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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Jack Seale, Mike Bradley, Hannah J Davies, Ellen E Jones and Paul Howlett

TV Tonight: Sadness, rage and relief in the exquisite final episode of Mum

Peter Mullan and Lesley Manville in Mum
Peter Mullan and Lesley Manville in Mum. Photograph: Mark Johnson/BBC/Big Talk Productions

Mum
10pm, BBC Two

The magnificent final series ends exactly as any fan would like, with relief and new tenderness in the aftermath of Cathy (Lesley Manville) and Michael (Peter Mullan) going public with their love. The last shot is a peach, and there are tiny payoffs in every scene as the show’s principle of not vocalising its emotions is relaxed by just the right amount. In the middle, though, is one heart-stopping moment of sadness and rage to remind us that all this sunny kookiness is underscored by grief. Exquisite. Jack Seale

Summer of Rockets
9pm, BBC Two

As Stephen Poliakoff’s spy drama continues, Samuel is whisked away to recuperate from the shooting; but, since his protection is being organised by Field (Mark Bonnar), this is not all that reassuring. Meanwhile, Kathleen (Keeley Hawes) infiltrates a pocket of 1950s society almost as secretive as MI5: the vegetarians. Ellen E Jones

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Lily Sacofsky in Summer of Rockets
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Lily Sacofsky in Summer of Rockets. Photograph: Ludovic Robert/BBC/Little Island Productions

Wild Bill
9pm, ITV

Now that the introductions have been completed in Dudi Appleton’s comedy-drama, we can get on with some meatier plotlines as American chief constable Bill Hixon’s policing techniques begin to win him some friends in Lincolnshire. Enjoy the Piano Man mystery (a tour de force from actor Craig Parkinson). MB

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes
9pm, Channel 4

Week two of a life-affirming programme following a group of people with different forms of young-onset dementia as they staff an experimental restaurant. Former business owner Peter relishes the chance to contact prospective customers, while ex-driver Roger takes his first order. Hannah J Davies

Gomorrah
9pm, Sky Atlantic

With Ciro dead and Naples set for an all-out war, clan boss Gennaro, a man given to communicating almost exclusively in Catholic metaphors, turns to the sinister Levante family capo for help. A thrilling double-bill opener to season four of Roberto Saviano’s intoxicating underworld saga. Best drama of the week. MB

Massive Engineering Mistakes
9pm, Discovery Channel

Even the tiniest mistake can mean disaster for big architectural projects. In this 10-part series it’s fun to hear experts give accounts of why half a Baltimore street disappeared into a railway cutting and the design fault that almost scuppered London’s Millennium Bridge. MB

Film choice

Harry Dean Stanton in Lucky
Swansong … Harry Dean Stanton in Lucky. Photograph: Allstar/Superlative Films

Lucky (John Carroll Lynch, 2017) 12.10am, Sky Cinema Premiere
He had one more film left in him (Frank and Ava), but this was the late actor Harry Dean Stanton’s real swansong: his 90-year-old Lucky, wizened and wise, smokes a pack a day but is in rude enough health to practise yoga, and contemplate his long life and what lies ahead in John Carroll Lynch’s poignant movie. Paul Howlett

Sport choice

World Cup Cricket: New Zealand v South Africa 10am, Sky Sports Cricket. Early pace-setters New Zealand face faltering South Africa.

Tennis: Birmingham Classic 11.30am, Eurosport 1. Day three of the women’s tournament held at Edgbaston.

Women’s World Cup Football: Japan v England 7pm, BBC One. England’s final group game.

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