Into the Storm Monday, BBC2 8.30pm
Brendan Gleeson stars as Winston Churchill in a drama which has already seen him win an Emmy for the role. As Winston and his wife Clementine (Janet McTeer) await the results of the 1945 General Election, we flash back to pivotal events in the Second World War, as Churchill becomes Prime Minister and blocks moves to negotiate with Hitler. A stirring performance that manages to stay just the right side of pastiche.
Battlestar Galactica Monday, Sci-Fi 9pm
Based upon a cheap’n’cheesy 1970s sci-fi shows, Ronald D Moore’s re-imagining grew into one of the most intelligent dramas of any genre of recent times. And while this mini-series isn’t quite as lofty as the full series which followed, it’s a perfect point at which to jump on as Sci-Fi begins a repeat run of the entire series.
Spooks Wednesday, BBC1 9pm
It. Is. Back. After the thrilling conclusion to last year’s run, which saw Connie finally revealed as the mole, slitting Ben’s throat before sacrificing herself to defuse a nuclear bomb, we find out what happened to Harry Pearce (the brilliant Peter Firth) — last seen being bundled into the back of a car. There’s an additional reason for long term Spooks fans to rejoice tonight. My lips are sealed lest I reveal a spoiler - but don’t look at the Radio Times cast listing for this week’s episode, I beg of you…
The Family Wednesday, Channel 4 9pm
The fly-on-the-wall documentary series returns with a new family under the microscope. The Grewals are a Sikh family from rural Berkshire, with three generations living uunder the same roof — and eldest son Sunny’s fianc&eactue;e Shay has been living with the family ever since her relationship with her own parents broke down.
The Bill Thursday, ITV1 9pm
He started his TV career as the man inside various Doctor Who monster outfits (he’s been both a Cyberman and a living stone statue) but for 25 years Graham Cole has been in The Bill - first as an extra and then, since 1987, as PC Tony Stamp. Tonight he’s given a low-key farewell: no major explosions or fireworks. While it’s a true-to-life portrayal of police life in that people move on with little fanfare, from an audience point of view it feels a little empty.
Doctor Who team - give Graham Cole a part in new series !