Stuff to Watch on Sky and free-to-air TV this week
Brokenwood is back, and Australian chefs try to recreate everything from Twisties to Cherry Ripes, writes James Croot.
The Brokenwood Mysteries (8.30pm, Sundays, TVNZ 1)
New Zealand’s answer to Midsomer Murders returns for a six-part, eighth season. This time, DSS Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea), DC Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland), DC Daniel Chalmers (Jarod Rawiri) and forensic pathologist Gina Kadinsky’s (Cristina Ionda) challenges include trying to unravel a murder at a music festival where the victim was seemingly literally killed by sound, the violent death of a cowgirl that was possibly motivated by a 160-year-old family feud and an Egyptian mummy that appears to return to life. Among the guest stars are Joel Tobeck, Kimberley Crossman, Roy Billing, Lisa Chappell and Joe Naufahu.
Prisoners of the Ghostland
(8.30pm, Saturday, Rialto) If you thought Mandy, Color Out of Space, Willy’s Wonderland or Pig offered Nicolas Cage at maximum
unhingedness, wait until you see Sion Sono’s 2021 ‘‘delirious mash-up of Western, samurai movie and post-apocalyptic thriller’’. Cage plays a ruthless bank robber who is sprung from jail by a warlord keen to use his special skills to help track down his missing adopted granddaughter. This feels like a throwback to the post-apocalyptic tales of the 1970s and 80s, and the action is sometimes as explosive as the contents of his leather suit.
Shadowlands (8.40pm, Saturday, Whakaata Māori)
This 1993 biopic of writer CS Lewis is based on earlier stage and teleplays by screenwriter William Nicholson. Richard Attenborough’s drama focuses on The Chronicles of Narnia author’s relationship with poet Joy Gresham. Anthony Hopkins is unrivalled when it comes to portraying repressed sentiment and Debra Winger was deservedly nominated for an Oscar.
Searching
(10.25pm, Saturday, Three)
Aneesh Chaganty’s 2018 feature debut is a bravura conceit, only slightly let down by an over-egged, formulaic ending. Virtually the entire story is told via screens. Chaganty’s sharp direction creates an intimate, voyeuristic feel and generates tension for the audience. John Cho plays a widower looking for his missing 16-year-old daughter (Michelle La).
Bellbird (8.40pm, Sunday, Whakaata Māori)
Kiwi writer-director Hamish Bennett’s 2019 feature debut is a witty and poignant rural dramedy. Veteran actor Marshall Napier (McLeod’s Daughters) plays Ross, a taciturn dairy farmer whose life is thrown in turmoil by the death of his wife. While he always hoped son Bruce (Cohen Holloway) would take over the property, it’s clear he may well not pass muster.
Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities of the World
(8pm, Mondays, TVNZ 1)
In the British actor’s latest travel series she heads to Berlin, Paris and Rome to uncover less-well-known histories and cultural traditions. ‘‘I’m not sure how much of a secret the Moulin Rouge is,’’ queried The Herald’s Alison Rowat. ‘‘No matter; with Lumley it’s all about the craic.’’
Snackmaster Australia (8.40pm, Mondays, TVNZ 1)
MasterChef Australia’s Poh Ling Yeow is joined by chef Scott Pickett for this culinary competition in which chefs are challenged to recreate some iconic snacks. On the menu are Twisties, Chocolate Mint Drumsticks, a spicy Whopper and a trio of Cadbury’s bars – Picnic, Crunchie and the controversial Cherry Ripe.
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