-com outside The IT Crowd.
Still Game (Thursday 10pm, BBC2)
Joy! A rerun of the last series of Square Eyes favourite Still Game. Still Game? Still funny!
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