TV: Britain’s Racist Election
If anyone was in any doubt about the dangers of politicians cynically exploiting emotive racial issues at the polls, this timely documentary should set them straight. It recalls the campaign for the West Midlands seat of Smethwick in 1964 in which the Conservative candidate Peter Griffiths ran under the jaw-dropping slogan “If you want a nigger for a neighbour, vote Labour”. Cue violence, a visit from Malcolm X and the formation of a Brummie chapter of the KKK. A remarkable cautionary tale.
Audio: Page 94
Just in time for the election, those tech-savvy Private Eye folk have finally got around to launching one of those funny podcast things that the young people enjoy. In the opening instalment they discuss the Paul Foot awards, which reward investigative journalism, and mourn the passing of political cartoonist Martin Honeysett. All of the classic Eye traits are here; great worthiness allied with a strident scepticism towards those in power.
Audio: The Quietus Hour
It was probably only a matter of time before smart pop culture website The Quietus launched a platform for the audio dissemination of its singular vision. These podcasts feature pleasingly unpredictable musical selections – expect to hear thrillingly visceral electro and industrial obscurities but a bit of Noel Gallagher and Kano, too – introduced in cheerfully laconic style by the website’s founders, John Doran and Luke Turner.
TV: Raised By Wolves
A full series for Caitlin and Caz Moran’s semi-autobiographical tale of growing up in Wolverhampton in a house full of “babbies”. It’s sharp and funny from the start, with Germaine and her sisters foraging in the great outdoors while Yoko’s first period is the talk of the family. Elsewhere, Grampy is clipping his toe hair, unleashing the Viennetta, and cranking up the Bonnie Tyler for a romantic night in. Rebekah Staton is a delight as mum Della, dishing out wisdom among the one-liners from her too-smart kids. Hilarious.
TV: Hostages
Far closer to a traditional thriller than many of the ruminative imported dramas that grace the BBC4 Saturday 9pm slot, this Israeli series has still proved extremely watchable, not to mention vastly superior to the US remake shown on Channel 4 last year. Featuring a premise as high-concept as they come – a top Israeli surgeon’s family will die unless she kills the prime minister while operating on him – Hostages bombards the viewer with ludicrous twist after ludicrous twist. Catch the lot on the iPlayer.
