What to watch this weekend: SS-GB, Taboo, The Good Karma Hospital
What to watch and review on February 18 and 19.
Sam Riley in SS-GB
SATURDAY
Let It Shine (BBC1, 6.55 and 8.45pm) As the viewing figures decline Gary Barlow’s search for five wannabes to star in Gary Barlow’s stage musical about a boy band reaches the semi-finals. The remaining hopefuls team up with Take That before being tested on their dancing. Which is certain to be better than their godawful singing. Then the results show sing-off as one of the grim groups gets kicked out.
The Voice (ITV, 8pm) It ain’t great but it’s trouncing Let It Shine in the ratings war. Tonight sees the last of the blind auditions before the chairs stop spinning and – if previous series’ are anything to go by - the viewers stop watching. Meanwhile, judge dread Will.i.am a jerk continues his ongoing battle with the English language and Gavin Rossdale delivers his seamless impression of a fish out of water.
Taboo (BBC1, 9.15pm) Despite brilliant performances by dynamic duo Tom Hardy and Jonathan Pryce and a compellingly moody atmosphere, some say this sinister tale of 19th century sorcery isn’t as good as it’s cracked up to be. What do you think?
SUNDAY
The Jump (Channel 4, 7.30pm) More injury porn as minor celebrities risk life and limb in the Austrian Alps. Despite Bradley Wiggins’ early broken leg, the wounded list is disappointingly short so nobody’s talking about this series. Not many are watching it either. Which is just about the only thing deafening host Davina McCall won’t be shouting about.
The Good Karma Hospital (ITV, 9pm) Amanda Redman and Neil Morrissey star in this post-colonial tale of a south Indian hospital run by a bad-mannered white British doctor. Curried Holby City in the sun.
SS-GB (BBC1, 9pm) Based on a Len Deighton novel, this intriguing what-if drama is set in 1941 London after Germany won the Battle Of Britain. With the defeated UK’s occupied capital draped in swastikas, Scotland Yard detective Douglas Archer (Sam Riley) must report to his Nazi masters. Worse still, an SS bigwig has arrived to take over a sensitive investigation. A disconcerting vision of dystopia. Highly promising. Recommended.