Need to catch a TV break and don’t know what to watch? Simon takes us through his top picks on must-see shows and films for the week. Click through to see what’s showing for your entertainment needs….
Wednesday 26th August 2015
Aquarius-Seven-8.30pm AEST
With the onslaught of period pieces and biopics on our televisions in recent years, it was inevitable that somebody was going to come along and adapt the story of Charles Manson (here played by Gethin Anthony) for the small screen. The result is Aquarius, a police procedural which centres on LA cop Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) hired to track down the teenage daughter (Emma Dumont) of his ex-girlfriend Grace (Michaela McManus). Hodiak’s investigation soon sees him sleuthing around the activities of Manson, a mysterious client of Grace’s husband Ken (Brian F. O’Byrne). As an exploration of one of the most infamous criminal figures in American history, Aquarius is a finely crafted show that is well worth your time.
Thursday 27th August 2015
Catastrophe-ABC-9.30pm AEST
Starring comedians Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, Catastrophe is a hilarious comedy that also serves as something of a warning to consider protection when embarking on your next one night stand. When American businessman Rob (Delaney) discovers Sharon (Horgan), a woman he embarked on a short-lived affair with while in London is pregnant, he returns to the UK to do the right thing and give a relationship a go with the mother of his future child. But the pair soon find their new romance is going to be anything but easy, especially when they have to contend with the likes of Sharon’s brother Fergal (Jonathan Forbes) and Rob’s mother (played by the always excellent Carrie Fisher). If you’re on the hunt for some serious laughs, look no further than Catastrophe.
Friday 28th August 2015
High Class Call Girls-ABC2-9.30pm AEST
With the digital revolution brought about by the rise of the Internet and associated technologies, many traditional industries have been brought to their knees as they are forced to reevaluate the way they are run in order to survive. As the documentary High Class Call Girls shows, the escort industry is not only meeting these demands head on, but is also thriving in its move to the world of cyberspace. Following two London escorts/housemates Cookie Jane and Emily B, the documentary shows how these two women are able to lead lavish lives through the clients they meet on their website. A unique insight into a hidden world, High Class Call Girls is well worth checking out.
Saturday 29th August 2015
Amelie-SBS-9pm AEST
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film Amelie remains one of the best films of the last two decades, a quirky and whimsical Parisian romp which follows the adventures of the titular waitress. In the role that made her a star, Audrey Tatou is an absolute delight, playing up the idiosyncrasies of her character to great aplomb without ever making her unique views on the world come across as downright weird (which to be honest, they kind of are). But even so, you can’t help but be swept up by the infectiously optimistic adventures of Amelie, as she aims to do nothing but improve the lives of those who call Paris home.
Sunday 30th August 2015
Garden State-Comedy Movies-8.30pm AEST
There are few movies that weren’t ruined for me by studying them endlessly in high school, and Garden State is certainly one of them. Written and directed by Zach Braff, the 2004 cult classic tells the tale of a struggling actor Andrew (Braff) who returns home following the death of his mother. Whilst home Andrew attempts to avoid a confrontation with his dad (Ian Holm) by partying with school friend Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) and embarking on a potential new romance with a young woman Sam (Natalie Portman) he meets at his psychiatrist’s office. Said to be based partly on Braff’s real life experiences, Garden State is an impeccable film which is not only beautifully filmed but also features one of the best movie soundtracks in recent memory.
Monday 31st August 2015
Fear the Walking Dead-FX-8.30pm AEST
Fans of the zombie apocalypse are in for a real treat, as the spinoff/prequel series of Robert Kirkman’s comic/TV series The Walking Dead is finally hitting the small screen. Moving the horrors of the undead to the sunny shores of California, Fear the Walking Dead sees a ‘blended’ family led by Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis) having to deal with household issues whilst also facing the impending end of society. Poor Travis, coming to grips with the dead walking the earth must be tough enough without having to deal with the heroin addicted son (Frank Dillane) of his partner Madison (Kim Dickens). Talk about a rough week.
Tuesday 1st September 2015
Who Do You Think You Are?-SBS-7.30pm AEST
Now in its seventh season, Who Do You Think You Are? is easily one of the most fascinating reality series on TV. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, each episode follows a notable Australian figure as they are taken on a journey to unravel the secrets of their family history. This week, see Dawn Fraser embark on a mission to find out more about her grandparents, a quest which leads the Olympian to the revelation that she has South American heritage.
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