Television
SATURDAY 22 JUNE
SCI-FI
Doctor Who 6.40pm BBC1 Available on iPlayer from 12 midnight on Friday 21 June
SERIES FINALE
Writer Russell TDavies has talked recently of being tasked with bringing in ayounger audience for Doctor Who, and if my own sons are Exhibits Aand B (I call them this because I’m terrible with names), then I’d say it’s acase of job done. Both are now eagerly awaiting alast episode that brings with it apocalyptic drama and, it must be said, an element of tragedy.
But Gen Zisn’t the only audience being served here, as children of the 1980s (of which I’m one) are also targeted, particularly when it comes to the treatment of one-time companion Mel (Bonnie Langford). Once hard done by in scripts that saw her do little more than blow out the speakers of television sets with her screams, Mel is now apivotal player with askill set that makes her invaluable to the Doctor. It’s awell-deserved rehabilitation for both the character and, by extension, Langford herself.
As for the Doctor, he’ll be back at Christmas. But that’s not to say that everyone around him will be making it out of this final hour alive...
FANTASY
from 7.35pm Sky Atlantic Catch up via Now
It feels as though Sky is inviting viewers to compare House of the Dragon with the series from which it’s spun off, thanks to repeats of Game of Thrones beginning tonight and continuing across the week.
For my money, GoT remains superior, mainly because its key players seem more multi-faceted — take Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), who right from the off is lusty and devious but also darkly funny. No one on “Hot D” (as I’ve heard the kids call it) revels in their moral greyness with such asardonic air as Tyrion. And it’s fascinating to revisit his early actions, as well as those of House Stark, with whom the Lannisters would memorably (and blood-thirstily) clash.
DRAMA
8.35pm BBC1 Catch up via iPlayer It’s become aCasualty cliché to see paramedics engaging in heroics. And yes, as the storm continues to batter Holby, it’s Iain who’s seen wading into deep waters to rescue adriver trapped inside asubmerged car. However, on this occasion, he’s reminded by partner Faith of the responsibilities he has back home. But will Iain put his own health over the welfare of his patients?
Cam, meanwhile, continues to get tongue-lashed rather than rain-lashed by the difficult-to-please Siobhan. Now, obviously, she’s under alot of stress, but I’m not sure anyone in that department would be such an uncompromising disciplinarian given what recently happened with Rash. She’s not exactly going to endear herself to viewers.
DRAMA
9.00pm, 9.45pm BBC4 Catch up via iPlayer
SERIES FINALE
Lurid on the sur
