Also coming to streaming
The Twelve (ITVX, from February 16)
Whenever Sam Neill’s name is attached to a project, you know it’s going to be worth a look, from the blockbusting Jurassic Park movies to more arthouse offerings, including The Piano and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The Northern Ireland-born, New Zealand-raised actor’s TV appearances haven’t been as prolific as his big screen ones, but his latest promises to be one of the most gripping dramas of the next few months. It follows the fortunes of a dozen ordinary Australians who are on jury duty during the trial of a woman accused of killing her teenage niece. Although they remain anonymous in court, it’s clear each of them have complex histories, from dark secrets to personal traumas, and it’s through their issues that we witness flaws and imbalances in the legal system.
Sharper (Apple TV+, from February 17)
Julianne Moore (who is a co-producer alongside her husband, Bart Freundlich) leads the all-star cast of this drama, which also includes John Lithgow, Sebastian Stan and Justice Smith alongside newcomer Briana Middleton. It’s the latest in a long line of impressive productions from British director Benjamin Caron, who cut his teeth on TV dramas including Sherlock and Wallander. So, what can we expect from his latest project? Sadly, Apple has been keeping its cards close to its chest – which only makes the film more intriguing. What we do know is that the storyline takes place in New York, encompassing every aspect of life in the city, from the dark corners of Queens to the lofty, luxurious penthouses of Fifth Avenue; and nothing is as it seems…
Star Trek: Picard (Prime, from February 17)
he first two seasons of the
Star Trek: The Next Generation spin-off are still available on the streaming service, so there’s a chance to get up to speed before the new run – which is also said to be its last – begins. Once again Patrick Stewart plays the title role of former USS Enterprise captain Jean-Luc Picard; he’s joined by several TNG favourites, including LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes, while Amanda Plummer (whose father Christopher also appeared in the Star Trek franchise) joins the cast as Vadic, a mysterious alien in charge of the warship Shrike – she looks set to lock horns with Picard over a long-held grudge. We’re promised a satisfying ending for the much-loved character’s story, one that will thrill fans old and new alike.