James Metcalf on the fictionality of the latest archaeological page-turners
Stephen Puddicombe looks at the unusual appeal of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot
Ciaran Rafferty investigates the science of book classification
As ever, Week 7’s television is a mixture of the cultural and the cheesy as documentaries, acclaimed films, soap operas and reality shows meet.
Monday night brings a dose of culture, as the historian Niall Ferguson continues his fascinating journey into the history of finance (The Ascent of Money, Channel 4, 8pm). This week’s instalment considers the creation of government bonds in the Renaissance and how they sparked the buying and selling of government debt.
If you feel that you have had enough education for one day, enjoy high octane thrills with Spooks (BBC1, 9pm). A UN-led Israeli-Palestinian summit is being held in London which gives the spooks plenty to contend with, not to mention somebody selling an “assassin’s toy”, on an auction website. Cue fast-paced action as the Spooks race to secure the weapon and seal the deal.
Sarah Gavron’s skilled adaptation of Monica Ali’s praised novel Brick Lane is our pick of Tuesday night TV (Brick Lane, Channel 4, 10pm). The film tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman who reluctantly leaves her native country for an arranged marriage in England. Although slow moving at times, Brick Lane is beautifully shot and well acted, with Tannishtha Chatterjee excelling in the lead role. Over on More4, a documentary looks at the inspiration behind the film American Gangster in True Stories: Mr Untouchable (More4, 10pm). Drug lord Leroy “Nicky” Barnes, brought to life on screen by Denzel Washington, gives an account of the New York drugs scene during the 1970s.
Wednesday night kicks off with the guilty pleasure that is Hollyoaks Later (E4, 10pm). Wednesday’s slice of melodrama sees Steph and Craig petrified as evil Niall announces his presence.
To redeem yourself, swot up on one of Britain’s most iconic musicians, Joe Strummer (Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten, Channel 4, 11.40pm). The documentary includes authentic footage and interviews with Strummer’s celebrity fans including Johnny Depp and Martin Scorsese.
Thursday night is sports night with Live UEFA Cup Football. The Group A match Schalke 04 v Manchester City (five, 5.55pm) kicks off proceedings. Mark Hughes’ team opened their group campaign with a 3-2 victory over FC Twente, while Schalke 04 have one win and a draw from their first two fixtures. The double bill is concluded with the Group E clash Portsmouth v AC Milan (five, 8pm). Pompey have had a disappointing start to this stage, losing 3-0 at the hands of Portuguese team Braga, while AC Milan won 3-1 against Dutch side Heerenveen.
On Friday, a new series of the BAFTA-nominated Live at the Apollo (BBC1, 10.35pm) begins with the cream of British stand-up performing at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
Alternatively, refine your culinary skills with Gordon Ramsay's Cookalong Live (Channel 4, 9pm). The fiery chef is joined by Gavin and Stacey star James Corden in creating an exotic menu of hot and sour prawn soup to start, stir-fried beef with peppers and egg noodles for the main course and hot bananas for dessert.
Saturday night involves staying in and watching some trashy telly in the form of The X Factor (ITV1, 7.35pm). The theme of the night's performances is American classics, as the remaining five acts battle for a place in next week’s semi-final. For better or worse, the show also features an appearance from Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus.
And finally, it is well worth staying up on Sunday to watch Bombón- El Perro (Film4, 10.50pm). Argentinian director Carlos Sorin’s award-winning shaggy dog story takes us off the beaten track into the rural heart of Patagonia; a warm, likeable tale.
You must log in to submit a comment.
