Mediaweek’s guide to the best TV on the box tonight. Suggestions by Andrew Mercado (AM) and Dan Barrett (DB).
Rake – 8.30pm on ABC
The good news about the US adaptation of Rake being cancelled by Fox is that it freed up creator Peter Duncan to do another series of the original (and best) version. When last we left Cleaver Greene, he was dangling from a hot air balloon and this is exactly where we find him in this outrageous opener (and still with tongue firmly in cheek). Within a few minutes, a new story arc is underway with new guest star John Waters. Brilliant stuff, as always.(AM)
Kylie Minogue has captured much of the attention for her appearance in this historic celebration but she is also joined by Jennifer Saunders (will she plug the Ab Fab movie?), Doc Martin’s Martin Clunes, Homeland’s Damian Lewis, actress Imelda Staunton (who has been wowing them on the West End in Gypsy), James Blunt and two Dames we love – Helen Mirren and Shirley Bassey (who will undoubtedly sing Diamonds Are Forever?). (AM)
It’s been 25 years since Toy Soldiers was released and it has remained a staple of television schedules ever since. The film, which stars Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, and Lou Gossett Jr, is about a squad of commandos taking the students of a private school hostage. It’s thoroughly silly and yet I watch it every time. (DB)
CBS this morning debuted the teaser trailer for their upcoming Star Trek TV series, which is expected to be set between the original series with William Shatner and the Next Generation crew with Patrick Stewart. What better time to go back and watch the original series. It’s high camp good fun that makes for great late night TV fun. (DB)