Daily Picks M Magazine May 5 - Monday
COUNTDOWN TO GLORY
Series premiere ****
6pm, ABC; 8.30pm, ABC Comedy
What with Shaun Micallef off playing celebrity quiz show host (Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Nine), and The Chaser denied by the ABC what ought to be their election coverage rights, it was left to mild-mannered Charlie Pickering and an underutilised Judith Lucy on The Weekly (Wednesdays, 8.30pm, ABC) to dissect the Federal Election. Until now. Thank the satire gods for Sammy J, who, as “The Government Coach”, will unpack the circus weekdays until polling day.
THE PASSAGE
***1/2
10pm, Seven
Amid the titillating terror of this futuristic thriller, in which science collides with the supernatural, universal truths are none too subtly explored. Through those condemned to live forever on blood alone we see the paradox of immortality and a longing for the impermanence of Earthly pleasures. In the face of a pandemic we see the primal responses of opposing personality types. And there is no stronger metaphor for the power of innocence than the child’s scream.
MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA
***
7.30pm, Ten
The big international names are being rolled out yet again for this behemoth of a cooking contest – Yotam, Nigella, Rick Stein. But the real stars will be the little people, the downtrodden unknowns offered a chance to elevate their lives through the power of food. The weepy backstories are in the bag, the scene set for make-or-break moments. And for one beleaguered host, this is an opportunity to restore some dignity to a damaged reputation.