Hi,
You would normally expect my usual monthly round-up of what's coming-up over the next month on digital and terrestrial TV. Alas, due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm afraid that the usual long list of what's coming-up is going to be delayed. I apologise for this, but hope that at least the following update will suffice for the time being. As soon as I am ready to, I will post the usual long update.
Wednesday 25th May
9:55-11:55am - Why Is There So Much Rubbish On Telly?
A superb and genuinely intelligent documentary that openly discusses why there appears to have been an increase in the amount of junk on our TV screens in recent times. At two hours, this is really worth recording, as it contains interviews with many of the biggest media people in the world. (I know most of you will have missed this, but keep your eyes on it appearing again soon, over the next few weeks. C4 seems to like repeating this documentary, in the same kind of timeslot, during school holidays / term-time.) (Channel 4)
3:45-5:30pm - FILM: Alien Nation - The Udara Legacy (12)
Another of the film spin-off's from the short lived "Alien Nation" TV show (actually the last of five movies made). This one deals with brainwashed Newcomers who go around committing deadly and bizarre crimes. What makes this superior to some of the many run-of-the-mill sci-fi films, is that this one deals with the horribly topical issue about suicide bombers, and intolerance of other nations. (Five)
Friday 27th
8:30-9:00pm - Will And Grace
Season 6 has already started on terrestrial, and once again, no promotion, warning or trailers have been used. Tonight is episode 2. Thanks a lot, Channel 4! (Channel 4)
8:30-9:00pm - Heimat: The Story Of A Nation
I've already promoted this show, and prior to the complete trilogy being run over the next few months, here is an all-new documentary about the series, and its writer/creator/director Edgar Reitz. Episode 1 of the first part of the trilogy starts at 9pm. Episodes air on Friday and Sunday nights, with no repeats. (BBC4)
9:00pm - Big Brother 6
Personally-speaking, I think that BB is the biggest pile of
ever created and inflicted onto the British population. However, there are plenty of you out there, who will devour every single milisecond of this reality show. Expect lots of lousy tasks, plenty of nudity, something dodgy designed to hack all of the contestants off (like last year), and lots of "unexpected" hijinks by the tabloid newspapers to break into the BB compound. Does anyone actually give a rat's arse anymore?! The only positive thing, to come out of this, is that E4 is now Free-To-Air on Freeview. Cable and Sky viewers still need to subscribe! (Channel 4, E4)
9:30-10pm - The Kumars At Number 42
They're back, and in a new home - sort of! Series number 3, and Sanjeev, Granny and the other family members all return to inflict misery on the many guests and celebrities, arriving at Number 42 for an interview, but now for BBC1. Tonight sees Ronnie Corbet and heavy metal musician Alice Cooper being put through their paces! Next week, Joanna Lumley and Frankie Dettori get put under the spotlight! (BBC1)
12:25-2:05am - FILM: Jason Goes To Hell - The Final Friday (18)
One of the better sequels, in my opinion, in the endless "Friday The 13th" horror movie series. A serial killer is on the loose, and is mown down by a SWAT team. But has the killer's spirit transferred into our favourite hockey-masked psycho? Expect lots and lots of gore, graphic violence, and other nastiness. Keep your eyes open, as a surprise character makes an appearance in the film. Showing uncut. (Five)
Saturday 28th
1:20-2:20pm - Sir John Mills' Moving Memories
Another chance to see this evocative documentary of the life of actor/thespian Sir John Mills, who died in April 2005. (BBC2)
3:25-5:00pm - FILM: Asterix And Obelix - Mission Cleopatra (PG)
Yes it was filmed in French, and has now been horrifically dubbed into English, but this is still worth a viewing. Gerard Depardieu and Monica Belluci star in this live-action version of the famous Gallic comic-book stories. (Five)
6:00-7:10pm - Robin Of Sherwood
The dark fantasy and gothic horror of Robin Hood is brought to life in this amazing and violent ITV drama series, from the mid-1980's. For fans of the character, this is still considered by many people, to be the ultimate and definitive version of the mythical hero. Michael Praed plays the titular role, along with Clive Mantle and many other bastions of British drama. I'm pretty certain that all 3 series will be being shown (totalling 26 hour-long episodes) back-to-back. The first two are definitely the best, but tonight sees the first of the two-part Series 1 Pilot episode "Robin Hood And The Sorcerer". Be warned, though: despite it's age, the episodes can get very dark and gritty at times, and there are several uses of mild bad language. Parents may prefer to watch with under-8's. It isn't recommended for the very young viewers. (ITV3 - also repeated on Sundays, around mid-morning or early-lunchtime.)
6:10-8:15pm - FILM: The X-Men (12)
Marvel's comic book characters are brought vividly to life, with an all-star cast. It's not the best comic-book adaption ever made, but it's not too bad either. At the moment, the film is scheduled to be split around the news. However, like last-week's transmission of "Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace", this may change at the last minute. The start-time will remain the same, though. May be edited for violence and language. (ITV1)
8:45-11:40pm - Test The Nation: 20th Century
Think you know it all? Test yourself with this lengthy quiz on all aspects of the 20th century, from history, technology, to cinema, TV and famous faces. (BBC1)
9:15-11:15pm - FILM: Escape From New York (15)
Kurt Russell's sci-fi action classic from 1981. As Snake Plissken, a rebel without a clue, Russell tries to escape from a futuristic prison-like city, where everybody wants his head. Uncut version. (ITV2)
9:50pm-12:15am - FILM: Pulp Fiction (18)
Probably Quentin Tarantino's magnum cinematic crime opus, and with more quotable dialogue than any other movie in recent times. Violent, profane, and often darkly humorous, this became the big hit that rocketed John Travolta back into our cinemas, as a leading man. If easily offended, I'd advise you not to watch this movie. Minor edits, as per the BBFC video version. (BBC3)
Sunday 29th
1:10-3:45pm - FILM: North By Northwest (PG)
Quintessential Alfred Hitchcock thriller. A great, great film, and worth anyones time. First of a Five Afternoon Classic Movie double-bill. (Five)
3:45-5:40pm - FILM: The Hound Of The Baskervilles (15)
Minor edits for one of the better adaptions of the Sherlock Holmes story. Actors Ian Richardson and Donald Churchill take the roles of Holmes and Watson. The second of Five's Afternoon Classic Movie double-bill. (Five)
8:00-9:00pm - Top Gear
Jack Dee is tonight's "Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car". This should be a classic for all the wrong reasons. (BBC2)
10:00-11:10pm - Derren Brown: The Gathering
The magician and master of deception tries to convince an audience of the general public, celebrities, psychologists and other magicians/illusionists, once-and-for-all, that there is more to him, than stunts and trickery. Expect something sinister, and edge-of-your-seat. (Channel 4)
10:30-11:55pm - Storyville: Game Over - Kasparov And The Machine (PG)
Ever thought the game of Chess was dull? Just a past-time for nerds? This documentary, might change your mind. Watch the greatest chess player in the world, Garry Kasparov, take on the greatest chess-playing computer, Deep Blue, in what was to become a defining moment in history. Superb documentary, that plays out more like an espionage thriller. Rivetting stuff, and one that might make you think about the roles of computers and machines in our society! (BBC2)
Monday 30th
9:25-10:20am - Spin City
The start of a weekday double-bill of the hit US comedy with Michael J Fox as the Mayor's right-hand-man. Go right back to the start of Season 1, with the first 2 episodes. (Repeated daily at 7:00-8:00pm.) (ITV2)
10:25am-1:00pm - Third Watch / Without A Trace / Frasier
Depending on the schedule, and whether or not Live Cricket is shown, the above three shows may air, continuing from where they ended a few weeks ago. (Channel 4)
5:45-8:00pm - FILM: Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (PG)
The hit, family action movie with that theme tune by Bryan Adams. Watch Kevin Costner in tights. See Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as one of the most enchanting Maid Mariou's to ever be given life on the screen. And enjoy Alan Rickman hamming it up brilliantly, as the evil Sheriff Of Nottingham. The film has been heavily edited for TV. Major edits for violence, attempted rape, and language. (BBC1)
10:50pm-12:35am - FILM: Total Recall (18)
Uncut showing of one of Paul Verhoeven's brilliant sci-fi hits from the 1980's. A superior Philip K Dick adaption of his remarkable novella "We Can Remember It For You, Wholesale". Violent, gory, but startling and a one-of-a-kind sci-fi action film. Highly recommended. (BBC1)
11:00pm-12:30am - FILM: Drop Dead Gorgeous (15)
I didn't rate this film, but I seem to be in the minority on this, so maybe I simply didn't get it. Darkly humourous satire on teen beauty-pageants, and what some people might do, to win them. With Kirsty Allie, Denise Richards and Kirsten Dunst. Showing uncut. (BBC2)
11:25pm-1:00am - Sexual Intelligence
Nope, this isn't pornography. A refreshingly frank, and intelligent documentary about sexual attraction, and desire. What makes a certain person appear attractive to us? Do we control this attraction, or is it already pre-programmed into our brains. Sex And The City's Kim Cattrell does the investigating. (Channel 4)
5:30-5:55am - Greetings From Tucson
New US comedy, being stripped over one of the dumbest timeslots known to mankind! Airing at approximately 5:30am, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning, for the next 5 weeks. The show is about 15-year old David, who is forced to rebuild his life when his family relocates. Only lasted one 22-episode season. Could be great. Could be pants. (Channel 4)
Tuesday 31st
9:55am-Noon - FILM: Moby Dick (PG)
Classic adaption of the acclaimed novel about a man and a whale.
11:00am-12:30pm - FILM: Asterix Vs Caesar (U)
Cartoon version of the clever French comic book heroes. (BBC2)
1:00-2:30pm - FILM: Tron (PG)
Enjoyable sci-fi drama, with Bruce Boxleitner as a man trapped inside a computer game. It's dated quite badly, but the clever use of CGI animation for the famous "Lightcycle" race, is worthy of at least one viewing. Showing uncut, and in widescreen. (BBC2)
4:30-5:00pm - New Captain Scarlet
Yes! At long last! After many complaints, and pressure from adult fans, ITV1 has finally caved-in, and we are now going to get the first, full, and uncut showings of the first 13 episodes of Season 1, in a (relatively) prime-time slot! Take the phone off the hook, lock the front door, disconnect the doorbell, and ban your kids from speaking, and then sit-back and enjoy 30 minutes of superb animation, with an edge! Showing every Tuesday at the same time, for the next 4 months!
(ITV1)
11:00-11:40pm - England Away!
Disturbing documentary about how England football fans have gone from being popular and restrained, to complete hooligans who revel in alcohol-fuelled violence, when England plays in Europe. What has happened over the past ten years, that has made fans act out? Are all fans to be tarnished in the same way? Do genuine fans pay the price, for the few? Or is something more cultural at play here? (BBC4)
11:55pm-1:30am - FILM: Inseminoid (18)
Uncut and widescreen showing of this nasty little video nasty, from the early-1980's, by cult director Norman J Warren. A parasitic alien invades a member of an archaeological expedition, and as the alien grows inside her, she goes on a murderous and very bloody rampage. Worthy of its cult status, and worth viewing now, nearly 25 years on. Genuinely chilling and nasty little sci-fi/horror flick! (BBC2)
Wednesday 1st June
9:00-10:00pm - Whistleblower: Parking
It is claimed that somewhere in the country, one British driver will be ticketed every five seconds of the working day. Motorists complain the fees are excessive, that the rules are not enforced correctly. Is this the case? "Whistleblower" looks into the shady and often distressing world of the parking attendants and the clamping companies. Expect strong language, and some violent scenes.
9:00-10:10pm - French Beauty
Documentary about the allure of the French actress, past and present. From Jeanne Moreau, and Catherine Deneuve, to Monica Belluci and Juliette Binoche, the show looks at the charm of the ladies of Gallic cinema.
Thursday 2nd
9:00-10:00pm - Ladette To Lady
It's another ITV1 ratings winner: take ten Chavettes... Sorry, I mean unladylike women, and watch some sad pathetic looser of an instructor, convert them all into prim-and-proper snobs! Yep, five episodes of reality trash, that'll make "Celebrity Wrestling" look almost Oscar-worthy! You may want to make a bet with your local bookies, on if this show will stay the course. Rumours abound, that both this and "Celebrity Love Island" will both get pulled within the next couple of weeks. I wonder why?! (ITV1)
9:00-10:00pm - Make Me Normal
Surprisingly sensitive and non-exploitative documentary about teenagers with disabilities, and how they cope on a day-to-day basis. For them, fitting-in and being normal, means being like everyone else. But is there such a thing as "normal"? Should those less-abled be forced to fit in with the rest of us, or has society got a lot of work to do to face some harsh truths about those less fortunate? First of three parts. (Channel 4)
10:50pm-12:30am - Ricky Gervais: Politics
He's back, with an all-new stand-up routine. Previously released to UK DVD at the end of 2004, the controversial comedian performs another award-winning routine. Not one for the easily-offended! (Channel 4)
Friday 3rd
11:00am-12:30pm - FILM: The 12 Tasks Of Asterix (PG)
Fun animation with Asterix, Obelix and Co, setting to complete a set of tasks set by Julius Caesar. Some sly and subtle jokes appear in this story, (like that of governmental bureaucracy), that make this worthwhile for adults as well as children. Worth watching, if you get the chance. (BBC2)
1:40-3:15pm - FILM: The Lavender Hill Mob (PG)
Quintessential Ealing comedy, with Alec Guinness in one of his most famous roles.
9:00-9:30pm - Have I Got News For You
Desmond Lynam takes the chair for this final show, in the current series. If last time is anything to go by, this will be a riot!
11:00pm-1:35am - Je T'Aime / Je T'Aime Jane Birkin / Jane Birkin In Concert
Documentary and music mix in this 150 minute set of shows, about how a reluctant young British girl, looked cross-Channel for a better life. Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsborough became the hottest couple of the 1960's and 70's. See home movie footage, new interviews, and music concert footage of the two performing together.
Well, that's all for the moment. I'll return with another update in the next few days. In the meantime, I hope this selection of shows, will keep you all busy! Enjoy!
Pooch
You would normally expect my usual monthly round-up of what's coming-up over the next month on digital and terrestrial TV. Alas, due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm afraid that the usual long list of what's coming-up is going to be delayed. I apologise for this, but hope that at least the following update will suffice for the time being. As soon as I am ready to, I will post the usual long update.
Wednesday 25th May
9:55-11:55am - Why Is There So Much Rubbish On Telly?
A superb and genuinely intelligent documentary that openly discusses why there appears to have been an increase in the amount of junk on our TV screens in recent times. At two hours, this is really worth recording, as it contains interviews with many of the biggest media people in the world. (I know most of you will have missed this, but keep your eyes on it appearing again soon, over the next few weeks. C4 seems to like repeating this documentary, in the same kind of timeslot, during school holidays / term-time.) (Channel 4)
3:45-5:30pm - FILM: Alien Nation - The Udara Legacy (12)
Another of the film spin-off's from the short lived "Alien Nation" TV show (actually the last of five movies made). This one deals with brainwashed Newcomers who go around committing deadly and bizarre crimes. What makes this superior to some of the many run-of-the-mill sci-fi films, is that this one deals with the horribly topical issue about suicide bombers, and intolerance of other nations. (Five)
Friday 27th
8:30-9:00pm - Will And Grace
Season 6 has already started on terrestrial, and once again, no promotion, warning or trailers have been used. Tonight is episode 2. Thanks a lot, Channel 4! (Channel 4)
8:30-9:00pm - Heimat: The Story Of A Nation
I've already promoted this show, and prior to the complete trilogy being run over the next few months, here is an all-new documentary about the series, and its writer/creator/director Edgar Reitz. Episode 1 of the first part of the trilogy starts at 9pm. Episodes air on Friday and Sunday nights, with no repeats. (BBC4)
9:00pm - Big Brother 6
Personally-speaking, I think that BB is the biggest pile of
ever created and inflicted onto the British population. However, there are plenty of you out there, who will devour every single milisecond of this reality show. Expect lots of lousy tasks, plenty of nudity, something dodgy designed to hack all of the contestants off (like last year), and lots of "unexpected" hijinks by the tabloid newspapers to break into the BB compound. Does anyone actually give a rat's arse anymore?! The only positive thing, to come out of this, is that E4 is now Free-To-Air on Freeview. Cable and Sky viewers still need to subscribe! (Channel 4, E4)9:30-10pm - The Kumars At Number 42
They're back, and in a new home - sort of! Series number 3, and Sanjeev, Granny and the other family members all return to inflict misery on the many guests and celebrities, arriving at Number 42 for an interview, but now for BBC1. Tonight sees Ronnie Corbet and heavy metal musician Alice Cooper being put through their paces! Next week, Joanna Lumley and Frankie Dettori get put under the spotlight! (BBC1)
12:25-2:05am - FILM: Jason Goes To Hell - The Final Friday (18)
One of the better sequels, in my opinion, in the endless "Friday The 13th" horror movie series. A serial killer is on the loose, and is mown down by a SWAT team. But has the killer's spirit transferred into our favourite hockey-masked psycho? Expect lots and lots of gore, graphic violence, and other nastiness. Keep your eyes open, as a surprise character makes an appearance in the film. Showing uncut. (Five)
Saturday 28th
1:20-2:20pm - Sir John Mills' Moving Memories
Another chance to see this evocative documentary of the life of actor/thespian Sir John Mills, who died in April 2005. (BBC2)
3:25-5:00pm - FILM: Asterix And Obelix - Mission Cleopatra (PG)
Yes it was filmed in French, and has now been horrifically dubbed into English, but this is still worth a viewing. Gerard Depardieu and Monica Belluci star in this live-action version of the famous Gallic comic-book stories. (Five)
6:00-7:10pm - Robin Of Sherwood
The dark fantasy and gothic horror of Robin Hood is brought to life in this amazing and violent ITV drama series, from the mid-1980's. For fans of the character, this is still considered by many people, to be the ultimate and definitive version of the mythical hero. Michael Praed plays the titular role, along with Clive Mantle and many other bastions of British drama. I'm pretty certain that all 3 series will be being shown (totalling 26 hour-long episodes) back-to-back. The first two are definitely the best, but tonight sees the first of the two-part Series 1 Pilot episode "Robin Hood And The Sorcerer". Be warned, though: despite it's age, the episodes can get very dark and gritty at times, and there are several uses of mild bad language. Parents may prefer to watch with under-8's. It isn't recommended for the very young viewers. (ITV3 - also repeated on Sundays, around mid-morning or early-lunchtime.)
6:10-8:15pm - FILM: The X-Men (12)
Marvel's comic book characters are brought vividly to life, with an all-star cast. It's not the best comic-book adaption ever made, but it's not too bad either. At the moment, the film is scheduled to be split around the news. However, like last-week's transmission of "Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace", this may change at the last minute. The start-time will remain the same, though. May be edited for violence and language. (ITV1)
8:45-11:40pm - Test The Nation: 20th Century
Think you know it all? Test yourself with this lengthy quiz on all aspects of the 20th century, from history, technology, to cinema, TV and famous faces. (BBC1)
9:15-11:15pm - FILM: Escape From New York (15)
Kurt Russell's sci-fi action classic from 1981. As Snake Plissken, a rebel without a clue, Russell tries to escape from a futuristic prison-like city, where everybody wants his head. Uncut version. (ITV2)
9:50pm-12:15am - FILM: Pulp Fiction (18)
Probably Quentin Tarantino's magnum cinematic crime opus, and with more quotable dialogue than any other movie in recent times. Violent, profane, and often darkly humorous, this became the big hit that rocketed John Travolta back into our cinemas, as a leading man. If easily offended, I'd advise you not to watch this movie. Minor edits, as per the BBFC video version. (BBC3)
Sunday 29th
1:10-3:45pm - FILM: North By Northwest (PG)
Quintessential Alfred Hitchcock thriller. A great, great film, and worth anyones time. First of a Five Afternoon Classic Movie double-bill. (Five)
3:45-5:40pm - FILM: The Hound Of The Baskervilles (15)
Minor edits for one of the better adaptions of the Sherlock Holmes story. Actors Ian Richardson and Donald Churchill take the roles of Holmes and Watson. The second of Five's Afternoon Classic Movie double-bill. (Five)
8:00-9:00pm - Top Gear
Jack Dee is tonight's "Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car". This should be a classic for all the wrong reasons. (BBC2)
10:00-11:10pm - Derren Brown: The Gathering
The magician and master of deception tries to convince an audience of the general public, celebrities, psychologists and other magicians/illusionists, once-and-for-all, that there is more to him, than stunts and trickery. Expect something sinister, and edge-of-your-seat. (Channel 4)
10:30-11:55pm - Storyville: Game Over - Kasparov And The Machine (PG)
Ever thought the game of Chess was dull? Just a past-time for nerds? This documentary, might change your mind. Watch the greatest chess player in the world, Garry Kasparov, take on the greatest chess-playing computer, Deep Blue, in what was to become a defining moment in history. Superb documentary, that plays out more like an espionage thriller. Rivetting stuff, and one that might make you think about the roles of computers and machines in our society! (BBC2)
Monday 30th
9:25-10:20am - Spin City
The start of a weekday double-bill of the hit US comedy with Michael J Fox as the Mayor's right-hand-man. Go right back to the start of Season 1, with the first 2 episodes. (Repeated daily at 7:00-8:00pm.) (ITV2)
10:25am-1:00pm - Third Watch / Without A Trace / Frasier
Depending on the schedule, and whether or not Live Cricket is shown, the above three shows may air, continuing from where they ended a few weeks ago. (Channel 4)
5:45-8:00pm - FILM: Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (PG)
The hit, family action movie with that theme tune by Bryan Adams. Watch Kevin Costner in tights. See Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as one of the most enchanting Maid Mariou's to ever be given life on the screen. And enjoy Alan Rickman hamming it up brilliantly, as the evil Sheriff Of Nottingham. The film has been heavily edited for TV. Major edits for violence, attempted rape, and language. (BBC1)
10:50pm-12:35am - FILM: Total Recall (18)
Uncut showing of one of Paul Verhoeven's brilliant sci-fi hits from the 1980's. A superior Philip K Dick adaption of his remarkable novella "We Can Remember It For You, Wholesale". Violent, gory, but startling and a one-of-a-kind sci-fi action film. Highly recommended. (BBC1)
11:00pm-12:30am - FILM: Drop Dead Gorgeous (15)
I didn't rate this film, but I seem to be in the minority on this, so maybe I simply didn't get it. Darkly humourous satire on teen beauty-pageants, and what some people might do, to win them. With Kirsty Allie, Denise Richards and Kirsten Dunst. Showing uncut. (BBC2)
11:25pm-1:00am - Sexual Intelligence
Nope, this isn't pornography. A refreshingly frank, and intelligent documentary about sexual attraction, and desire. What makes a certain person appear attractive to us? Do we control this attraction, or is it already pre-programmed into our brains. Sex And The City's Kim Cattrell does the investigating. (Channel 4)
5:30-5:55am - Greetings From Tucson
New US comedy, being stripped over one of the dumbest timeslots known to mankind!
Airing at approximately 5:30am, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning, for the next 5 weeks. The show is about 15-year old David, who is forced to rebuild his life when his family relocates. Only lasted one 22-episode season. Could be great. Could be pants. (Channel 4)Tuesday 31st
9:55am-Noon - FILM: Moby Dick (PG)
Classic adaption of the acclaimed novel about a man and a whale.
11:00am-12:30pm - FILM: Asterix Vs Caesar (U)
Cartoon version of the clever French comic book heroes. (BBC2)
1:00-2:30pm - FILM: Tron (PG)
Enjoyable sci-fi drama, with Bruce Boxleitner as a man trapped inside a computer game. It's dated quite badly, but the clever use of CGI animation for the famous "Lightcycle" race, is worthy of at least one viewing. Showing uncut, and in widescreen. (BBC2)
4:30-5:00pm - New Captain Scarlet
Yes! At long last! After many complaints, and pressure from adult fans, ITV1 has finally caved-in, and we are now going to get the first, full, and uncut showings of the first 13 episodes of Season 1, in a (relatively) prime-time slot! Take the phone off the hook, lock the front door, disconnect the doorbell, and ban your kids from speaking, and then sit-back and enjoy 30 minutes of superb animation, with an edge! Showing every Tuesday at the same time, for the next 4 months!
(ITV1)11:00-11:40pm - England Away!
Disturbing documentary about how England football fans have gone from being popular and restrained, to complete hooligans who revel in alcohol-fuelled violence, when England plays in Europe. What has happened over the past ten years, that has made fans act out? Are all fans to be tarnished in the same way? Do genuine fans pay the price, for the few? Or is something more cultural at play here? (BBC4)
11:55pm-1:30am - FILM: Inseminoid (18)
Uncut and widescreen showing of this nasty little video nasty, from the early-1980's, by cult director Norman J Warren. A parasitic alien invades a member of an archaeological expedition, and as the alien grows inside her, she goes on a murderous and very bloody rampage. Worthy of its cult status, and worth viewing now, nearly 25 years on. Genuinely chilling and nasty little sci-fi/horror flick!
(BBC2)Wednesday 1st June
9:00-10:00pm - Whistleblower: Parking
It is claimed that somewhere in the country, one British driver will be ticketed every five seconds of the working day. Motorists complain the fees are excessive, that the rules are not enforced correctly. Is this the case? "Whistleblower" looks into the shady and often distressing world of the parking attendants and the clamping companies. Expect strong language, and some violent scenes.
9:00-10:10pm - French Beauty
Documentary about the allure of the French actress, past and present. From Jeanne Moreau, and Catherine Deneuve, to Monica Belluci and Juliette Binoche, the show looks at the charm of the ladies of Gallic cinema.
Thursday 2nd
9:00-10:00pm - Ladette To Lady
It's another ITV1 ratings winner: take ten Chavettes... Sorry, I mean unladylike women, and watch some sad pathetic looser of an instructor, convert them all into prim-and-proper snobs! Yep, five episodes of reality trash, that'll make "Celebrity Wrestling" look almost Oscar-worthy! You may want to make a bet with your local bookies, on if this show will stay the course. Rumours abound, that both this and "Celebrity Love Island" will both get pulled within the next couple of weeks. I wonder why?!
(ITV1)9:00-10:00pm - Make Me Normal
Surprisingly sensitive and non-exploitative documentary about teenagers with disabilities, and how they cope on a day-to-day basis. For them, fitting-in and being normal, means being like everyone else. But is there such a thing as "normal"? Should those less-abled be forced to fit in with the rest of us, or has society got a lot of work to do to face some harsh truths about those less fortunate? First of three parts. (Channel 4)
10:50pm-12:30am - Ricky Gervais: Politics
He's back, with an all-new stand-up routine. Previously released to UK DVD at the end of 2004, the controversial comedian performs another award-winning routine. Not one for the easily-offended! (Channel 4)
Friday 3rd
11:00am-12:30pm - FILM: The 12 Tasks Of Asterix (PG)
Fun animation with Asterix, Obelix and Co, setting to complete a set of tasks set by Julius Caesar. Some sly and subtle jokes appear in this story, (like that of governmental bureaucracy), that make this worthwhile for adults as well as children. Worth watching, if you get the chance. (BBC2)
1:40-3:15pm - FILM: The Lavender Hill Mob (PG)
Quintessential Ealing comedy, with Alec Guinness in one of his most famous roles.
9:00-9:30pm - Have I Got News For You
Desmond Lynam takes the chair for this final show, in the current series. If last time is anything to go by, this will be a riot!
11:00pm-1:35am - Je T'Aime / Je T'Aime Jane Birkin / Jane Birkin In Concert
Documentary and music mix in this 150 minute set of shows, about how a reluctant young British girl, looked cross-Channel for a better life. Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsborough became the hottest couple of the 1960's and 70's. See home movie footage, new interviews, and music concert footage of the two performing together.
Well, that's all for the moment. I'll return with another update in the next few days. In the meantime, I hope this selection of shows, will keep you all busy! Enjoy!
Pooch
