CRITICS’ CHOICE
Social climber
Princess Diana’s ‘Wicked’ Stepmother (C4, 9pm)
“They used to sing, ‘Raine, Raine, go away,’” says the writer Angela Levin, “but they didn’t say, ‘come again another day’.” One of many contributors adding value to this wry and entertaining profile, Levin states her belief that Diana Spencer and her four siblings deeply resented the 1976 arrival in their father’s affections and their family home of the then Lady Dartmouth. Born Raine McCorquodale, the daughter of the romantic novelist Barbara Cartland, and the 1947 “deb of the year”, she free-climbed socially to the summit at Althorp House, when Diana was just 15 and missing her departed mother.
While there is talk of “acid Raine”, her ruthlessness as an “all-round force of nature” and her frightful taste in decor, we also hear of her loyalty, public service and vivacity. “Wicked” is clearly a bit strong, although her 1955 charity single — “I’m in love … the stars are all shining” — was undoubtedly diabolical.
Martin James
Top Of The Lake — China Girl (BBC2, 9pm)
Any pleasure experienced by the Australian tourist board on hearing that Bondi Beach was to be central to this series would surely have been wiped out in week one. While this episode will not raise their spirits, viewers can enjoy a few laughs amid the grimness, grotesquery and overwrought misogyny as Robin (Elisabeth Moss) pursues the case, and the past catches up with her with a vengeance. (MJ)
Blood Drive (Syfy, 10pm)
There are shades of Death Race 2000 and Dick Dastardly and Muttley in this sex-and- gore fest set in the “dystopian future of 1999”. Thanks to oil shortages, automobiles now run on human blood, and as a car race begins, a sexy woman (Christina Ochoa) is shackled to the last good cop in Los Angeles (Alan Ritchson) and forced to participate. It is post-pub television for annoying students, but baffling to anyone with a job. (HS)
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Living Differently (BBC3, from 10am)
With Channel 5-style titles such as Our Teen Who Dies if He Falls Asleep and Our Baby Made of Glass, the films in this online series may be short in duration but they are big in impact. They showcase a succession of individuals and families who are not only coping with unusual medical conditions but have embraced their diversity and are leading thriving and inspirational lives. (MJ)
Insecure (Sky Atlantic, 10.35pm)
If proof were needed of the faith HBO has in this comedy drama, be aware that in America it’s scheduled directly after Game of Thrones. In Britain it merits a Thursday night on Sky Atlantic, but is very much worth seeking out. In the second episode, the ramifications of Lawrence and Issa’s speedy congress are not yet clear; and Molly is still seething about earning less than a male colleague. (HS)
FILM CHOICE
Wilde (1997)
BBC4, 10pm
Perhaps inevitably, echoes of Stephen Fry’s own public persona emerge in his performance as Oscar Wilde in this sedate biopic. These are distracting, but the skill in his work remains clear. He holds his own against Tom Wilkinson (as the hostile Queensberry) and Vanessa Redgrave (playing Wilde’s mother). Dir: Brian Gilbert
Viva Las Vegas (1964)
BBC2, 2.55pm
This Elvis vehicle is basically another of his inane musicals, but here the show is hard to resist. Vegas is a perfect gaudy backdrop; the King seems to enjoy himself; and in Ann-Margret (with whom he had an off-screen romance) he has a co-star who rivals him as a song-and-dance dynamo. Dir: George Sidney
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Britannia Hospital (1982)
Talking Pictures TV, 12 midnight
A comedy satirising Britain through the story of a weird infirmary, Lindsay Anderson’s film is far from perfect, but this barely matters in the case of such a wild curio. The cast is a marvel in itself: it includes Leonard Rossiter, Robin Askwith and Mark Hamill, as well as Malcolm McDowell, who resumes the role of Mick Travis, his character in If...., Anderson’s 1968 classic.
Radio pick of the day
Reflections (Radio 4, 9am/9.30pm)
Lord (Peter) Hennessy, the historian, returns with his 57-minute interviews with British politicians, beginning with Tony Blair: remarkably wide-ranging, with Blair admitting that intelligence on Iraq was “faulty”. Doubtless it is just a coincidence that Hugh Costello’s drama Redacted (R4, 2.15pm), with Greta Scacchi, is a taut thriller about Whitehall’s 30-year rule, secrets and lies.
Paul Donovan
Sports choice
Super League Cricket (SSME, 2pm)
Super League Rugby (SSME, 7.30pm) Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos
Football Bury v Sunderland (SS Football, 7.30pm)
You say
Can I suggest that Dan Walker may be better suited to CBeebies. He constantly interrupts his co-presenters and can produce endless inane chat.Charlie Stayt on Thursdays and Fridays is a breath of fresh air (and much cheaper).
Doreen Blackamore
Why has a quiz programme for children under 10 (Password) infiltrated peak viewing time on BBC2? And what have we done to deserve Mel Giedroyc — have we not suffered enough?
Michael Turner
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