Best of the Week's TV (Nov 2-8)
UTV, 9.50pm
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is back in the public eye with the lead role in new series Dracula, and will be talking about this and other matters with Jonathan Ross tonight. Other guests include Steve Coogan and Paul Hollywood.
Live action from Thomond Park features
Munster v Ospreys (TG4, ko 7.15pm) in the RaboDirect Pro12, while the first of the autumn international series has England v Australia (Sky Sports 2, ko 2.30pm). In soccer, it’s
Newcastle United v Chelsea (BT Sport 1,
ko 12.45pm), Fulham v Man Utd (Setanta 1,
ko 3pm) and Arsenal v Liverpool (Sky Sports 1,
ko 5.30pm).
TV3, 10.50pm
A repeat of the previous night’s BBC show featuring Elton John, Judi Dench, Jeremy Paxman and John Bishop.
RTÉ One, 9.30pm
The second last episode of the current series has Nidge going off the rails as his paranoia escalates, and he’s under pressure to keep the lid on the truth of one of his past deeds. And all the while, Moynihan and his team are closing in around the gang.
The FAI Ford Cup Final clash of Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United (RTE Two, ko 3pm) is
live from the Aviva Stadium, and cross-channel action features Everton v Tottenham Hotspur (Sky Sports, ko 1.30pm) and the Welsh derby of Cardiff City v Swansea City (Sky Sports,
ko 4pm).
RTÉ One, 10.35pm
Imelda May is one of the most affable figures in the Irish music scene, and in the final show of the current series, the Dublin-born singer opens up about the important people in her life.
RTÉ One, 9.35pm
This co-production with the BBC’s Storyville looks at one of the dark aspects of the Troubles that still casts a shadow over several families in the North. Darragh MacIntyre relates the tale of how at least 15 people were ‘disappeared’ by the IRA, and how some of their bodies have never been recovered. As well as family members, we hear from a forensic detective, and a former IRA man discusses the case of mother-of-10 Jean McConville. Dragged from the arms of her children in 1972, she was shot and buried, with her body finally recovered in 2003. Two of her children recall the violence and intimidation they were subjected to in their community before being shipped off to orphanages.
RTÉ One, 11.15pm
New four-part documentary to mark the 50th anniversary of the US president’s death. Episode one focuses on his sickly childhood as one of nine children in an extremely wealthy family, his years in the airforce during WWII and his early steps on the political ladder. We see how Kennedy’s good looks and charm are ideal for the new age of television, and help ensure that his Catholicism isn’t such a handicap in his first presidential race.
Ireland’s Search and Rescue
RTÉ One, 8.30pm
We see dramatic footage of Cork’s fire service springing into action when a bus full of school children goes on fire. Luckily, all on board managed to escape.
TV3, ko 7.45pm
With David Moyes under constant scrutiny
Real Sociedad v Man Utd gives him a chance to continue his unbeaten run in the group stages against a beleaguered Spanish side who lie bottom of the table with no points.
Other games tonight include Man City v CSKA Moscow (Sky Sports 2) and Juventus v Real Madrid (Sky Sports 4).
BBC Two, 11.50pm
The Killers perform tracks from their greatest hits compilation, while Boy George joins the host for a chat as part of the push for his new album. Chase & Status provide us with some dancefloor action while emerging US band the Orwells make their TV debut in this part of the world.
TG4, 9.30pm
While we know about the 1916 signatories who were executed by the British, this new series looks at the seven other rebels who faced death by firing squad after the Rising. First up is Michael Mallin, second in command of the Irish Citizen Army.
RTÉ Two, ko 7.45pm
Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal sees both teams trying to take control of a closely-fought group in which Napoli are also tied with the top two on six points. Other live games tonight are Chelsea v Schalke (Sky Sports 2) and Ajax v Celtic (Sky Sports 4).
RTÉ One, 9.35pm
Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor star in this harmless adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel.
RTÉ One, 8.30pm
The superb farm-related show makes a welcome return for an amazing 21st series. Among the topics covered in this opening episode are the attempt by poultry farmers to challenge the power of the supermarkets by setting up their own brand; and the issue of debt, and how one farmer has resisted eviction by a bank by barricading himself in his farm for almost a year.
RTÉ One, 10.15pm
The RTÉ presenter uses her own battle with breast cancer as a springboard to explore the disease in terms of how treatment has improved since her mother died from it in 1985.
RTÉ Two, 9.55pm
Darren Kennedy travels around the country exploring the idea of virginity. Is the first sexual experience really such a life-changing event or is way too much of a fuss made about it? Along the way he hears about the hymenoplasty operation some women opt for to restore their ‘virgin’ status, hears a gay take on the issue, and talks to a woman who brands herself a ‘sex surrogate’ to help people lose their virginity. There’s also the inevitable appearance from Jennifer Maguire.
UTV, 9pm
Priscilla Presley and Elvis’s band members talk about some of his most popular songs.
RTÉ One, 7pm
As ever, you can expect this year’s football
and hurling Allstars to be mainly made up of the All-Ireland winners. Dublin have 12 players nominated in football, while Clare have 13 in hurling. While the awards traditionally took place in a Dublin hotel, tonight’s event is being held at Croke Park.
BBC One, 10.35pm
Norton really has been getting the big names on his show this season, a trend that continues with Lady Gaga performing and chatting on tonight’s episode. Jude Law also talks about his new film, while June Brown reflects on nearly 30 years as Dot Branning in EastEnders.
