What to watch on Sky and free-to-air TV this week
A Kiwi action-drama and post-apocalyptic comedy are worth viewing, writes Alex Behan.
New Kiwi action-drama Vegas (Monday, April 19, 8.30pm, TVNZ2) takes place in Wairoto, a barely fictionalised version of Rotorua – obviously. Newly crowned gang leader Kingi (Eds Eramı¯ha) wants to move away from the methamphetamine trade and find a better way forward, but struggles to create culture change. Meanwhile, the love of his life Toni (Cian Elyse White), finds herself an unwitting suspect in a drug deal gone wrong the same night her pub is robbed. Dark stuff, but the show, which features some of Aotearoa’s finest new and established actors, promises hope and redemption.
Also promising – and local – is post-apocalypse comedy Creamerie (Monday, April 19, 9.30pm, TVNZ2). Its action takes place eight years after a plague wipes men off the planet, leaving the world run by, and for, women. When dairy farmers Alex (Ally Xue), Jamie (JJ Fong) and Pip (Perlina Lau) find a man roaming wild near their abode, they aren’t quite sure what to do with him. Where did he come from? Are there more? The brilliant team behind
Flat 3 and Friday Night Bites are working with a decent budget – and this intriguing production looks fantastic.
With 18 episodes to indulge in, The White Queen and The White Princess (from tomorrow, TVNZ OnDemand) have enough costumes to quench even the thirstiest of historical drama fans. Based on Philippa Gregory’s bestselling novels, it takes place in 1464, as three women vie for power during The War of The Roses. Starring top talent like Rebecca Ferguson and Jodie Comer, this series is welltimed for evening binges, now it’s dark a bit earlier and getting a little chillier.
What is capitalism anyway? Made by New Zealand director Justin Pemberton and based on the magnum opus of French economist Thomas Piketty, Capital in the 21st Century (Monday, April 19, 8.30pm, Ma¯ ori TV) will answer this simple, but complex question. Tracing its 300-year history and examining the state of our financial systems, it makes the world of money seem mad and plays as part-history lesson, part-call to arms.
The smartest move Marvel ever made was hiring Taika Waititi to direct Thor: Ragnarok (Sunday, April 18, 7pm, TVNZ2) and the smartest thing Waititi did when moving into the realm of blockbusters was to just be himself. That, and hiring Jeff Goldblum. And Rachel House. It is one of the best films in the super-people franchise with a high rewatchability factor, thanks to Waititi’s offbeat humour and uncanny ability to create classic, feel-good cinema.
Paul Sorenson has been working sheepdogs since he was 14 and is considered one of the most sought after trainers in New Zealand. Now semiretired, he offers free clinics to farmers and is the subject of documentary maker Sally Rowe’s film Old Dog (Sunday, April 18, 7.30pm, Ma¯ ori TV). A tribute to a humble hero whose love for our four-legged friends has changed the way hundreds of people treat and think about animals.
We’ve all heard nightmare stories of leaky homes thanks to sub-standard, shoddy builders and new documentary
A Living Hell: Apartment Disasters
(tomorrow, 7.30pm, Prime) exposes concerning practices in our construction sector. High-rise developments are on the increase, but some building experts fear cut corners are creating defective, possibly dangerous buildings. It also looks at the responsibilities new owners are often unaware of, making it an important watch for anyone considering buying one of the growing numbers of new apartments.