The Other Bennet Sister
“To be poor and handsome is misfortune enough; but to be penniless and plain is a hard fate indeed.”Amid the ongoing Austen-mania, which risks causing fatigue with three major new dramas marking the author’s 250th anniversary, this series offers a lively reimagining of Pride & Prejudice from the perspective of the studious and often overlooked Bennet sister, Mary. Adapted from Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, the story follows Mary (Ella Bruccoleri) as she develops feelings for an optician whom her mother (a sharply portrayed Ruth Jones) considers beneath the Bennet family’s social standing. The drama explores whether Mary can find happiness apart from her sisters and the courage to embrace her identity, charting her transformation into “the intellectual one.”
The Capture
In last week’s gripping opener of this intense, near-future thriller about deepfake technology, Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) witnesses a man she believes to be the shooter of the home secretary standing right before her eyes. The question now is whether anyone will believe her account or if she has misinterpreted what she saw. The series continues to probe the unsettling possibility that the real gunman walked directly into the heart of the counter-terrorism unit.
Adding to the suspense, the crime drama introduces a second, middle-aged man whose arrogance and unhelpfulness cast doubt on his innocence. Meanwhile, conveniently timed CCTV footage and puzzling behavior from supporting characters keep viewers guessing about Michael (David Morrissey), the chief suspect and husband of the deceased, and whether he is truly guilty.
Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants
This endearing documentary, filmed at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, follows three elephants named Craig, Pascal, and Esau, each at different life stages and embodying distinct aspects of elephant existence. From survival instincts to breeding behaviors and playful interactions, the film reveals the surprising complexity and relatable qualities of these majestic creatures.
Boarders
The much-loved comedy-drama about five Black teenagers attending an elite boarding school returns for its final series. With A-level exams approaching, Femi (Aruna Jalloh) finds herself distracted by a new romantic interest, while Leah (Jodie Campbell) attempts to extricate herself from a complicated situationship with Xiang (Zheng Xi Yong). The show continues to blend humor and drama in its portrayal of adolescent life.
Oscars Live
The red carpet is rolled out for the Oscars ceremony, where Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic Sinners makes history as the first film to receive 16 Oscar nominations. However, competition is fierce, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s counterculture film One Battle After Another earning 13 nominations. Jonathan Ross hosts the event.
Film Choice
Ridley Scott’s 2015 science-fiction film remains among his best work despite a mixed recent output. The movie stars Matt Damon as astronaut Mark, who becomes stranded alone on Mars after a NASA mission failure. With only four years until a potential rescue and insufficient resources to survive, Mark resolves,
“I’m going to have to science the shit out of this.”The film functions as a space procedural, where the technical challenges Mark faces provide compelling drama.
The final installment in Florian Zeller’s trilogy of plays, following The Mother and The Father, receives a screen adaptation. This entry offers a more straightforward depiction of family conflict, though the emotional intensity remains profound. Hugh Jackman stars as Peter, father to teenager Nicholas (Zen McGrath). Peter is divorced from Kate (Laura Dern) and now married to Beth (Vanessa Kirby), with whom he has a new baby. Nicholas exhibits signs of depression and moves in with Peter. A doctor cautions that
“love is not enough”and Peter, who has a strained relationship with his own father, struggles to manage the mental health crisis.
Live Sport
Women’s League Cup Football: Chelsea vs. Manchester United, 1.50pm, BBC One. The final takes place at Ashton Gate, Bristol.
Premier Rugby Cup: Leicester Tigers vs. Exeter Chiefs, 2.45pm, TNT Sports 1. The match is held at Welford Road Stadium.
