The crime series “Sherwood” is set to air its second season this Sunday at 9pm, on BBC One. The renewed series, still rooted in Nottinghamshire, features actors David Morrissey and Lesley Manville once again, alongside an expanded cast including the likes of Robert Lindsay, David Harewood and Monica Dolan. Morrissey reprises his role as DCI Ian St Clair, who in the first season, unraveled a murder tied to the miner’s strikes of 1984-85. Penned by James Graham, the second season explores the enduring divisions within the ex-mining town and depicts the Sparrow crime family’s continued dominance. It is also inspired by the gun violence Nottingham saw in the early 2000s, colloquially named “Shottingham”. It expresses how the aftermath of this turbulent time prevails today.
In other TV news, comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan will feature on BBC Two, this Sunday at 9pm, in a new role as a celebrity detective in series “The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan”. The series will see Ranganathan review four prominent, unresolved cases involving well-known cultural figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Sid Vicious, Nancy Spungen, and in the series premiere, rapper Tupac Shakur. Ranganathan’s quest for truth involves consultation with Dr Julia Shaw, a professional clinical psychologist and writer, along with contributions from a diverse range of experts, eyewitnesses, and those closed to the deceased.
The TV spotlight on Monday at 8pm, on BBC One, will be on “Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me”. Amy Dowden, a star of “Strictly Come Dancing”, takes viewers along her deeply moving journey from discovering a lump on her breast soon after her wedding, to her diagnosis, treatment and return to the professional lineup of the latest Strictly season. Amy hopes her experience will inspire resilience in others, urging everyone to perform regular self-checks, regardless of their age.
Lastly, on Monday at 9.35pm, viewers can tune into RTÉ One for the airing of “Stolen”.
Interrogating the dark past of ‘Mother and Baby Homes’, Stolen delves into the disturbing scandal in Ireland that saw over 80,000 young, unmarried women imprisoned by the Church, with their babies taken away for adoption or fostering as child labourers on farms. Five times the average infant mortality rate was reported with 9,000 deaths of infants in these institutions. The shock of this grim revelation recently led to a government inquiry. The programme aims to investigate how such appalling injustice was permitted to occur.
Coming our way on BBC Two at 9pm on Tuesday is ‘The Secret Life Of Midges’. This documentary, hosted by Dr. James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, focuses on the infamous Scottish midge. This aggravating insect type is notorious for its rampant presence by rivers and lakes during summer months, proving especially troublesome for those outdoors in Scotland. Dr. Logan embarks on a quest to discover measures to lessen the midges’ dreadful impact.
‘Mincéir’, broadcasting on RTÉ One at 9.35pm on Tuesday, aims to shed light on the Traveller culture and tradition in Ireland, while advocating for improved rights for Travellers. Focussing on the obstacles encountered in health, education, and living environments, travellers share their visions for their future as they navigate a transition from nomadic to a static lifestyle. The programme also acknowledges the significant contributions made by Travellers to the cultural tapestry of Irish life, featuring contributors such as Catherine Joyce from Blanchardstown Development Group and esteemed playwright Michael Collins.
Finally, there’s ‘The ’99ers’, set to air at 10.30pm on Wednesday on TG4.
On the 10th of July, 1999, the world’s attention was gripped by women’s sport as the US women’s football team engaged in an electrifying match against China. Their victory in the Women’s World Cup was witnessed by 90,000 spectators at the jam-packed Rose Bowl in California, USA, the result hinging on an intense penalty kick showdown. This documentary reconnects with essential members of the 1999 roster, taking a look back at the historical victory and its ripple effect on the progression of females in sports.
Rob & Romesh vs Hollywood Stunts
On air Wednesday, Sky Max, at 21:00 hours
Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan return for the seventh season of their series Rob & Romesh vs, which this time sees the duo flirting with danger. They’re braving the world of Hollywood’s stunt professionals – a move that could result in injuries or tears. The comedic pair journey to Hollywood to sit down with star actors Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt from the upcoming movie The Fall Guy, and also attend training under the supervision of the movie’s director, David Leitch. Armed with their fresh knowledge, they’re charged up to return home and test their newfound stunt capabilities – on the Hollyoaks soundstage.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Airing Thursday, on BBC One, at 21:00 hours
Well-known globally as Sporty Spice, a member of The Spice Girls, Melanie Chisholm aims to delve into her ancestral roots in Liverpool, with her journey leading her to Croom in Co Limerick, the birthplace of her three times great-grandfather Patrick Flaherty. In Liverpool, Mel C uncovers a surprising revelation about her great-grandmother, Mary Bilsborough – she was a moneylender, a common job among local working-class women due to the high-profitability nature of high interest rates. Local historian, Pat Ayers, supports this fact.
The Walking Dead: Dead City
Scheduled for Thursday, on Sky Max, at 21:00 hours.
Following close behind The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is the fourth series spin-off of the gripping post-apocalyptic zombie drama. In this instalment, Negan and Maggie journey to Manhattan, a city whose once lively streets and vibrant lights have now turned to darkness, filled with zombie-like figures hungrily searching for human meat. In her quest to find her son Hershel, Maggie finds herself forming an uneasy partnership with her past enemy Negan. However, it’s a precarious bond that could easily break and ignite war once again. These anticipated plotlines lend to the idea of developing the franchise across various global cities, just as ‘Walking Dead: Dublin’ for instance.
On BBC One at 7.30pm this Friday, Barra Best returns with a unique wildlife programme focusing on rescuing species on the verge of extinction. Barra explores how slight adjustments to human habits can lead to a significant comeback for threatened animals. His journey spans from the UK to Europe, meeting dedicated individuals aiming to reverse the decrease in wildlife numbers and rebalance nature. Among his travels is Rathlin Island, off Northern Ireland, where puffins are being guarded against predators like rats and ferrets. His journey also takes him to Scotland for beaver relocation initiatives, and Spain, where interesting strategies are being explored to deter orcas from attacking boats.
BBC One announces “Sister Boniface Mysteries” will air its fourth series this coming Autumn at 2pm, promising an exciting feature-length Christmas special as well. Lorna Watson returns to the role as the crime-solving, moped-driving nun, cracking the mysteries in the Cotswolds. In the meantime, fans have the chance to recap the first series, where in this episode a film crew, portrayed in the nun convent, faces deadly challenges. The story escalates when the lead actor is nearly shot on set by a live round, but the actual victim turns out to be the series’ notorious producer. The murder imitates a gruesome scene from the show.