6 hours ago
18
The Hardacres
9pm, Channel 5
This attempt to create a class-hopping version of Downton Abbey is generic but still very likable. As the second season begins, the working-class Hardacres are wondering how much longer they’ll be able to afford their country pile as a recession hits their business. Meanwhile, next door, the old money is struggling too, as Emma receives a visit from her formidable mother, Lady Imelda (Michele Dotrice). Whatever will she make of the upstart new neighbours? Phil Harrison
Morecambe and Wise 1968: The Lost Tape
8pm, BBC Four
Airing on what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday, this episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show – a recording of which was recently discovered in a private film collection – was first shown in September 1968 during the duo’s debut season at the BBC. With writer Eddie Braben yet to join, it’s a pre-superstardom M&W, but the magic is in there. Jack Seale
Taskmaster
9pm, Channel 4
The latest series of this comedy is trundling happily along, cast roles now fully established. Armando Iannucci is the grumpy elder statesman: this time, he gets into a mess with a coconut. At the other end of the scale, Joel Dommett gets glued up and Amy Gledhill is creative with some spoons. PH
From
9pm, Sky One
Across three seasons, this horror set in a purgatorial US town has amassed a dense mythology of gory supernatural malarkey. Anchoring it has been Harold Perrineau as resolute lawman Boyd. But as a terrifying resurrection sets season four in motion, even he is beginning to lose his nerve. Graeme Virtue
Prisoner
9pm, Sky Atlantic
As this thriller continues, Nina tracks down Amber and Tibor via their Uber-style curry delivery (“Let me guess: paneer tikka and a masala chai”) – is this a first for a crime drama? Meanwhile, Tebbit investigates Pegasus’s gun plot, Declan is close to wrapping a big deal and Amber withholds Tibor’s meds in exchange for intel on her family’s location. Ali Catterall
The Miniature Wife
10pm, Sky Atlantic
“Meet me in the dollhouse – I have an anniversary surprise for you …” But Les’s relief at being forgiven by Lindy in this dark, satirical comedy is short-lived, after he makes a tiny, rude discovery – leading him to strike back with a mixture of honey and breadcrumbs and a pet bird. Meanwhile, Lulu seeks her own revenge on her mother. AC
Film choice
Track 29 (Nicolas Roeg, 1988), 1.20am, Film4
As masters of psychosexual drama, writer Dennis Potter and director Nicolas Roeg would seem perfect bedfellows. This 1988 collaboration doesn’t quite hit the spot but is disquieting and edgy enough for devotees of both. A mysterious young Englishman, Martin (Gary Oldman), appears at the door of bored, boozy doctor’s wife Linda (Theresa Russell), claiming to be the son taken away from her after a teenage pregnancy. He is infantile, volatile and demanding, and brings out Linda’s suppressed guilt at her loss. But is he just a figment of her tortured mind? Simon Wardell
