The best on the box
Top television picks for the week ahead.
James Croot’s Orphan Black 8.30pm, Friday, Soho
Returning for its final season, this action sci-fi thriller is heading towards a deadly endgame for Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) and her sisters. Still investigating Neolution and the mysterious P T Westmoreland, the clones are desperate to expose the corrupt corporation’s terrifying secrets before it is too late. ‘‘While the science is still confusing as ever, the final season promises an exciting conclusion,’’ wrote Entertainment Weekly‘s Derek Lawrence.
Line of Duty 8.30pm, Sunday, Soho
As season four of this British drama opens, DCI Roz Huntley (Thandie Newton) is under pressure to apprehend a serial murderer after months of fruitless investigation. ‘‘Less than 10 minutes in, and I’m a wreck. He likes to start a series using jump leads and a defibrillator, does LOD creator Jed Mercurio,’’ wrote The Guardian‘s Sam Wollaston.
Apple Tree Yard 8.30pm, Sunday, TVNZ1
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Louise Doughty, this new four-part BBC thriller follows an unhappily married 40-something scientist as she begins a secret affair with a man whose true identity she is completely unaware of. Emily Watson and Ben Chaplin star. ‘‘Drama for grown-ups,’’ wrote The Spectator‘s James Walton.
The Whistleblower 8.30pm, Sunday, Choice
Inspired by actual events, Canadian director Larysa Kondracki’s 2012 political thriller is a gripping tale of one woman’s crusade against injustice. Kathryn Bolkovac was a Nebraska cop who served as a peacekeeper in postwar Bosnia and then outed the UN for covering up a sex scandal. An emotionally changed thriller, at the heart of the film is a fantastic performance by Rachel Weisz.
No Direction Home 8.35pm, Tuesday, Prime
Martin Scorsese directs this twopart 2005 chronicle of Bob Dylan’s strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to ‘‘voice of a generation’’ to rock star. ‘‘Creates a portrait that is deep, sympathetic, perceptive and yet finally leaves Dylan shrouded in mystery,’’ wrote Chicago Sun-times‘ Roger Ebert.
Duck Quacks Don’t Echo 7.30pm, Thursday, Duke
British comedian Lee Mack hosts this UK panel show which each week sees three celebrities attempting to prove their beliefs as fact with the help of a team of inhouse boffins. ‘‘There are light laughs to be had and a few surprising titbits to be learned,’’ wrote The Guardian‘s Hannah Verdier.