Wimbledon, Euro 2024, GF Newman’s Law and Order, The Turkish Detective, Spent, Sunny Review

Amid the persistent rain and the near-constant closure of the main courts’ roofs, the BBC’s pronunciation unit brought some Mediterranean flair to Wimbledon’s otherwise grey proceedings. Last year’s men’s singles winner, Alcaraz, has been given a more authentically Castilian rendering, pronounced Al Carath.

Clare Balding, Tim Henman, and Andrew Castle made efforts to adapt to the new pronunciation, some leaning towards the classical “th” and others towards a “zh” closing sound, alternating like a forehand and backhand rally. John McEnroe and Nick Kyrgios, however, stuck to the old pronunciation, likening it to “Alcatraz with a silent ‘t’.

McEnroe has always had his own way with names, famously calling the sport’s top male player “Joe Kovic.” Kyrgios, known for his rebellious streak, didn’t seem keen to follow BBC’s recommendations either. He accused Andrew Castle of being “disrespectful” and showed up courtside in an Arctic explorer-style puffer jacket, highlighting how cold English summers can be.

The event also saw Sue Barker’s brief return to mark what might be Andy Murray’s final matches at Wimbledon. An emotional climax that drew past legend Cliff Richard and broadcaster John Inverdale, provoking nostalgic thoughts back to the early days of BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.

Switching gears to Euro 2024’s coverage, the BBC’s pronunciation unit might have skipped this one. Commentators like Alan Shearer avoided difficult names altogether. With their studio overlooking the Brandenburg Gate, the pundits received early criticism for slamming the English team’s performances. Following backlash from within the camp, they switched to more positive critiques during the quarter-final against Switzerland.

This shift seemed to align with professional survival instincts, adapting their tone perhaps out of contractual necessity. Yet, the team’s best performance came during the semi-final against the Netherlands, broadcast by ITV, where Roy Keane remained characteristically stoic despite the winning goal celebrations from Gary Neville and Ian Wright.

Reflecting on classic television, GF Newman’s “Law and Order” is remembered for its gritty representation of police corruption in the 1970s. The drama had such a strong impact that it almost led to prosecutors filing sedition charges against Newman. The production’s realistic portrayal was mistaken for a documentary by preview audiences, and Newman mentions that modern police dramas are now either overly moralistic or purely fantastical.

“The Turkish Detective,” based on Barbara Nadel’s novels, offers a mix of social commentary and escapist drama. Set in Istanbul, it features an eccentric inspector and an English-speaking detective surrounded by Turkish locals who speak faultless English. The backdrop of Istanbul adds charm, but the core story could be set anywhere, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery.

On BBC Two, “Spent,” starring Michelle de Swarte as a model fallen on hard times, offers a closer look at modern life. While the show has good lines and ideas, some scenarios feel overfamiliar, and the humor could be sharper. De Swarte’s performance, however, ensures it remains engaging.

Apple TV+’s “Sunny” emerges as the most original show of the week. Set slightly in the future and located in Japan, it stars Rashida Jones as a grieving woman aided by a robot programmed by her missing husband. The show stands out for its dark, funny, and quietly sinister tones, making it both innovative and emotionally gripping.

Star ratings out of five:

• Wimbledon ★★★★
• Euro 2024 ★★★
• GF Newman Remembers… Law and Order ★★★★
• Law and Order ★★★★★
• The Turkish Detective ★★
• Spent ★★★
• Sunny ★★★★★

What else I’m watching:

• High Country (BBC One): Another series in the “Mystery Road” model – Indigenous Australian cop uncovering deep-seated corruption in the vast interior. Everyone is a suspect.
• The Night Caller (Channel 5): Imagine “Taxi Driver” in Liverpool with an embittered former science teacher in the lead role.
• The 7 Up Collection (ITVX): Michael Apted’s nine-series document following subjects from childhood to retirement. It’s arguably the finest long-term documentary ever made.

Source: Guardian