TV: Plebs
We’re now more than halfway through the second series of the ancient Rome-set sitcom, which follows the surprisingly still relevant sex and city-based trials and tribulations of Marcus (Tom Rosenthal) and Stylax (Joel Fry). Written by Sam Leifer and Tom Basden – with the latter’s sporadic appearances as taunted office water-carrier Aurelius a definite highlight – the show boasts an impressive supporting cast, with this series’ cameos including Rosenthal’s sport commentator dad Jim and Basden’s sometime comedy partner Tim Key.
TV: Who Won The War?
This fascinating BBC Northern Ireland documentary, marking the 20th anniversary of the paramilitary ceasefires, was hidden away in the rest of the UK schedules. It deserves a wider audience, as veteran Troubles-watcher Peter Taylor catches up with people on both sides of the sectarian divide to ask whether all the bloodshed was worth it, and what happens next.
Video: The Real True Detective
When Nic Pizzolatto was asked where he got the inspiration for True Detective, he advised Googling “Satanism”, “pre-school” and “Louisiana”. Vice did just that, and it’s the jumping-off point for another excellent, if disturbing, documentary from the site. It recounts a harrowing case that still casts a suffocating shadow across the Bible belt community in which it took place – one that unearthed bestiality, child molestation and animal sacrifice. Local police and witnesses recount the tale with still-baffled candour in a stylishly shot and responsibly handled account.
TV: Alpha House
Created by Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury) and starring John Goodman, this US political comedy has managed to lure in some impressive guest stars in its second season, including senators John McCain and Elizabeth Warren, and – most excitingly – Bill Murray. As is the custom in this bold new streaming age, all 10 episodes will be ready to watch from Friday.
TV: The Spaceman Of Afghanistan
Documentary marking 26 years since Abdul Ahad Momand’s journey into space. He is still the only Afghan to ever make the trip, spending nine days aboard Mir, and was awarded the title Hero Of The Soviet Union for his efforts. Yet, within three years of his return, amid fierce battles between the USSR and Afghanistan’s mujahedin, he would be forced to leave his home and apply for asylum in Germany. With this account, Momand hopes to inspire a new generation of Afghans to follow in his wake.
