Tonight’s TV Highlights: Pompeii Parties, Steroid Empires & Alien Impersonators
London, UK – August 23, 2023 – A diverse slate of television programming is set to air tonight, offering viewers a blend of historical exploration, gripping documentary, and sci-fi comedy. Here’s a rundown of the key offerings:
Pompeii: Life in the City – Channel 5,9pm
Dan Snow brings his signature energetic style to an examination of life in ancient Pompeii. The program promises a look beyond the tragic volcanic destruction, highlighting the city’s vibrant social scene. Expect a playful comparison to modern holiday hotspots – from the French Riviera to Las Vegas – alongside a less glamorous segment featuring historian Kate Lister sampling ancient Roman cuisine. This isn’t just about ruins; it’s about reconstructing a lost world of leisure and daily life.
Evergreen Insight: Pompeii remains a uniquely preserved snapshot of Roman life. Archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of the city, offering insights into everything from diet and commerce to social structures and artistic expression. The enduring captivation with Pompeii underscores humanity’s inherent curiosity about the past and our desire to connect with those who came before us.
Confessions of a Steroid Gang – BBC Three, 9pm
This three-part documentary delves into the true story of a father-son duo who built a multi-million pound illegal steroid empire in North Wales. Described as “Breaking Bad… only in north Wales,” the series utilizes compelling first-hand accounts and dramatic recreations to tell the tale of their rise and eventual downfall. The program offers a stark look at the world of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and the consequences of operating outside the law.
Evergreen Insight: The illegal steroid trade is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. Beyond the legal ramifications,the use of steroids poses meaningful health risks. Documentaries like this serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unregulated substances and the allure of swift gains. The story also raises questions about societal pressures related to body image and performance.
Resident Alien – Sky Max, 10pm
The fourth season of the quirky sci-fi comedy Resident Alien kicks off with Harry escaping from the Greys’ moonbase, only to find his Earthly life in chaos. A shape-shifting Mantid has been impersonating him, leading to complications with Asta and the unexpected duty of hiding an abducted alien baby. Expect the show’s signature blend of humor, action, and surprisingly poignant character development.
Evergreen Insight: Resident Alien stands out in the sci-fi landscape for its unique premise and character-driven storytelling. The show cleverly uses the alien-in-human-form trope to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance comedic absurdity with genuine emotional depth.
Live Sport – BBC Two, from 2.45pm
Cricket fans can tune in to BBC Two for coverage of The Hundred, starting with the Birmingham Phoenix Women v Oval Invincibles women match at 2.45pm, followed by the men’s game at 6pm.
What specific qualities of Katherine Kelly’s past roles demonstrate her suitability for a psychological thriller requiring vulnerability and strength?
Katherine Kelly Shines in New Thriller Directed by the Mind behind Slow Horses
Katherine Kelly, known for her compelling performances in Coronation Street, Happy Valley, and gentleman Jack, is generating notable buzz for her leading role in a brand new thriller. The project,currently untitled,is notably noteworthy as it’s helmed by James Hawes – the director celebrated for his work on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Slow Horses.This pairing of talent is already positioning the series as a must-watch for fans of suspenseful, character-driven drama.
The Hawes Factor: A Director Known for Nuance
James Hawes has quickly become a name synonymous with intelligent, gripping television. Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman, has garnered praise for its sharp writing, complex characters, and Hawes’ ability to build tension. His directorial style focuses on psychological realism and avoids sensationalism, opting rather for a slow burn that keeps audiences hooked.
Key Hawes characteristics:
Emphasis on character development.
Subtle, building suspense.
Realistic portrayals of intelligence work (in Slow Horses).
Strong performances from his cast.
This approach is expected to be central to the new thriller, offering a refreshing choice to more bombastic action-thrillers. Fans of Hawes’ previous work will likely appreciate the similar tone and meticulous attention to detail.
What we certainly no About the New Thriller
Details surrounding the plot are currently being kept under wraps, but sources confirm the story revolves around a seemingly ordinary woman (Kelly) who uncovers a hazardous conspiracy.the narrative is described as a complex web of deceit, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Conspiracy Thriller
Setting: Contemporary England – initial filming locations include Manchester and the Peak District.
Supporting Cast: While Kelly is the central figure, the series boasts a strong ensemble cast including… (details to be confirmed as released).
Production Company: Expect a high production value,similar to Slow Horses,with backing from… (details to be confirmed as released).
The project is being touted as a six-part limited series, suggesting a tightly focused narrative with a definitive conclusion. This format allows for deeper exploration of the characters and plot, a hallmark of Hawes’ work.
Katherine Kelly’s Career Trajectory & This Role
Katherine Kelly has consistently delivered powerful performances throughout her career. From her breakout role as Becky McDonald in Coronation Street to her more recent appearances in Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack, she’s demonstrated a remarkable range and ability to embody complex characters.
Notable Roles:
Becky McDonald (Coronation Street) – a long-running and popular character.
DS Jodie Taylor (Happy Valley) – a strong and resolute police officer.
Sister Agatha (Gentleman Jack) – a nuanced portrayal of a conflicted religious figure.
This new thriller represents a significant opportunity for Kelly to showcase her versatility as an actress. the role demands a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, qualities she’s proven adept at portraying. The character’s journey from ordinary citizen to uncovering a dangerous conspiracy will undoubtedly provide ample opportunity for Kelly to deliver a captivating performance.
the Appeal of the Psychological Thriller Genre
The enduring popularity of the psychological thriller genre stems from its ability to tap into our deepest fears and anxieties. Unlike action-packed thrillers that rely on spectacle, psychological thrillers focus on the internal struggles of their characters and the unsettling ambiguity of their situations.
Key Elements of the Genre:
Suspenseful atmosphere.
Unreliable narrators.
Exploration of psychological themes (e.g., paranoia, guilt, obsession).
Twists and turns that challenge the audience’s expectations.
This new series, with Hawes at the helm and Kelly in the lead, appears poised to deliver a masterclass in psychological suspense.The combination of a talented director, a compelling actress, and a gripping premise is a recipe for success.
Anticipated Release & where to Watch
While a specific release date hasn’t been announced, industry insiders predict the series will premiere in late 2025 or early 2026.Given Hawes’ previous collaboration with Apple TV+, speculation is high that the new thriller will also find a home on the streaming platform. However, other potential broadcasters and streaming services are also in contention. Keep an eye on archyde.com for updates as they become available.
