Of the day What’s on the small screen this week
THE MARTIAN CHANNEL 4, 8.45PM
A manned mission to Mars is abruptly abandoned with one crew member left for dead. However, the astronaut has survived and must try to contact Earth to arrange his rescue. Sci-fi drama, starring Matt Damon.
FREE STATE OF JONES BBC TWO, 10.10PM
A soldier fighting for the Confederacy during the American Civil War grows disillusioned by the rebel cause and deserts, returning to his Mississippi home. He unites a force of struggling farmers and escaped slaves into a militia, fighting to turn their county into an independent state, free from the rule of both sides. Fact-based drama, starring Matthew McConaughey.
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY ITV4, 9PM
The amnesiac assassin is living quietly in hiding, until his former employers come after him again and murder his girlfriend. A CIA operation has ended in disaster, and those responsible intend to clear their names by implicating Bourne. As the former secret agent tries to evade the hitmen on his trail, he also struggles to piece together the truth about his past. Thriller sequel, with Matt Damon.
A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS CHANNEL 5, 11PM
A mysterious gunslinger rides into a town on the Mexican border divided by two warring families. After killing the henchmen of one clan, he seems to have made it clear where his loyalties lie and is hired by their rivals. However, he is secretly planning to play them off against each other to his own advantage. Western, with Clint Eastwood making his first appearance as The Man with No Name.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS MATCH CHANNEL 5, 3.20PM
Premiere. A woman spends time working in her mother’s antique shop in a small ski village, planning a Christmas pageant in honour of her late father. When a stranger visits her store, he prompts her to wonder whether she should have left town and pursued her dreams of becoming a theatre director. Drama, starring Ashley Newbrough.
TAKEN 3 FILM4, 9PM
In the final part of the blockbusting big-screen trilogy, ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills’ efforts to finally live a quiet life are shattered by the death of his ex-wife, Lenore. Just when things seemingly can’t get any worse, he is framed for her murder and must fight to clear his name. Taken 2 director Olivier Megaton returns for this action thriller sequel, starring Liam Neeson and Forest Whitaker.
TWO WEEKS NOTICE STV, 11.05PM
An idealistic lawyer catches the attention of a real-estate tycoon, who offers her a job. She starts out thinking she can change his venal ways, but quickly tires of running his life for him. Comedy, starring Sandra Bullock.