PoochJD
Distinguished Member
Good Afternoon, Everyone!
Welcome back, to Poochs fortnightly TV Updates! Those of you who follow my little ramblings will know that Ive been absent for a month, taking a much-needed rest from things. But, as always, I cant deprive you all from my recommendations for too long, and thus, Im back to inform you of all thats good (and even, not so good) on TV.
Those of you whove never bothered to look at my postings, well heres a brief intro to what the Updates are about. This update covers the latter-part of August, and the first day of the month of September, and as we start heading ever closer to the end of the summer months, the Autumn TV schedules will soon be kicking-in, with new shows from across the Pond, and new seasons of old favourites. My job, is purely to try and sift the wheat from the chaff, and get to showcase some of the numerous worthwhile material that exists out in the world of television. For those of you who find themselves uttering the words Theres never anything good on TV, I am your fortnightly antidote. I do all the hard work for you folks, searching TV schedules high and low, to find the good stuff, of which many is often hidden deep in the middle of the night, or buried on obscure channels.
One small piece of TV news for you all: Five has the terrestrial rights to the dark and gritty crime drama series Criminal Minds (Season 1), which has just finished airing on LivingTV. The good news, is that Five will be airing Season 1 in the proper Widescreen format! The show starts on 7th September 2006.
Well, thats about all for now, so lets get right down to why were all here: whats coming up this week on TV. As always, all details are correct at the time of posting, but sometimes schedules may change. Its always worth checking back in this thread, to see if any amendments have been made. Enjoy!
Saturday 26th August
Frasier Weekend 9:00am-11:05pm / 12:40-3:40am / 3:55-6:00am
If youve never seen this amazingly funny spin-off from Cheers, then heres you chance to watch all of Season 1 back-to-back, over 2 days. Some episodes will be repeated later in the day. The series continues tomorrow. See your Sky, Cable or Freeview EPG listings for episode details. (Paramount 2)
FILM: The Towering Inferno (15) 4:00-6:55pm
Enjoyably silly B-movie classic with Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway and Paul Newman, as an all-new, purpose-built skyscraper develops an electrical fault, that turns into a nightmare for the new tenants, staff and engineers. If you dont mind some dated action scenes, and corny dialogue, this is quite a fun way to spend your afternoon. Although the film has a 15 certificate, theres nothing here thats likely to upset or offend anyone, except for very young children. There is occasional mild bad language, and one or two scenes of fire raging out of control trapping people, but other than this, its family-friendly. Older kids can enjoy the silliness of it, whilst adults can play Spot the Celebrity! Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (Channel 4)
Invasion 6:00-8:00pm
Repeat of the sci-fi/fantasy drama shown earlier this year on Channel 4. As long as you dont object to occasional edits for nudity and language, heres a chance to see the only season of this show, from the beginning. Tonight is episodes 1 and 2, that form the Pilot Movie. Eddie Cibrian (of Third Watch fame) stars. (E4)
NEW: Navy NCIS 7:25-8:15pm / 8:30-9:25pm
Double-bill to start off all-new (to terrestrial TV fans) Season 2 of this fun crime drama about a team of investigators who deal only with crimes in the US Navy. Sadly, the prints being used by Five are identical to those aired last year by satellite channel FX, and thus, the colour is too intense resulting in skin appearing bright orange at times, and also episodes are airing in 4:3. Boo, hiss! The show is good, and its worth sticking with. One word of warning, however, and that is regards the shows content. Episodes are being shown uncut and uncensored, but many of the Season 2 shows feature quite strong and graphic scenes of autopsy footage, which parents may feel is inappropriate for younger audience members. Please be aware of this. (Five)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent 8:00-9:00pm
Tonight sees the final episode of Season 4 get its UK premiere. As some viewers may have noted, Hallmark have not shown all of the episodes made. The reason being that there are several episodes that deal with themes and issues which Hallmark have considered may cause offence, as they frequently deal with issues that have been in the news, e.g. terrorism, bomb-makers, suicide-bombers, etc, and have delayed their transmission. These episodes will be shown, but in a Saturday night, post-9pm slot. More details, as I find it out.
Debbie Does Dallas Uncovered 11:20pm-12:25am
Documentary about the infamous adult film Debbie Does Dallas, and interviews and insights with those who were a part of this notorious movie, that kick-started the home-video adult movie industry, but to which hidden beneath the surface, was a veil of drugs, financial kick-backs. criminal activity and other sordid secrets. Intelligent and worth w watch, if you can cope with the topic. As youd expect, this show contains adult material of a sexually explicit nature and has very strong language throughout. For adults only. Showing uncensored. (Channel 4)
FILM: Audition (18) 12:15-2:25am
Excellent, and genuinely unnerving Japanese horror thriller from Takashi Miike, the king of Asian Horror movies! The first hour of this film, follows a lonely mans attempts to meet a new lady, after the loss of his first wife. The second hour, sees the film crank the nerve-shredding factor upto 10! Do not underestimate this film! Stick through the first hour, and you will be justly rewarded with one of the finest, grimmest and most unrelentingly uncompromising endings seen in any recent horror movie outings. An incredibly raw movie, that will make men think twice about how they treat women. The film contains some scenes of extremely distressing violence towards the end, and some strong language! Dont say you havent been warned! Not for the squeamish, or easily offended! Showing uncut and in Widescreen. In Japanese, with English Subtitles. Repeated late on Friday night, at 1:05-3:15am (Film4)
Sunday 27th
Frasier Weekend 9:00am-11:05pm /2:55-6:00am
The weekend concludes today, with the final half of Season 1. Some episodes are repeated later in the day. See your Sky, Cable or Freeview EPG listings for episode details. (Paramount 2)
FILM: Song Of The South (PG) 10:00-11:35am
Rare showing for one of the more contentious of Walt Disneys famous films. When a young boy is taken on holiday, and learns that his parents are to divorce, he runs away to be with his father. However, the boys uncle has other plans, and tricks him into returning home. It sounds completely innocuous, but the reason why its still considered so controversial even now, some 60 years after its initial release, is because of the portrayal of black people. Theres a nasty and rather non-PC vain of negative black stereotypes that many people will feel is inappropriate for younger audiences, and ones that nowadays, Disney would rather wish had never been given screen-time. As a film, its okay, with the mixture of animation and live-action, and the many, many hit songs it spawned, including Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. But the racism is very unsavoury, and this may turn-off many viewers. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC2)
A Nero Wolfe Mystery: Wolfe Goes Out 11:35am-1:05pm
No details available for this episode, as its a combination of two episodes from the 2001 series, but for which no internet episode guide has information on. I think its from Season 2 though, if that helps anyone. A good show, and an enjoyable series. I just wish the BBC would show the entire 29 episodes, properly, and in the correct order, rather than just the feature-length/two-parters. Oh well. (BBC2)
Smallville 2:20-4:20pm
Two episodes this week: numbers 7 and 8 respectively, from Season 5. (Channel 4)
FILM: Frankenstein (PG) 3:00-4:25pm / 1:40-3:00am
The uncut, fully-restored 1931 masterpiece from director James Whale, with Boris Karloff as Frankensteins monster. A superb film, with some beautiful sequences. Highly Recommended. Black and White. The sequel, Bride Of Fankenstein can be seen tomorrow at 3pm, and later at 2am. (Film4)
Monday 28th
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The District
If youre currently following the Season 3 repeats on Hallmark, todays episode will air at 6am, and repeated at 3am, as opposed to the usual slots of 7pm and 2am! From tomorrow, episodes will air every weekday at 7pm only! (Hallmark Channel)
Bank Holiday Movie Choice
If it ends-up raining, then feel free to choose any or all of the following films, which air throughout the daytime. BBC1 has the excellent Pixar animation A Bugs Life (U certificate, 3:30-5:00pm), which is brilliant and in my opinion their finest work. BBC2 gives us the much-loved caper film Bugsy Malone (PG certificate, 11:25am-12:55pm) starring a very young Scott Baio, and directed by Alan Angel Heart Parker, whilst Five offers-up the romantic drama Corrina, Corrina (12 certificate, 3:20-5:30pm) starring Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg.
NEW: Deal Or No Deal 4:10-4:55pm
Love it or loathe it, its back for a second run, with more new contestants trying to beat the banker, and win £250,000! Yes, its simply a case of guesswork, but the greatness about the game is whether you the viewer would make the same choices as the contestants, if you were in their position. Guessing has never been so much fun! Noel Edmunds returns to host the show. (Channel 4)
The 2006 Emmy Awards Ceremony Live! 8:00pm-Midnight
The Oscars for the US TV industry. Watch the contenders fight for Best Show, Best Actor/Actress, etc, from shows like CSI, 24, Law And Order, Judging Amy, Everwood, and many, many more. Edited highlights, can be seen later on tonight, between 1:00 and 3:00am. (E! The Entertainment Channel Sky Digital 155, NTL 170)
Sex And The City Night 9:00pm-4:00am
Want an evening to yourself, with Carrie Bradshaw and the girls? Enjoy random episodes from all six series. A complete six-season repeat, starts tomorrow night at 10:00pm, with episodes airing each weekday. (Paramount Comedy Channel)
FILM: Flashdance (15) 11:20pm-12:55am
It inspired the hilarious pastiche in The Full Monty, and is loved more for its music, than the movie itself, but it set a trend, and is still one of the most memorable 1980s films. Jennifer BEals stars as a female welder, who tries to make it in her male-dominated career by day, and learn to be a dancer by night. Its glossy, and trashy, but theres still that certain je ne sais quois about it. Contains some bad language, and some sexual material. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC1 most regions. Scotland and Northern Ireland may vary!)
Invasion 11:50pm-1:40am and 2:40-3:30am
Three episodes airing tonight, (numbers 3, 4 and another possibly a repeat of one of those two). Three and four are repeated again, next Saturday teatime. (E4)
Ricky Gervais Meets Larry David 12:35-1:40am
Another chance to see this documentary/comedy about the two comedy giants, interviewing one another, and looking at highlights of their work. Contains very strong language and adult material throughout. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (More4)
Tuesday 29th
NEW: Supernanny 9:00-10:00pm
I wouldnt normally recommend this show, as I loathe it, and the subject matter that of getting bad kids to be good kids. But tonights episode is slightly unusual. Instead of Supernanny Jo Frost having to tame three tearaway boys, she finds that their violent and verbally abusive behaviour is not actually their fault, but that of the boys parents! So Supernanny, is forced to take drastic measures: to cure the boys, she has to cure the parents volatile behaviour first, including stopping them from using explicit and foul language at their kids, as well as the threat of violent abuse to keep their brood under control! Expect very strong language, some occasionally upsetting scenes and material you may find offensive. (The sight of one of the boys, whos just three-years old, calling their father something extremely unmentionable, is liable to get the goat of many viewers!) This episode is also being repeated on Friday night at 9pm, on E4! (Channel 4)
CSI: Miami / CSI:NY Crossover Episode Special 9:00-11:00pm
Held-over from the original run, tonight we get to see a special crossover double-bill storyline. In Felony Flight, a serial killer is on transport to New York, but ends-up on the lose in Miami, and the bodies soon start to mount-up. Horation and his team start to investigate, but find that they need some help from their neighbourhood CSIs. Part two, in CSI: NY, is entitled Manhattan Manhunt, as the serial killings start to infiltrate into the Big Apple. Detective Mac Taylor is accompanied by Horatio Caine, and the two teams are forced to put their best foot forward, to stop the killer at all costs. 24 fans (who have seen Season 4 of that show) will be interested to note that the killer is played by none other than James Badge Dale, ex-partner to Jack Bauer, and ex-love interest to Kim Bauer! Contains some adult material, and scenes of gore. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. This feature-length is split-up into two separate episodes, so please set any recordings accordingly! (Five)
BlackJack: Ace Point Game 11:25pm-1:00am
The second episode, but because the BBC have aired it in the wrong order, its ending-up as the third one to be aired. Also airs on BBC1 Wales at the slightly later time of 11:55pm-1:30am tonight. Contains some strong language. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC1)
Ozone 3:40-3:55am
Award-winning short film about a man who gets an unexpected surprise, when he takes the lift up to the 200th floor of his futuristic office block. Surreal, but quirky little movie, thats worth a look/recording. (Channel 4)
Wednesday 30th
First Wave 8:00-9:00pm
Return of the hit US sci-fi series, after a lengthy absence. Sadly, there is no longer a late-night, same-night repeat. Continuing from where we left off, with Season 2, Episode 7. (ITV4)
Seinfeld 8:00-9:00pm
Ive never seen this famous US comedy show, with stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, but maybe I should finally give it a go, as tonight sees the start of another run of all 12 (?) Seasons made. Season 1, episodes 1 and 2 air, and the show continues every weekday at the same time. (Paramount 2)
Spooks 9:30-10:30pm
Repeat of all of the first series, of the British-made spy drama show. (BBC4)
NEW: Respectables 10:30-11:00pm
All-new British sitcom, but unlike anything youve ever seen or heard of before. Created by Have I Got News For You creator Harry Thompson, this was his final piece of work, before his untimely death, at the tail-end of 2004. The scripts were finished one Friday evening in November 2004, he married his long-time girlfriend the following Monday, and a few hours later, he had died at the young age of just 45. This is the result of those scripts, directed by Dominic Brigstocke (who has just finished playing himself in the BBC comedy series Rob Brydons Annually Retentive! In the first of six episodes, an unhappily married man called Michael, falls deeply in love with another woman, Hayley. Theres just one, minor problem: shes a prostitute, hes her client, and he is trying to stop his wife from finding-out about his double-life, which he has been living for several months! The series is set in a fictional, London-based brothel, but although the topic might seem fairly sordid, the comedy comes from the mismatch of the world of the sellers of sex, and that of everyone else. Should be a show to keep an eye on. Will contain some strong language, and occasional adult material. Partly-produced with Paramount, who air the series, 48 hours later on, on Friday nights at 11:00pm each week, for the duration of the entire series run, giving you a second chance to watch or record each episode. (Five)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 10:30-11:20pm
Repeat of the multi-award winning seven episode spy drama from John Le Carre, and with Alec Guinness in the lead role, as spy George Smiley. First of seven episodes. Series continues each weekday night. (BBC4)
NEW: The Apprentice USA 11:20pm-12:15am
Late-night transmission of all new Season 3, in which a member of the US public tries to gain a job with multi-millionaire Donald Trump, and the Trump Empire. Day one sees the two teams meet one another, before they are thrown into their first task sell a new food item for Burger King, called the Steak Whopper! Episodes will air each weekday night, at approximately the same time. (BBC2)
Thursday 31st
NEW: F***-Off, Im Fat! 9:00-10:00pm
British comedian Ricky Grover, who currently stands at 21 stone, investigates how modern-day society deals with people bigger than the norm. Tonight, he looks at how fat people have to deal with day-to-day tasks, like shopping for clothes, public transport seats, and buying (or not buying) food. Contains some strong language. Repeated at 11:30pm tonight. (BBC3)
NEW: The Sopranos 10:00-11:10pm
The multi-dysfunctional, Mafioso family are back, for one final, lengthy season! Split into two-parts, (12 episodes now, followed by a final eight-part mini-saga early next year, which is still being written and filmed), Tony and his crew are finally feeling the pressure, from all sides. His recent reunion with Carmela is falling apart, due to his own unfaithfulness, and Carmelas -off, to the point that shes even willing to break the Mafia code of asking for a divorce. Meanwhile, Junior Soprano having beaten the FBIs entrapment trial, is finally seeing the ironic side of life, when he begins to fall severely ill, and turns to shocking methods to deal with the situation. Adrianna, currently in hiding from the FBI, after being a rat, is forcing Christopher to choose between her or Tony. His decision, doesnt go down well, with his friends and family. And, with all of this, what about Dr Melfi? How will Tony deal with her knowledge of his job, and her rebuttal to his romantic wooing? Things arent going to be smooth for anyone. Contains very strong language, graphic violence and scenes of nudity and drug usage. Each episode is also repeated later the same night. Channel 4 viewers will be able to see the series start, in about 6 weeks time. (E4)
NEW: Greys Anatomy 10:00-11:00pm
All-new Season 2 episodes of the enjoyable, but syrupy US medical drama, with Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey. Although this is a UK premiere, the series is not being shown in Widescreen. Viewers who do wish to see it in Widescreen, will be able to see it on Five, early next year. (LivingTV)
FILM: Slap Shot (18) 11:10pm-1:30am
Brutally funny, and outrageously profane, sports-comedy with Paul Newman as the coach of an ice hockey squad who are willing to resort to any tactics, to win their games. Its raw, shocking, and frankly, quite rude, but it is hilarious as well, even if you have little interest in sport. Recommended. Contains very strong language throughout. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (TCM)
Friday 1st September
NEW: Now And Again 7:00-8:00pm
Dark but intelligent sci-fi series, starring John Goodman, Eric Close, Dennis Haysbert and Heather Matarazzo. When a man is killed in a train-accident, his body is disposed of, but his brain is implanted into the body of a genetically-modified younger man. The new man, is designed to help the government out on secret missions, but problems arise when the attributes and memories of the former mans identity, begin to reveal themselves, and get discovered by the mans wife and daughter. Superb drama, clever, innovative and as is the norm, killed-off after just 22 episodes. Highly Recommended if youve never seen it on either ITV3 or ITV1. Showing uncut, but episode one does contain scenes at the very beginning, that may be deemed unsuitable and a little too gory for younger viewers. This drama wasnt filmed in Widescreen, so it will be shown in the correct and original fullscreen format. (ITV4)
NEW: The Charlotte Church Show 10:00-10:50pm
Already having been in the news, for certain sketches being deemed offensive on a religious note, it will be interesting to see how and what actually ends-up in this show, which is pre-recorded just 24 hours before transmission. This could either be the best thing on Channel 4 in ages, or the biggest disaster since The Word! Contains strong language, and adult material. (Channel 4)
NEW: Da Ali G Show 10:50-11:20pm
Hes back! The leader of the Staines Massive hits UK screens once more, after his recent sojourn to Cannes, and the photos of that lime-green tackle-holding piece of underwear! Same stuff as ususal, for which youll either love him, or loathe him. Definitely an acquired taste. Contains strong language, and other adult material. This series has already been shown on E4, earlier this year! (Channel 4)
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The Shield Midnight-1:00am
Due to one of those time-filling countdown showx, the latest episode of the hit US crime series, is now airing one hour later than normal! If you have your Sky+ boxes set to automatically record this show each week, you may want to double-check that its aware of the time-change. The series should return to its usual 11pm timeslot, as of next Friday night. (Five)
FILM: Midnight Movies (15) 2:35-4:20am
Superb documentary exploring cult, horror, exploitation and B-movies, from the late 1960s through to the 1990s, and the love/hate relationship cinema has with them. Are they just mindless pieces of throwaway entertainment, or do any of them have valid points to make about the society of the time? Contains some strong language, some scenes of gory violence, and some adult material. Highly Recommended if you have an interest in this area of cinema. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (ITV4)
And, thats it, ladies and gents! Eight pages of whats worth watching, and shows you shouldnt miss! Feedback, corrections and updates are always welcome, and can be posted in this very same thread. For now, though, Im off for a rest, and Ill return in another fortnight or so. Thanks for reading my post!
Pooch
Welcome back, to Poochs fortnightly TV Updates! Those of you who follow my little ramblings will know that Ive been absent for a month, taking a much-needed rest from things. But, as always, I cant deprive you all from my recommendations for too long, and thus, Im back to inform you of all thats good (and even, not so good) on TV.
Those of you whove never bothered to look at my postings, well heres a brief intro to what the Updates are about. This update covers the latter-part of August, and the first day of the month of September, and as we start heading ever closer to the end of the summer months, the Autumn TV schedules will soon be kicking-in, with new shows from across the Pond, and new seasons of old favourites. My job, is purely to try and sift the wheat from the chaff, and get to showcase some of the numerous worthwhile material that exists out in the world of television. For those of you who find themselves uttering the words Theres never anything good on TV, I am your fortnightly antidote. I do all the hard work for you folks, searching TV schedules high and low, to find the good stuff, of which many is often hidden deep in the middle of the night, or buried on obscure channels.
One small piece of TV news for you all: Five has the terrestrial rights to the dark and gritty crime drama series Criminal Minds (Season 1), which has just finished airing on LivingTV. The good news, is that Five will be airing Season 1 in the proper Widescreen format! The show starts on 7th September 2006.
Well, thats about all for now, so lets get right down to why were all here: whats coming up this week on TV. As always, all details are correct at the time of posting, but sometimes schedules may change. Its always worth checking back in this thread, to see if any amendments have been made. Enjoy!
Saturday 26th August
Frasier Weekend 9:00am-11:05pm / 12:40-3:40am / 3:55-6:00am
If youve never seen this amazingly funny spin-off from Cheers, then heres you chance to watch all of Season 1 back-to-back, over 2 days. Some episodes will be repeated later in the day. The series continues tomorrow. See your Sky, Cable or Freeview EPG listings for episode details. (Paramount 2)
FILM: The Towering Inferno (15) 4:00-6:55pm
Enjoyably silly B-movie classic with Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway and Paul Newman, as an all-new, purpose-built skyscraper develops an electrical fault, that turns into a nightmare for the new tenants, staff and engineers. If you dont mind some dated action scenes, and corny dialogue, this is quite a fun way to spend your afternoon. Although the film has a 15 certificate, theres nothing here thats likely to upset or offend anyone, except for very young children. There is occasional mild bad language, and one or two scenes of fire raging out of control trapping people, but other than this, its family-friendly. Older kids can enjoy the silliness of it, whilst adults can play Spot the Celebrity! Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (Channel 4)
Invasion 6:00-8:00pm
Repeat of the sci-fi/fantasy drama shown earlier this year on Channel 4. As long as you dont object to occasional edits for nudity and language, heres a chance to see the only season of this show, from the beginning. Tonight is episodes 1 and 2, that form the Pilot Movie. Eddie Cibrian (of Third Watch fame) stars. (E4)
NEW: Navy NCIS 7:25-8:15pm / 8:30-9:25pm
Double-bill to start off all-new (to terrestrial TV fans) Season 2 of this fun crime drama about a team of investigators who deal only with crimes in the US Navy. Sadly, the prints being used by Five are identical to those aired last year by satellite channel FX, and thus, the colour is too intense resulting in skin appearing bright orange at times, and also episodes are airing in 4:3. Boo, hiss! The show is good, and its worth sticking with. One word of warning, however, and that is regards the shows content. Episodes are being shown uncut and uncensored, but many of the Season 2 shows feature quite strong and graphic scenes of autopsy footage, which parents may feel is inappropriate for younger audience members. Please be aware of this. (Five)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent 8:00-9:00pm
Tonight sees the final episode of Season 4 get its UK premiere. As some viewers may have noted, Hallmark have not shown all of the episodes made. The reason being that there are several episodes that deal with themes and issues which Hallmark have considered may cause offence, as they frequently deal with issues that have been in the news, e.g. terrorism, bomb-makers, suicide-bombers, etc, and have delayed their transmission. These episodes will be shown, but in a Saturday night, post-9pm slot. More details, as I find it out.
Debbie Does Dallas Uncovered 11:20pm-12:25am
Documentary about the infamous adult film Debbie Does Dallas, and interviews and insights with those who were a part of this notorious movie, that kick-started the home-video adult movie industry, but to which hidden beneath the surface, was a veil of drugs, financial kick-backs. criminal activity and other sordid secrets. Intelligent and worth w watch, if you can cope with the topic. As youd expect, this show contains adult material of a sexually explicit nature and has very strong language throughout. For adults only. Showing uncensored. (Channel 4)
FILM: Audition (18) 12:15-2:25am
Excellent, and genuinely unnerving Japanese horror thriller from Takashi Miike, the king of Asian Horror movies! The first hour of this film, follows a lonely mans attempts to meet a new lady, after the loss of his first wife. The second hour, sees the film crank the nerve-shredding factor upto 10! Do not underestimate this film! Stick through the first hour, and you will be justly rewarded with one of the finest, grimmest and most unrelentingly uncompromising endings seen in any recent horror movie outings. An incredibly raw movie, that will make men think twice about how they treat women. The film contains some scenes of extremely distressing violence towards the end, and some strong language! Dont say you havent been warned! Not for the squeamish, or easily offended! Showing uncut and in Widescreen. In Japanese, with English Subtitles. Repeated late on Friday night, at 1:05-3:15am (Film4)
Sunday 27th
Frasier Weekend 9:00am-11:05pm /2:55-6:00am
The weekend concludes today, with the final half of Season 1. Some episodes are repeated later in the day. See your Sky, Cable or Freeview EPG listings for episode details. (Paramount 2)
FILM: Song Of The South (PG) 10:00-11:35am
Rare showing for one of the more contentious of Walt Disneys famous films. When a young boy is taken on holiday, and learns that his parents are to divorce, he runs away to be with his father. However, the boys uncle has other plans, and tricks him into returning home. It sounds completely innocuous, but the reason why its still considered so controversial even now, some 60 years after its initial release, is because of the portrayal of black people. Theres a nasty and rather non-PC vain of negative black stereotypes that many people will feel is inappropriate for younger audiences, and ones that nowadays, Disney would rather wish had never been given screen-time. As a film, its okay, with the mixture of animation and live-action, and the many, many hit songs it spawned, including Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. But the racism is very unsavoury, and this may turn-off many viewers. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC2)
A Nero Wolfe Mystery: Wolfe Goes Out 11:35am-1:05pm
No details available for this episode, as its a combination of two episodes from the 2001 series, but for which no internet episode guide has information on. I think its from Season 2 though, if that helps anyone. A good show, and an enjoyable series. I just wish the BBC would show the entire 29 episodes, properly, and in the correct order, rather than just the feature-length/two-parters. Oh well. (BBC2)
Smallville 2:20-4:20pm
Two episodes this week: numbers 7 and 8 respectively, from Season 5. (Channel 4)
FILM: Frankenstein (PG) 3:00-4:25pm / 1:40-3:00am
The uncut, fully-restored 1931 masterpiece from director James Whale, with Boris Karloff as Frankensteins monster. A superb film, with some beautiful sequences. Highly Recommended. Black and White. The sequel, Bride Of Fankenstein can be seen tomorrow at 3pm, and later at 2am. (Film4)
Monday 28th
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The District
If youre currently following the Season 3 repeats on Hallmark, todays episode will air at 6am, and repeated at 3am, as opposed to the usual slots of 7pm and 2am! From tomorrow, episodes will air every weekday at 7pm only! (Hallmark Channel)
Bank Holiday Movie Choice
If it ends-up raining, then feel free to choose any or all of the following films, which air throughout the daytime. BBC1 has the excellent Pixar animation A Bugs Life (U certificate, 3:30-5:00pm), which is brilliant and in my opinion their finest work. BBC2 gives us the much-loved caper film Bugsy Malone (PG certificate, 11:25am-12:55pm) starring a very young Scott Baio, and directed by Alan Angel Heart Parker, whilst Five offers-up the romantic drama Corrina, Corrina (12 certificate, 3:20-5:30pm) starring Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg.
NEW: Deal Or No Deal 4:10-4:55pm
Love it or loathe it, its back for a second run, with more new contestants trying to beat the banker, and win £250,000! Yes, its simply a case of guesswork, but the greatness about the game is whether you the viewer would make the same choices as the contestants, if you were in their position. Guessing has never been so much fun! Noel Edmunds returns to host the show. (Channel 4)
The 2006 Emmy Awards Ceremony Live! 8:00pm-Midnight
The Oscars for the US TV industry. Watch the contenders fight for Best Show, Best Actor/Actress, etc, from shows like CSI, 24, Law And Order, Judging Amy, Everwood, and many, many more. Edited highlights, can be seen later on tonight, between 1:00 and 3:00am. (E! The Entertainment Channel Sky Digital 155, NTL 170)
Sex And The City Night 9:00pm-4:00am
Want an evening to yourself, with Carrie Bradshaw and the girls? Enjoy random episodes from all six series. A complete six-season repeat, starts tomorrow night at 10:00pm, with episodes airing each weekday. (Paramount Comedy Channel)
FILM: Flashdance (15) 11:20pm-12:55am
It inspired the hilarious pastiche in The Full Monty, and is loved more for its music, than the movie itself, but it set a trend, and is still one of the most memorable 1980s films. Jennifer BEals stars as a female welder, who tries to make it in her male-dominated career by day, and learn to be a dancer by night. Its glossy, and trashy, but theres still that certain je ne sais quois about it. Contains some bad language, and some sexual material. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC1 most regions. Scotland and Northern Ireland may vary!)
Invasion 11:50pm-1:40am and 2:40-3:30am
Three episodes airing tonight, (numbers 3, 4 and another possibly a repeat of one of those two). Three and four are repeated again, next Saturday teatime. (E4)
Ricky Gervais Meets Larry David 12:35-1:40am
Another chance to see this documentary/comedy about the two comedy giants, interviewing one another, and looking at highlights of their work. Contains very strong language and adult material throughout. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (More4)
Tuesday 29th
NEW: Supernanny 9:00-10:00pm
I wouldnt normally recommend this show, as I loathe it, and the subject matter that of getting bad kids to be good kids. But tonights episode is slightly unusual. Instead of Supernanny Jo Frost having to tame three tearaway boys, she finds that their violent and verbally abusive behaviour is not actually their fault, but that of the boys parents! So Supernanny, is forced to take drastic measures: to cure the boys, she has to cure the parents volatile behaviour first, including stopping them from using explicit and foul language at their kids, as well as the threat of violent abuse to keep their brood under control! Expect very strong language, some occasionally upsetting scenes and material you may find offensive. (The sight of one of the boys, whos just three-years old, calling their father something extremely unmentionable, is liable to get the goat of many viewers!) This episode is also being repeated on Friday night at 9pm, on E4! (Channel 4)
CSI: Miami / CSI:NY Crossover Episode Special 9:00-11:00pm
Held-over from the original run, tonight we get to see a special crossover double-bill storyline. In Felony Flight, a serial killer is on transport to New York, but ends-up on the lose in Miami, and the bodies soon start to mount-up. Horation and his team start to investigate, but find that they need some help from their neighbourhood CSIs. Part two, in CSI: NY, is entitled Manhattan Manhunt, as the serial killings start to infiltrate into the Big Apple. Detective Mac Taylor is accompanied by Horatio Caine, and the two teams are forced to put their best foot forward, to stop the killer at all costs. 24 fans (who have seen Season 4 of that show) will be interested to note that the killer is played by none other than James Badge Dale, ex-partner to Jack Bauer, and ex-love interest to Kim Bauer! Contains some adult material, and scenes of gore. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. This feature-length is split-up into two separate episodes, so please set any recordings accordingly! (Five)
BlackJack: Ace Point Game 11:25pm-1:00am
The second episode, but because the BBC have aired it in the wrong order, its ending-up as the third one to be aired. Also airs on BBC1 Wales at the slightly later time of 11:55pm-1:30am tonight. Contains some strong language. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (BBC1)
Ozone 3:40-3:55am
Award-winning short film about a man who gets an unexpected surprise, when he takes the lift up to the 200th floor of his futuristic office block. Surreal, but quirky little movie, thats worth a look/recording. (Channel 4)
Wednesday 30th
First Wave 8:00-9:00pm
Return of the hit US sci-fi series, after a lengthy absence. Sadly, there is no longer a late-night, same-night repeat. Continuing from where we left off, with Season 2, Episode 7. (ITV4)
Seinfeld 8:00-9:00pm
Ive never seen this famous US comedy show, with stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, but maybe I should finally give it a go, as tonight sees the start of another run of all 12 (?) Seasons made. Season 1, episodes 1 and 2 air, and the show continues every weekday at the same time. (Paramount 2)
Spooks 9:30-10:30pm
Repeat of all of the first series, of the British-made spy drama show. (BBC4)
NEW: Respectables 10:30-11:00pm
All-new British sitcom, but unlike anything youve ever seen or heard of before. Created by Have I Got News For You creator Harry Thompson, this was his final piece of work, before his untimely death, at the tail-end of 2004. The scripts were finished one Friday evening in November 2004, he married his long-time girlfriend the following Monday, and a few hours later, he had died at the young age of just 45. This is the result of those scripts, directed by Dominic Brigstocke (who has just finished playing himself in the BBC comedy series Rob Brydons Annually Retentive! In the first of six episodes, an unhappily married man called Michael, falls deeply in love with another woman, Hayley. Theres just one, minor problem: shes a prostitute, hes her client, and he is trying to stop his wife from finding-out about his double-life, which he has been living for several months! The series is set in a fictional, London-based brothel, but although the topic might seem fairly sordid, the comedy comes from the mismatch of the world of the sellers of sex, and that of everyone else. Should be a show to keep an eye on. Will contain some strong language, and occasional adult material. Partly-produced with Paramount, who air the series, 48 hours later on, on Friday nights at 11:00pm each week, for the duration of the entire series run, giving you a second chance to watch or record each episode. (Five)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 10:30-11:20pm
Repeat of the multi-award winning seven episode spy drama from John Le Carre, and with Alec Guinness in the lead role, as spy George Smiley. First of seven episodes. Series continues each weekday night. (BBC4)
NEW: The Apprentice USA 11:20pm-12:15am
Late-night transmission of all new Season 3, in which a member of the US public tries to gain a job with multi-millionaire Donald Trump, and the Trump Empire. Day one sees the two teams meet one another, before they are thrown into their first task sell a new food item for Burger King, called the Steak Whopper! Episodes will air each weekday night, at approximately the same time. (BBC2)
Thursday 31st
NEW: F***-Off, Im Fat! 9:00-10:00pm
British comedian Ricky Grover, who currently stands at 21 stone, investigates how modern-day society deals with people bigger than the norm. Tonight, he looks at how fat people have to deal with day-to-day tasks, like shopping for clothes, public transport seats, and buying (or not buying) food. Contains some strong language. Repeated at 11:30pm tonight. (BBC3)
NEW: The Sopranos 10:00-11:10pm
The multi-dysfunctional, Mafioso family are back, for one final, lengthy season! Split into two-parts, (12 episodes now, followed by a final eight-part mini-saga early next year, which is still being written and filmed), Tony and his crew are finally feeling the pressure, from all sides. His recent reunion with Carmela is falling apart, due to his own unfaithfulness, and Carmelas -off, to the point that shes even willing to break the Mafia code of asking for a divorce. Meanwhile, Junior Soprano having beaten the FBIs entrapment trial, is finally seeing the ironic side of life, when he begins to fall severely ill, and turns to shocking methods to deal with the situation. Adrianna, currently in hiding from the FBI, after being a rat, is forcing Christopher to choose between her or Tony. His decision, doesnt go down well, with his friends and family. And, with all of this, what about Dr Melfi? How will Tony deal with her knowledge of his job, and her rebuttal to his romantic wooing? Things arent going to be smooth for anyone. Contains very strong language, graphic violence and scenes of nudity and drug usage. Each episode is also repeated later the same night. Channel 4 viewers will be able to see the series start, in about 6 weeks time. (E4)
NEW: Greys Anatomy 10:00-11:00pm
All-new Season 2 episodes of the enjoyable, but syrupy US medical drama, with Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey. Although this is a UK premiere, the series is not being shown in Widescreen. Viewers who do wish to see it in Widescreen, will be able to see it on Five, early next year. (LivingTV)
FILM: Slap Shot (18) 11:10pm-1:30am
Brutally funny, and outrageously profane, sports-comedy with Paul Newman as the coach of an ice hockey squad who are willing to resort to any tactics, to win their games. Its raw, shocking, and frankly, quite rude, but it is hilarious as well, even if you have little interest in sport. Recommended. Contains very strong language throughout. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (TCM)
Friday 1st September
NEW: Now And Again 7:00-8:00pm
Dark but intelligent sci-fi series, starring John Goodman, Eric Close, Dennis Haysbert and Heather Matarazzo. When a man is killed in a train-accident, his body is disposed of, but his brain is implanted into the body of a genetically-modified younger man. The new man, is designed to help the government out on secret missions, but problems arise when the attributes and memories of the former mans identity, begin to reveal themselves, and get discovered by the mans wife and daughter. Superb drama, clever, innovative and as is the norm, killed-off after just 22 episodes. Highly Recommended if youve never seen it on either ITV3 or ITV1. Showing uncut, but episode one does contain scenes at the very beginning, that may be deemed unsuitable and a little too gory for younger viewers. This drama wasnt filmed in Widescreen, so it will be shown in the correct and original fullscreen format. (ITV4)
NEW: The Charlotte Church Show 10:00-10:50pm
Already having been in the news, for certain sketches being deemed offensive on a religious note, it will be interesting to see how and what actually ends-up in this show, which is pre-recorded just 24 hours before transmission. This could either be the best thing on Channel 4 in ages, or the biggest disaster since The Word! Contains strong language, and adult material. (Channel 4)
NEW: Da Ali G Show 10:50-11:20pm
Hes back! The leader of the Staines Massive hits UK screens once more, after his recent sojourn to Cannes, and the photos of that lime-green tackle-holding piece of underwear! Same stuff as ususal, for which youll either love him, or loathe him. Definitely an acquired taste. Contains strong language, and other adult material. This series has already been shown on E4, earlier this year! (Channel 4)
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The Shield Midnight-1:00am
Due to one of those time-filling countdown showx, the latest episode of the hit US crime series, is now airing one hour later than normal! If you have your Sky+ boxes set to automatically record this show each week, you may want to double-check that its aware of the time-change. The series should return to its usual 11pm timeslot, as of next Friday night. (Five)
FILM: Midnight Movies (15) 2:35-4:20am
Superb documentary exploring cult, horror, exploitation and B-movies, from the late 1960s through to the 1990s, and the love/hate relationship cinema has with them. Are they just mindless pieces of throwaway entertainment, or do any of them have valid points to make about the society of the time? Contains some strong language, some scenes of gory violence, and some adult material. Highly Recommended if you have an interest in this area of cinema. Showing uncut and in Widescreen. (ITV4)
And, thats it, ladies and gents! Eight pages of whats worth watching, and shows you shouldnt miss! Feedback, corrections and updates are always welcome, and can be posted in this very same thread. For now, though, Im off for a rest, and Ill return in another fortnight or so. Thanks for reading my post!
Pooch