Sigourney Weaver, Anthony Mackie star in this week’s top TV picks
Hollywood great Sigourney Weaver stars in a seven-part series that is among Lisa Woolford’s top TV picks this week.
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THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART
Friday, Prime Video
This book is firmly placed in my Top 5 fave books of all time, so I’m not gonna lie, there were some nervous butterflies as I previewed this seven-part series.
But they were allayed, almost from the opening scenes as Made Up Stories, with Sarah Lambert’s script, Sam Chiplin’s gorgeous cinematography under the direction of Glendyn Ivin, all combined to gorgeously translate the magic of Holly Ringland’s words to their new chapter on the small screen.
It’s the emotionally compelling story of Alice Hart (played to perfection by both Alyla Browne and Alycia Debnam-Carey).
When nine-year-old Alice tragically loses her parents in a mysterious fire, she is taken to live with her grandmother June (Sigourney Weaver) at Thornfield flower farm, where she learns that there are secrets within secrets about her and her family’s past.
Much has been written about the big names in the fabulous cast including Hollywood superstar Weaver, along with local legends Asher Keddie and Leah Purcell. But the talent and heartfelt performances stretch right through the ensemble, with Frankie Adams, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Alexander England and Charlie Vickers.
While you’ll definitely need tissues throughout, there’s plenty of hope. As Ringland says “I hope what (viewers) they take away is that trauma doesn’t stop your life. Love and help are always within reach and none of us are alone.”
THANK GOD YOU’RE HERE
Wednesday, 7.30pm, Ten
Almost every time I’ve chatted with Tom Gleisner over the years, I’ve asked when the Working Dog team will bring back this fabulous improv show – so I am filled with all the eager anticipation ahead of its return.
They’re keeping a lot under wrapsahead of its premiere, but we do know the talented and hilarious Celia Pacquola is host and that there will be a series ofguest judges.
First to go through the blue door will be Urzila Carlson, Aaron Chen, Julia Zemiro and Mark Bonanno.
HARD QUIZ
Wednesday, 8pm, ABC
There’s always a mixed bag of subjects and contestants and this new batch of episodes is no different. Paul is fascinated by Australian parrots, Alex is convinced he will hit cricket bats for six, student doctor Connor has broken so many bones that he’s virtually a specialist, and PhD student Flick is a know-it-all about WikiLeaks.
Quite apart from testing your trivia knowledge, the joy for viewers is seeing just how host Tom Gleeson will burn the contestants. To Flick: “You’ve worked in Greenpeace, the UN and Canberra – how does that feel to know none of that made a difference?” Ouch.
HEARTSTOPPER
Thursday, Netflix
The first season of this blissful series centred on the burgeoning relationship between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a lanky, quiet student attending an all-boys school, and the magnetic Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), the captain of the school’s rugby team.
Now we get to see the pair navigate their new relationship. In addition to milestones like prom, first dates, major exams and first kisses, these new eight episodes see the characters explore a different location as well.
A class trip to Parisspans three episodes, which is a lot of fun for the teens, and viewers.
RESERVATION DOGS
Friday, Binge
It’s been branded “proudly earthy, heartfelt, and weird” and for their third (and final) season, series creator Sterlin Harjo and the writing staff get even more experimental with their quirky and extremely talented ensemble of characters.
This season Elora (Devery Jacobs), Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Willie (Paulina Alexis) and Cheese (Lane Factor), – the Rez Dogs of the title – find themselves stranded in Cali and have to figure out their way back home. There’s road trips, bathroom wisdom, unexpected fathers, boarding schools, rumours, revenge and Bigfoot.
THE VOICE AUSTRALIA
Sunday, 7pm, Seven
US star Jason DeRulo (hope you sang as you read it, you know it’s mandatory) is the latest overseas coach to take his spot in the constantly revolving red chairs, slipping into the seat vacated by Keith Urban.
And we’re expecting sparks to fly given the Ridin’ Solo singer has gone on the record saying he will do whatever it takes to beat fellow coaches Rita Ora, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy.
Sebastian has hinted that the third season on its new home has the best overall talent he has ever seen.
WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY
Monday, Binge
Lace up your sneakers for this second instalment of the fictionalised look at the lives on and off the court of the 1980sLos Angeles Lakers.
This new season picks up after their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, with the battle between the era’s greatest stars Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson (Quincy Isaiah) and Larry Bird (Sean Patrick Small) going “next-level”.
The seven-episode drama is a highly entertaining look at the celebrity-heavy chapter of sports history.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
Tuesday, Disney+
Our favourite trio of podcasters – Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez – are back for season three of this very silly but absolutely excellent comedy.
Last season ended with the death (on stage) of Ben Glenroy (the magnificent Paul Rudd) during the premiere of Oliver’s (Short) new play.
Whodunit though? Perhaps it was new co-star Meryl Streep, who joins this thirdseries as Loretta Durkin.
It’s their toughest case yet, and all the while Oliver is desperately attempting to put his showback together.
TWISTED METAL
Streaming, Stan
This is the latest video game to TV series and it’s another impressive cast including Marvel’s Anthony Mackie (Captain America, Avengers) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz.
From the team behind Deadpool, the 10 episodes follow a Milkman JohnDoe (Mackie) a motormouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Side note, a Milkman is a delivery maker who is always on the road and neverstops to take a rest. And is it just me, or are all the video games set after some kind of cataclysmic event?
PHYSICAL
Streaming, Apple TV+
Those who’ve watched the first two seasons of the dark comedy are well aware that the show’s trip back to the ‘80s is far from a rose-tinted, purely nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The story of housewife-turned-aerobics entrepreneur Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) has been challenging at times, with Rubin’s vicious, unrelenting inner monologue and the unflinching portrayal of disordered eating.
Even though Sheila went to rehab last season and had a breakthrough, there’s no quick fix for eating disorders.
But while her ongoing journey leads to some heartbreaking scenes, there’s still humour to lighten. Byrne is brilliant as she navigates that tricky balance.
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