Remarkable Conflicts in the Natural World

8pm, Sky Nature

The new series “Gladiators” on Sky Nature focuses on nature’s masters of war in various conflict zones, ranging from jungles to tidelands. The premiere takes us to a rare, year-round waterhole in the African savannah, where the competition for water becomes a life-and-death struggle involving elephants, lions, honey badgers, and scorpions. Narrated by Sean Bean, the series highlights these fierce battles, including an extraordinary miniature war between ants and termites.

8pm, ITV1

“McDonald & Dodds,” featuring Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins, has charmed audiences with its crime-fighting duo chemistry and guest stars. The season finale presents a string of suspicious deaths at weddings, including those of a vicar and a bride. Tension escalates between the two sleuths as they delve deeper into these mysterious cases.

8pm, Channel 4

“Titanic in Colour” offers a unique perspective on the historic tragedy, which is often shown in black-and-white. The series features colorized footage of the Titanic, capturing its majestic construction in Belfast and its ill-fated maiden voyage across the North Atlantic. The opening episode provides an in-depth look at the ship before it met its tragic end.

8pm, BBC Four

John Wilson conducts the Sinfonia of London in “American Greats at the Proms” on BBC Four. The evening’s performance includes Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” celebrating its centenary, along with other transatlantic pieces like Wynton Marsalis’s “Herald, Holler and Hallelujah!” and Copeland’s “Billy the Kid.” This blend of classic and lesser-known works aims to captivate audiences.

9pm, BBC Two

The crime drama “Vienna Blood,” set in 1900s Austria, returns for its fourth series. Freud disciple Max (Matthew Beard) returns from holiday only to be drawn into a new case by gruff copper Oskar (Juergen Maurer). The investigation demands psychological insights to uncover a mole threatening the Austro-Hungarian empire.

10pm, Channel 4

The concluding part of “Saucy! Secrets of the British Sex Comedy” explores how the genre evolved from its slapstick beginnings to more explicit material. David Sullivan’s discovery of a legal loophole allowed for more graphic content, introducing the UK’s first porn megastar, Mary Millington. The documentary delves into the impact of these changes on the industry.

Film choice

Mission: Impossible, 10.15pm, ITV1

Revisiting Tom Cruise’s debut as Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible” from 1996 feels like a journey to the past. The film is slower and more tension-filled compared to its bombastic sequels. Brian De Palma’s direction keeps the audience on edge, especially during the iconic CIA headquarters break-in scene.

Concrete Utopia, 12.20pm, 9.45pm, Sky Cinema Premiere

“Concrete Utopia” is set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, focusing on the struggle of its residents to defend their last standing skyscraper from outsiders. The film addresses numerous issues including the housing crisis and anti-immigrant sentiments, all while maintaining fast-paced action and electrifying performances.

Live sport

Olympics 2024, 8am, BBC One

Watch Jake Jarman in the gymnastic vault final, along with the men’s 100m final, and the individual dressage event.

Source: The Guardian