Love, loss and lamb biryani
Jean, 8.30pm, TVNZ 1
In 1934 Jean Batten is on top of the world. A brilliant aviator, she has fame, fortune and a man, Beverly Shepherd, who adores her. But her ultimate dream is to be the first person to fly solo from England to New Zealand, a flight critics dismiss as foolish, given the expanse of the treacherous Tasman Sea. Starring Kate Elliott, this period drama aims to tell the amazing story of the legendary New Zealand aviatrix. The Sessions, 11pm, TV3
Helen Hunt, William HMacy and John Hawkes star in this surprisingly frank, yet sweet 2012 relationship drama. This is the real-life ‘‘adult’’ adventures of Mark O’Brien (Hawkes), who was crippled by polio at the age of 6. Writer-director Ben Lewin creates a confronting tale which doesn’t pull any punches on female nudity or frank discussion. The Walking Dead, 9.30pm, TV2
At the end of the last season of this popular United States action series, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his group of survivors came up against an enemy they thought they could beat. But after being outclassed and surrounded, he was shocked to find he’d been outplayed by a vicious group of killers known as the Saviours and their leader Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Next Sunday, 8.30pm, Maori TV Dedicated to the dabbawallas of Mumbai, this charming romantic/screwball comedy was one of the true delights of the 2014 New Zealand International Film Festival.
Using the ubiquitous Indian weekday workplace lunch delivery system as a backdrop, first-time writer-director Ritesh Batra crafted a cracking tale of love, loss and lamb biryani.
Ila (Nimrat Kaur) is a young wife desperate to regain her husband’s full attention. Taking advice from her upstairs neighbour, she concocts a new curry recipe she feels sure will turn his head. ‘‘One bite of that and he will build you a Taj Mahal,’’ Auntie says.
However, a mix-up means the tasty treat ends up at the desk of Saajan (Irrfan Khan). A month from retiring after 35 years as an The Great British Bake Off, 7.30pm, Prime
It’s billed as the Biggest Bake Off controversy since Custardgate. Week four sees the accountant, the widower devours this better than usual lunch offering. Ila’s delight that the containers look like ‘‘he’s licked it clean’’ turns to disappointment when her husband offers no comment on the dish on his arrival home.
Although reminiscent of the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan duo of Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, this poignant, tender tale certainly possesses its own unique flavour. – James Croot years on Corfu in the 1930s. ‘‘A series that’s not only sundrenched and liberating, but also catches its source material’s high good humour without labouring it and weaves an authentic sense of the innocent exoticism of the original,’’ wrote The Telegraph’s Gerard O’Donovan. Lethal Weapon, 8.35pm, Prime
Danny Glover and Mel Gibson team up for this 1987 action-filled buddy comedy about a veteran cop teamed up with a homicidal (and suicidal) partner. One wonders if this would be greenlit today. ‘‘Sinks an unexpectedly sharp hook at a delightfully unique angle, and never once lets up,’’ wrote The Toronto Globe and Mail‘ s Rick Groen. Star Trek: First Contact, 8.30pm, Maori TV
The Next Generation crew take centre stage in this 1996 tale which sees them forced to travel back in time to stop the Borg from preventing humans’ initial encounter with extra-terrestrials. ‘‘Certainly the best in its technical credits, and among the best in the ingenuity of its plot,’’ wrote Chicago Sun-Times’ Roger Ebert. Around the World With Manu Feildel, 8.30pm, TVNZ1
The award-winning chef, author and co-host of My Kitchen Rules is about to take on his greatest challenge yet! He must travel the world, visiting all the countries in Jules Vern’s famous novel, all on A$20,000 and in 30 days. This six-part series follows his adventures.