Pick of the week
Ahsoka
Once more into the Star Wars breach we go, this time with a spin-off from The Mandalorian, and a continuation of characters introduced in the animated series The Clone Wars and Rebels. If you want to go uber-nerd, it also folds in elements from Timothy Zahn’s early-90s books, such as blue-skinned supervillain Grand Admiral Thrawn. But don’t worry if your knowledge doesn’t run that deep – all you really need to know about this latest series is that Rosario Dawson is reprising her badass Mandalorian role as the titular Jedi padawan. Following the fall of the empire, she’s hurtling around the universe being hunted by her former master. An intergalactic blast.
Disney+, from Wednesday 23 August
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Invasion
This slow-burning but combustible thriller returns, and a few months have passed since the Earth was overrun by spiky, spidery critters from another planet. After initially being overwhelmed, the beleaguered Earthlings have decided it’s time to start fighting back. But warlike intent isn’t enough – first they have to start learning about the strengths and weaknesses of their enemies. A decent cast is led by the excellent Golshifteh Farahani and, as with season one, a good balance is found between tension and blood-pumping action.
Apple TV+, from Wednesday 23 August
***
Who Is Erin Carter?
Erin Carter (Evin Ahmad) is living the dream. She has a comfortable expat existence in Barcelona, working as a teacher and sharing a seemingly idyllic life with her husband and children. But, suddenly, she finds herself in the middle of a robbery in a supermarket and everything changes. Erin deals with the crime with a suspiciously deadly, almost professional level of controlled ferocity and it becomes clear she is a woman with a past. How far will she go to conceal her true identity? It’s never knowingly plausible – but it’s lots of schlocky fun.
Netflix, from Thursday 24 August
***
Ragnarok
Some knowledge of Norse myth helps the enjoyment of this eccentric series. But as it reaches its third and final season, and the gods infiltrate a (modern) Norwegian town, it continues to work as a straightforward drama and a climate crisis allegory, too. As ever, it’s a clash between the figurative and the literal: the power of certain characters is metaphorical but, on the other hand, the superpowers on display are seemingly very real. Expect the last battle between gods and giants – Laurits is unveiling his pet ouroboros and axes are being sharpened.
Netflix, from Thursday 24 August
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Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity
Wayne Shorter was rehearsing with Art Blakey when Miles Davis called to request his services. Shorter’s sought-after sax stylings were synonymous with jazz’s most fertile era: he played on Davis’s genre-defining albums Bitches Brew and In a Silent Way before forming the pioneering jazz fusion group Weather Report. Shorter died in March this year but left a remarkable legacy. This three-part doc attempts to do justice to a sprawling career and features contributions from, among others, Herbie Hancock, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Joni Mitchell.
Prime Video, from Friday 25 August
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Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn
It’s the kind of yarn that is absolute catnip to streaming commissioners. The story of Carlos Ghosn has already been the subject of a Netflix documentary – now Apple are getting involved with this four-part series about the high-flying businessman turned fugitive. Ghosn was initially arrested, while CEO of Nissan and Renault, for alleged money-laundering. But soon, he’d absconded to Lebanon, apparently hidden in a musical instrument box with breathing holes. The man himself speaks here, and he’s got plenty of explaining to do.
Apple TV+, from Friday 25 August
