Catch up TV review: Honour, The Great British Bake Off, Grayson Perry’s American Road Trip, Council House Britain, Lodgers for Codgers
David Farnor | On 04, Oct 2020
What’s available on-demand on Freeview? Keep up-to-date with our weekly catch-up TV column, including reviews of shows on ITV Hub, new releases on All 4 and a guide to My5.
(For BBC TV reviews and round-ups, see our weekly Best of BBC iPlayer column. Or for reviews of the shows on All 4’s Walter Presents, click here.)
Honour (ITV Hub)
Is there anything Keeley Hawes can’t do? She’s fantastically understated in ITV’s two-part drama about DCI Caroline Goode, who investigated the disappearance of Banaz Mahmod in 2006. But that understated turn extends to the whole of Gwyneth Hughes’ retelling of events, which gives enough time to explore thoughtfully the “honour-killing” of Mahmod, while acknowledging candidly the systemic bias that stopped the police from helping Banaz, even after she asked for help from the police five separate times – something that becomes easier to understand when you meet Mark Stanley’s DC Andy Craig, one of the stalwarts on a largely white, male police force.
Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip (All 4)
Grayson Perry turns out to be an ideal person to send over to America for an insightful documentary series. Perry delivers more than just a travelogue, aiming to dive into the divisions that are rife in US society, from race to class. Perry’s affable British presence is coupled with a knack for asking awkward, blunt questions without any fear, which allows him to explore prejudices and bias, while also considering his own privilege, plus how modern liberals see their country – and how their country sees them.
The Great British Bake Off (All 4)
Matt Lucas blends seamlessly into the mix for Channel 4’s latest batch of Bake Off shenanigans, and his and Noel Fielding’s presenting really kicks into silly, surreal skits the more time they spend with each other. But, with Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood still setting challenges to test any baker’s mettle, the competition has lost none of its bite, and the opening two episodes are stone-cold classics – containing moments when the contestants help each other, when things go wrong and when people make busts of their heroes, including, erm, the lead singer of Blink-182.
Available until: 22nd December (Episode 1)
Council House Britain (All 4)
Council housing is the backbone of Great Britain, especially at a time when the nation’s housing is in crisis. Channel 4’s fantastic documentary shines a spotlight on how that system continues to operate, against the odds, keeping people housed and safe through thick and thin. That includes one resident who keeps losing his keys and climbs in his window via the roof, another who won’t answer their door, and a family whose homes are scheduled for demolition. There’s heartbreaking drama, entertaining perseverance – particularly in the shape of pest control guru Andy, who tackles fridges filled with cockroaches, and housing officer Charmain, who goes the extra mile to help her clients – and a heartwarming reminder of the importance of giving everyone the universal right to quality accommodation.
Lodgers for Codgers (All 4)
Channel 4 continues its focus on the UK’s housing crisis with this documentary that comes up with a novel solution to the problem: pairing cash-strapped youngsters with over-60s. Part-dating show, part-flatshare drama, it’s a cute tale of opposites getting along, but also a sweet reminder of how much different generations can learn from each other.
