ALSO ON '
Hitler’s Children Channel 4, Sat 23 Jul, 8. 70pm Five episodes telling us how the Hitler Youth got to be so big in the 403.
The Shield Five, Sat 23 Jul, 77.05pm OK. this is the last time we'll say it. It's definitely back and it's more compelling than ever before. With added Glenn Close.
The New Al Qaeda BBC2, Mon 25 Jul. 9pm A rather timely analysis of the tech- friendly terrorists who have used the internet to spread their murdering message.
The Sex Inspectors Channel 4, Mon 25 Jul, 70.55pm Those filthy relationship experts Tracey Cox and Michael Alvear return with more advice for losers in the bedding stakes. The Mighty Boosh BBC3, Tue 26 Jul,
1 1pm Having just about come out unscathed from the ratings-unfriendly mayhem of Nathan Barley, messrs Barrett and Fielding (pictured) are given licence to roam around the zoo once again. In the opener. there's talk of yetis and stuff.
Rich Boys’ Toys Five, Mon 1 Aug,
7. 15pm Posh folk playing with tanks. It‘s what the telly was invented for. How to Start Your Own Country BBC2, Wed 3 Aug, 10pm Wacky old Danny Wallace is let loose on the continent to see if he can rouse support for a new member state. Bonkers. eh?
Revrews SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY AST
BBC2, Fri 22 Jul, 9pm COO
With this latest ‘landmark‘ series on the life and times of our fair isle. coinciding with the dubious Trafalgar 200 commemorations and Sea Britain 2005. one is left wondering if the BBC programmers aren't clutching at straws. A segmented amalgam of documentary channel standards. Coast has a “small. dedicated team of experts' examining the geography. archaeology. science. nature and social history of the UK's watery border.
This all-encompassing approach to the humanities has variable results. depending largely on which expert is at the helm. With charisma in short Supply, the programme showcases one or two presenters who should go on to prosper on our screens alongside others who may well discourage further viewing. Despite a tie-in coastal walks initiative. one can only hope that the subject matter and unremitting aerial footage prove enough of a draw to make the full circuinnavigation worthwhile.
(Mark Edmundson)
SITCOM
STILL GAME BBC1, Tue 26 Jul, 10.35pm COO.
lntially. Still Game seemed like an odd choice for a spin-off show from Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan's enormously successful sketch show Chewxn' the Fat. The first series sneaked in under the radar with little fanfare. and the pace of the thing took some getting used to. but it gradually became
something of a cult hit. and has pr‘oven itself to be a surprisineg subtle and poignant piece of comedy writing underneath all the bluster of the shoiiv's two stars. ()Al’s Jack and Victor.
This fourth series has the pair taking up pretty much where they left off. although. as all-Jays with Still Game. the show is more of an ensemble piece than a vehicle for the curmudgeonly couple. /\ fine array of characters are all still in place, including the miserable Winston. the fantastically nasty barman Bobby and the awesome shopkeeper Navrd. lhis remains an underrated gem of Scottish comedy. (Doug Johnstonei
lAlvlllY [XXZUMl NlAliV STEPKIDS: DON’T RUIN MY BIG DAY
Channel 4, Wed 27 Jul, 9pm 00.
Children are genetwar", programmed to be selfish and judging by the selection of parents in this l)l'()t)l£lll1ll‘i(} Willi damned good reason. We follow four couples on the verge of marriage and get |ll(il'(?(ill)l‘, close access to then poor olfspiii‘g, who generally dori't approve of the i‘irptials. While some kids are resigned to their late. one has turned \.'l()l(?l‘i to try and drive her mother's lover away. One couple seem more on the road to break up than a dreamy l()‘.lll(] bond. and two fortysomethiiigs are getting wed after just three lll()l‘.lltf; together. It's depressing that so many people will disregard the consequences of their whimsical (ilil‘.’lll<)f§_ particulain whee the, "re clearly getting
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THE STRANGE CASE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES & ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
BBC2, Wed 27 Jul, 9pm 0...
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s torturous relationship with Sherlock Holmes is almost as renowned as any investigation by his iconic creation. Less well known is the painful family history that ignited Doyle‘s fascination with the macabre, which the author attempted to suppress during his lifetime.
BBC Scotland‘s dramatic exploration of the darkness at the heart of Conan Doyle’s work begins in 1892, when the author (played by Douglas Henshall) is at the height of his popular success. Yet, within months he has sent his creation plunging over the Reichenbach Falls and thrown himself inexhaustibly into writing a series of historical novels, while the public bay for the return of their deerstalkered hero. The theory posited here - by Murder Rooms writer David Pirie — is that Doyle’s antipathy towards Holmes as well as his predilection for the macabre are explained by memories of his father Charles‘ harrowing descent into madness and incarceration for epilepsy. The killing of Holmes also coincides with Doyle’s wife Louise’s diagnosis with consumption, and the outset of ten years’ guilt as the author struggled to care for ‘Touie’ while falling ever deeper in love with Jean Leckie.
Structured in the form of a detective story, the feature-length drama is slow to gather together its various threads but is nonetheless compelling and imaginative in its weaving of fact with fiction. Henshall brings depth and passion to his role as the complex author, and there are some enjoyable supporting acts, particularly from Brian Cox as Doyle’s iconoclastic mentor, Dr Joseph Bell. (Allan Radcliffe)
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