Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PICK OF THE WEEK</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Blonde,</em>&nbsp;Netflix, 28 September</h2>



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<p>You’d think that after seemingly endless films, documentaries and books about her, there would be little left to learn about screen siren Marilyn Monroe, but 60 years after her death in mysterious circumstances, we’re still fascinated by the sex symbol. And what makes this film particularly engaging, is that it follows the new trend in TV to opt for a blend of documentary style and drama – essentially mixing fact with fiction. So take it with a (rather glamorous) pinch of salt. Another reason to watch? Ana De Arms takes on the honour of playing Monroe and the plot is based on the biopic by Joyce Carol Oates which explores the highs and lows of her short life in front of the lens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This England, Sky Atlantic, 28 September</h2>



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<p>The casting of Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson in Sky Atlantic’s&nbsp;<em>This England</em>, which aired for the first time last week, is pure genuis. Where make-up, wardrobe and hair can take you so far, Branagh takes us the rest of the way into unquestioning absorption, with his unnervingly accurate portrayal of a man struggling in a crisis, both national and personal. The film explores the first wave of the pandemic, the Cummings scandal (Simon Paisley Day nails it as the slippery and arrogant spin doctor), Boris’ relationship with Carrie ( Ophelia Lovibond&nbsp;portrays a multi-dimensional lover/mother/high flyer), the drinking after hours that became partygate and also the tragedy that was unfolding as the death toll rose, with stories from around the country told alongside the lens on Downing Street. Branagh shows a man who’s bitten off more than he can chew but clings to a vision of becoming a national icon, even writing his biography in his head as he endures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&nbsp;<strong><em>My Best Friend’s Exorcism,&nbsp;</em>Prime Video, 30 September</strong></h2>



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<p>The best bit of this satirical teen horror is the tribute and celebration of 80s pop culture, via its soundtrack, hairstyles and spot-on set wardrobe. It’s funny too – and if you were entertained by (or should that be terrified by) Netflix’s&nbsp;<em>Devil in Ohio,</em>&nbsp;that’s another reason you’ll be wanting to tune into this adaption of the best selling horror. It’s got echos of&nbsp;<em>Carrie&nbsp;</em>and is set in 1988, when a trip away in a (classically) remote cabin by a lake results in best friends Abby and Gretchen navigating the world of demons (alongside boys, perms, music and erm, questionable fashion).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Reasonable Doubt</em>, Disney+, 27 September</strong></h2>



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<p>The legal system is perfect fodder for a great drama – from&nbsp;<em>Suits</em>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<em>Better Call Saul&nbsp;</em>and this latest arrival delivers on many fronts, namely its female lead, Jax Stewart. She’s a high-powered lawyer, with the juggle struggle: marriage, motherhood oh, and a murder trial.&nbsp; Nothing too major then. Ahem. You’ll witness questionable ethics and see more about the uniqueness of the American justice system as well as some seriously sexy attire. It’s produced by Kerry Washington who also directed the first episode and judging by her recent work in&nbsp;<em>Scandal&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>Little Fires Everywhere&nbsp;</em>this is going to be a hit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>So Help Me Todd</em>, Paramount+, 29 September</strong></h2>



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<p>Another drama and it’s lawyer as the protagonist again, but this one takes the unusual approach of focusing on a mother/son relationship. Lawyer Margaret Wright hires her talented but aimless son Todd as her firm’s private investigator. Their complicated relationship unfolds with her strict standards and ethics battling against his chaotic yet charming approach. But what happens as they work together is an admiration for each other neither expected. Maybe a little cliche and cheesy at times but there’s plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and sometimes that’s just what we need.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Inside Man</em>, BBC One, 26 September</strong></h2>



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<p>If you’ve been missing David Tennant on the small screen fear not – he’s back and teamed up with Oscar-nominated A-lister Stanley Tucci for a new four-part series (I mean, what a combo!). And the talent keeps on coming –&nbsp;<em>It’s A Sin</em>&nbsp;star Lydia West joins them for the mysterious drama where the plot has deliberately been kept under wraps (the meanies). What Muddy is allowed to tell you is that Tennant plays a vicar in a sleepy English town who randomly crosses paths with a maths teacher trapper in a cellar and a prisoner on Death Row in the US. A bizarre mix but you will be hooked, we promise!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Jungle</em>, Prime Video, 30 September</strong></h2>



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<p>Loved&nbsp;<em>Top Boy</em>? Well, this near-future inner city London drama is another engaging drama but with a very different approach – the fascinating part of this series is how it takes on the ‘musical form’ telling the story through a mix of scripted dialogue and rap and drill music. The story follows two young men trying to improve their lives, who come across several strangers who are all trying to escape their own struggles, but there are consequences for all of them. Now, I’m not quite up to speed with the drill scene but bigger name acts – Tinie Tempah, Big Narstie and Unknown T make appearances. Sit down and watch with older teens to score street cred points.</p>


Your TV watch list! 7 of the best shows out this week

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