TV this week; looking at corporal punishment in schools
TV WEEK Wednesday 30th to Tuesday 5th)
TOP SPECIALS
Helmand: Tour Of Duty (BBC 2, Wednesday 30th, 9pm)
A decade on from the withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan, this film tells the story of a single group of soldiers from the Welsh Guards deployed to the frontline of the war. Though their bond was unbreakable, their regiment took unprecedented casualties, losing a man at nearly every military rank up to lieutenant colonel.
Ear To The Ground (RTÉ 1, Thursday 31st, 7pm)
The farming and rural affairs programme returns for its 32nd season, with new presenter, journalist Stephen Robb partnering with returning presenters Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney. On a Sunday in north County Dublin, local man Michael Hoey assembled early combine harvesters from the 1970s to cut the 30 acres of wheat.
Storyland – Shush (RTÉ 2, Thursday 31st, 10.35pm)
Ruth’s love for baby Fia is undeniable. But under the strain of loneliness and a difficult domestic existence, she impulsively makes a drastic decision to set off with the baby, without telling anyone. A tense psychological thriller that asks how far we would go to keep our loved ones close.
Gunpowder Siege (Sky History, Monday 4th, 9pm)
Dramatically re-imagines the most infamous rebellion plot in British history, shattering the myths to reveal the largely forgotten, gripping truth behind the Gunpowder Plot blown wide open. Spotlighting its three leaders – branded as the most wanted men in England – desperately seeking to ignite a Catholic rebellion.
America Votes (Sky News, Tuesday 5th, all day)
The Sky News Washington studios bring the results throughout November 5 and 6 as US correspondents will be in the candidates’ home states of Florida and California while the results come in, having reported from the key swing states that will decide the outcome of the race.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
Leathered: Violence in Irish Schools (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 30th, 9.35pm)
Corporal punishment was banned in 1982, but was it ever alright to hit schoolchildren? Survivors speak for the first time about a culture of violence that shattered their lives and left them seeking answers. Amidst an outpouring of public grief and anger, the government announced plans for the establishment of a full state inquiry.
BEST FILMS
Dead Of Night (Film4, Thursday 31st, 5pm)
This spooky flick from 1945 will raise the hairs on your neck as architect Walter Craig goes to Pilgrim’s Farm to see a potential client - only to get the feeling he has been there before. Once inside, he meets a group of people who seem oddly familiar – each of whom he has dreamt about in unexplained ways.
Testament Of Youth (BBC 2, Friday 1st, 11.05pm)
During World War I, Oxford University student Vera Brittain (Alicia Vikander) postpones her studies to serve as a nurse while her suitor, her brother and a secret admirer face death in the trenches. Not as good as the 1979 TV series, but well acted with Emily Watson and Kit Harrington.
Ordinary Angels (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Saturday)
Based on a true story, Ordinary Angels centres on Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank), a struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters in a tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.
Sasquatch Sunset (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Sunday)
In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches – possibly the last of their enigmatic kind – fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them. Starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg.
CLASSIC MOVIE
The Omen (BBC 2, Thursday 11.05)
Perfect scares for Halloween as American diplomat Gregory Peck adopts Damien – a kid with demonic eyes. After the child’s nanny hangs herself and other bodies quickly follow, it becomes horrifyingly clear that Damien may be the Antichrist. Made in 1976 – but still super scary in 2024.
KIDS STUFF
This Is Art Club! (RTÉ 2, Thursday 31st, 5.30pm)
Presented by artists Holly Pereira and Shane Keeling, This is Art Club! showcases amazing art being made by young people all over the country as well as in the TIA studio at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin with special studio visits and master-classes from artists like Blaise Smith, Una Sealy, Vivienne Roche and Deborah Donnelly, who share their top tips for making incredible art.
Moominvalley (Sky Kids, from Saturday)
Journey into the magical world of Moominvalley, an idyllic place where the Moomins live in harmony with nature. The 13 new episodes will be full of unexpected, dangerous and hilarious adventures, each inspired by the importance of taking care of the environment and finding a more sustainable way of living.
ON DEMAND
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Disney+)
After the pandemic, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were determined to deliver the best rock music available to millions across the world. An in-depth look at the creation of their live performances, including footage of band rehearsals, backstage moments, rare archival clips and personal reflections.
Territory (Netflix)
The huge popularity of Yellowstone has spawned a variety of Western epics, and this six-part Aussie series offers what happens when the world’s largest livestock farm is left without a successor. With a huge fortune at stake, the most powerful factions in the Australian outback – miners, landowners, cowboys and gangsters – start preparing their weapons.
Canary Black (Amazon Prime)
A top CIA operative is blackmailed by terrorists into betraying her country in order to save her kidnapped husband. Cut off from her team, she turns to her underworld contacts to survive and help locate the coveted intelligence that the kidnappers want – relying on her training and primitive fighting skills to deliver a ransom that could trigger a global crisis. Kate Beckingdale stars.
SPORTS CENTRE
PwC All-Star Awards 2024 (RTÉ 1, Friday November 1st, 7,30pm)
All-Ireland champions Armagh have had their Sam Maguire success reflected in the 11 places on the list of 45 that represent the cream of the crop from the football season. Armagh lead the way in defence, midfield and attack, and Connacht champions and beaten All-Ireland finalists Galway claim eight spots.
MOTD Live: FA Cup First Round (BBC 2, Friday November 1st, 7.30pm)
Part-time minnows meet the heavyweights of the Football League as the first round of football’s oldest cup competition gets under way. There were upsets aplenty at this stage last season, including eighth-tier Ramsgate’s giant-killing against National League club Woking.