TV not to miss
The Killing II
BBC Four, 9pm
The first part of this Danish crime thriller was probably the most popular foreign-language TV series ever, so anticipation is again high for this 10-part sequel. It’s a new crime and a predominantly new cast as former detective Sarah Lund is back hunting a murderer two years after solving the killing of Nanna Birk Larsen. The wardrobe department has also splashed out on a new jumper to replace the Faroese knit that got so much attention last time.
Our hard-working heroine had been demoted to a mundane uniform job, but a macabre slaying prompts Lund’s former boss to seek her help. In the background her ongoing family politics again add flesh to her character and there’s another political sub-plot as legislators debate whether to introduce draconian new laws in the face of threats from Islamic extremists.
On the evidence of the first show, it’s all just as engaging as the original series, and the fact that season two also has only half as many episodes should ensure it’s not as drawn out. BBC Four is broadcasting two episodes every Saturday, so we’ll get to the bottom of the mystery by Christmas. Highly recommended.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
RTÉ Two, 9.30pm
Ron Perlman again plays the endearing demon in Guillermo del Toro’s second film in the franchise. This time around he’s trying to save the world from a nasty goblin.
In Treatment
Sky Atlantic, 10.20pm
Episodes five and six of the final series have Gabriel Byrne’s character trying to help the Indian immigrant who is beginning to hate his life in America, and the troubled psychiatrist is also one of two characters awaiting news on whether their genes have left them prone to terrible ailments.
Francis Brennan’s Grand Tour
RTÉ One, 7.30pm
The novice tour guide brings his charges from Barcelona to the spectacular walled city of Carcassonne in southern France, briefly stopping off at Salvador Dali’s birthplace, Figueres. The group sample some local dishes and also do their best to overcome the language barrier.
There Will Be Blood
RTÉ Two, 9pm
Daniel Day-Lewis won the Oscar for his enormous portrayal of miner Daniel Plainview in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 drama. Well worth a look if you haven’t seen it already, and perhaps deserves a second viewing if you have.
Cogar: Dan Donovan
TG4, 9.30pm
Through his involvement in the film festival and choral festival in Cork, Dan Donovan enjoys an exalted reputation in Leeside’s cultural circles. This documentary looks back on his contribution to the arts in the southern city.
Cérbh Í — Bess Cronin
TG4, 10pm
Planxty popularised the song The Good Ship Kangaroo, but they actually learnt it from west Cork woman Elizabeth Cronin. Nell Ní Chróinín presents a documentary on the singer and collector who was recorded by the BBC, but who never sang on stage or left Ireland.
Plandáil
BBC Two, 10.50pm
New three part series from BBC Northern Ireland on the 17th century plantation of Ulster that has had such a significant impact on the island. The tale is mainly told from the viewpoint of the Scottish Presbyterians who were given lands in place of rebellious locals.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
More 4, 11.10pm
The finale of series eight sees Larry David accuse his neighbour Michael J Fox of harassment, and he also gets chided for giving Elizabeth’s son Greg an inappropriate birthday present.
Borat
TV3, 11.45pm
Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy classic from 2006 already looks like being the highpoint of his career. It will have you cringing and laughing in equal measure.
Britain’s Greatest Codebreaker
Channel 4, 9pm
A drama-documentary that looks at the incredible and ultimately tragic life of Alan Turing. A genius mathematician who is regarded as one of the fathers of computer science, he also made a huge contribution to the Allied cause during WWII when he helped break the German Enigma code. Unfortunately, instead of being feted as a hero, Turing went largely unrecognised. After the war, when he reported a burglary at his home, he was charged by the police with gross indecency after confessing to homosexual acts with a man staying there. Turing was given a choice between imprisonment and a form of chemical castration, and chose the latter, before eventually taking his own life two years later.
Ear To The Ground
RTÉ One, 7pm
Recent raids on diesel-laundering operations have shown what a multi-million euro racket it is in this country. Another issue with the high value of fuel is a recent rise in thefts of diesel from farm yards. As Ear To The Ground point out in a report on the problem, a full diesel tank can be worth €1,000, a tempting target for thieves. Even before the winter kicks in properly, there have been 700 reported incidents of diesel theft this year. Darragh McCullough looks at some of the options for protecting the tank. Another segment in tonight’s show includes a focus on the fight by the food and farming lobby against proposals by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s plans to have cheese classified in the same way as crisps and colas for advertising on children’s shows. There’s also a look at a venison farm in Co Sligo.
When Bankers Were Good
BBC Two, 9pm
While you may scoff at the title, Ian Hislop brings us back to the early days of the banking industry when Victorian financiers actually used their riches for something other than self-aggrandisement. George Peabody and Natty Rothschild are among those who tried to help the downtrodden.
Later Live with Jools Holland
BBC Two Wales, 10pm
It’s the final show of the series and Jools Holland goes out in splendid style with the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing songs from their new album, I’m With You. Bjork, Noel Gallagher and Gillian Welch also appear.
Frozen Planet
BBC One, 9pm
Recent gripes about some repetition into this series probably underline how spoilt we have been by David Attenborough and other wildlife filmmakers in recent years. Yes, tonight’s cast is again made up of polar bears, wolves and bison, but it still makes for some spectacular viewing.
Scéalta Átha Cliath
TG4, 10pm
Another fascinating story from Dublin with the tale of Ivan Beshoff, the man who founded the famous fish and chip shops. Born near Odessa on the Black Sea, he served in the engine room of the Russian battleship Potemkin and took part in the famous mutiny of 1905. After eventually making his way to Dublin where he worked on the docks for a number of years, it is claimed that he also took part in the 1916 Rising. Arrested on several occasions on suspicion of being a Russian spy, his first chipper in Dublin was bombed by the Luftwaffe during World War II.
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
TG4, 9.05pm
Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas star in the 1957 western as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday take on the bad guys. Watch out for a young Dennis Hopper.
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