The Hairy Bakers (Monday 8.30pm, BBC2)
And with one quick change of a vowel, The Hairy Bikers find a new lease of life as The Hairy Bakers, riding around Great Britain in search of the best baking the country has to offer. This week the lads are looking at bread, and there are some great recipes on offer. That’s the main problem with this format, the food is fantastic, but the banter between the lads becomes wearing after a few minutes, especially Si King who I dearly wish would just SHUT UP and cook!
New Tricks (Monday 9pm, BBC1)
A veritable oasis after a tedious weekend of telly, New Tricks can always be relied upon to deliver the goods on a Monday evening. The team are drawn into the lives of a commune that appears to be at the centre of their most recent investigation. This gives Brian some solace from his usual demons and problems and the always-welcome chance for Alun Armstrong to demonstrate that he’s the best thing in New Tricks. Watch out for guest turns from Lorcan Cranitch and Sylvia Simms.
Crime Thriller Season (Monday 9pm, ITV3)
Tying in to this year’s Crime Thriller Awards, ITV3 commences a season showcasing some of the best detective drama put out by the broadcaster, starting with Ian Rankin, creator of the enduring Inspector Rebus series of novels (and one of my favourite writers). The author talks about his career, his love of Edinburgh and his famous creation. Following this interesting profile you can catch a repeat of The Falls, the first TV outing for Ken Stott as Rebus.
Liverpool on the Box (Tuesday 8pm, BBC4)
As part of the Liverpool season, this clip show charts the high and lows of the city as depicted on our TV screens, with usual suspects Boys from the Blackstuff, Brookside and Bread mixing in with segments from Z Cars. Nicely nostalgic and one for the TV history buffs.
Maestro (Tuesday 9pm, BBC2)
This engaging reality show continues as the celebrities crack on with the quest to conduct the BBC concert orchestra at the Proms. This week, the remaining hopefuls must endure a live performance at Television Centre to see if they have what it takes to go the distance. Good stuff.
Call the Cops (Tuesday 10pm, BBC4)
Sticking with BBC4 for more TV history, this documentary series continues with a look at the legendary and long-running Z Cars. It’s a show that everybody knows, but is little-repeated, and cast members James Ellis and Brian Blessed, amongst others, recall their time with this pioneering series. As the BBC cast about for a successful police procedural series after the death of Holby Blue, it surprises me that some bright executive hasn’t toyed with the idea of bringing back the show.
Trawlermen (Wednesday 8.30pm, BBC1)
It’s basically Deadliest Catch in all but name, but the BBC spin on the Discovery Channel hit is no less compelling or watchable. The Peterhead trawlermen head out into treacherous conditions to bring home a haul of fish that will put money on the table for their family. It’s a thankless task, but these guys put their lives on the line with good humour and tenacity that makes you think twice about your cod and chips on a Saturday night. Not that we should be eating cod, mind.
Who Do You Think You Are? (Wednesday 9pm, BBC1)
Considering tonight’s subject is Boris Johnson, I think this is a question many people would rather like answered.
House of Saddam (Wednesday 9pm, BBC2)
Gripping conclusion to a truly magnificent drama documenting the true story of the rise and fall of Saddam Hussein. There’s a more reflective air to this closing segment, with Saddam a fugitive in his own country, hiding out from coalition forces. He’s a broken man and this is a stark contrast to the proud and powerful creature we have seen throughout this series. And then you remember that the whole thing really happened, and that snaps you back to reality. Sobering.
Harley Street (Thursday 9pm, ITV1)
Back in 1998, when legendary sitcom Seinfeld came to an end in America, the nation vibrated under an onslaught of anguished cries from the populace. I anticipate much the same reaction in the UK when Harley Street heaves to an end on Thursday. Never more Suranne Jones’s plum-in-the-gob accent, ta-ra to the nice coats, and bye bye dialogue that would make the script editor of Bonekickers blush (still can’t resist having a dig at Bonekickers…)
The Cup (Thursday 9.30pm, BBC2)
A promising new comedy in that mockumentary style that’s so difficult to get right - this succeeds to an extent, but I’m not sure if it can sustain six episodes, but we’ll see how it goes. Steve Edge is obsessive dad Terry, whose son plays in a junior footie team that the documentary team is following. Much of the comedy revolves round competitive parents, and I get the feeling that is going to wear thin, but on the whole, this first outing for The Cup more or less succeeds.
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