James Graham’s Brilliant, Bleak Drama “Sherwood” Returns

Britain’s coalmines may be a thing of the past, but their ghostly presence lingers, causing morbid symptoms from their absence. The first series of James Graham’s gripping Nottinghamshire drama “Sherwood” focused on the bitterness following the 1984-85 miners’ strike. This second run delves into the crime that has filled the void left by the pit closures. When a man is shot during a drug-related dispute, the events quickly spiral, engulfing the community. Meanwhile, a new pit is proposed, raising the question: who stands to gain from reopening old wounds? Graham masterfully examines the personal and emotional impacts of these societal shifts. The new season boasts a stellar cast including Monica Dolan, David Harewood, and Robert Lindsay.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the debate around XL bullies, it’s hard not to feel concern for the animals themselves. The documentary “Death Row Dogs: Save My XL Bully” on Channel 4 speaks to the owners battling to save their bullies but also highlights the rise in abandoned pets. Many rescue centers are overwhelmed by untrained and aggressive dogs, painting a troubling picture of a community grappling with difficult choices to ensure the safety of both people and pets.

In “Big Cats 24/7,” airing on BBC Two, wildlife photographer Gordon Buchanan takes viewers to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, following a pride of lions. The series is a stark reminder that survival is tough even for apex predators, with hunger being a constant threat. The added drama of a wildfire that endangers both lions and the camera crew makes for compelling viewing.

Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” comes alive through a performance by the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra in “Holst’s The Planets at the Proms” on BBC Four. Holst described his work as a series of mood pictures based on astrology, not astronomy. This mystical vibe powers the performance, which also features Sibelius’s “The Wood Nymph” and Lara Poe’s “Laulut maaseudulta” (Songs from the Countryside).

In the two-part series “The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan” on BBC Two, Ranganathan delves into mysterious celebrity deaths, starting with the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. While the subject matter is intriguing, the approach is tonally odd. As he visits Las Vegas with criminal psychologist Julia Shaw, the exploration lacks new insights and struggles between seriousness and comedy, making it seem somewhat self-indulgent.

The show “Long Lost Family” on ITV1 continues to tug at heartstrings with its emotional reunions. This week’s episode features a woman seeking her older sibling, given up for adoption by their young mother, and the unique tale of three full siblings who have never met. The blend of joy, tears, and emotional reticence surprise viewers in unexpected ways, reinforcing the sentimental core of the series.

For classic film enthusiasts, “Lawrence of Arabia” airs at 11.25am on Sky Cinema Greats. David Lean’s epic war adventure may sacrifice historical accuracy for dramatic effect, focusing on British officer TE Lawrence, played by Peter O’Toole. Though the film marginalizes the Arabs he fought alongside during the 1916 revolt against the Turks, it excels as a profile of a misfit who became a hero, blending myth and reality in a compelling narrative charged with battles, betrayal, and death.

Sports fans can tune in to the “Athletics: Diamond League Silesia” at 3pm on BBC Two. The event, held at the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzow, Poland, promises thrilling performances by top athletes.

Source: BBC, Channel 4, ITV1, Sky Cinema, Athletics