DISNEY+ / APPLE TV+
SLOW HORSES REJECT SPIES RETURN
PICK OF THE WEEK
The outcast secret agents of Mick Herron’s books are back, once again led by the shambling Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman, above). The team have grown more confident in their jobs in the riveting new, second series, which pits them against Russian threats but, rest assured, they are all still basket cases too. Watch out for the brilliant Kristin Scott Thomas as MI5’s formidable head of operations Diana (left). Series 1 already available; series 2 weekly from
Friday, Apple TV+
WILLOW
CULT FANTASY SPIN-OFF SERIES
Long before he turned up in a supporting role in the Harry Potter franchise, Warwick Davis had a magical movie lead role all to himself, playing the diminutive wizard Willow (below) in the cult 1988 fantasy adventure of the same name. Now he’s reprising the character in this epic eight-part series, which sees the spellcaster recruited by a mismatched group of adventurers to embark on a quest to save their world. Plotwise, it’s familiar fantasy stuff, but the style and wit of the story lift it comfortably above average. The supporting cast of warriors and wannabes are great fun and Davis himself is magnificent as Willow, relishing the chance to step into the spotlight at the centre of the story. Weekly from Wednesday, Disney+
THE PATIENT TWISTED THRILLER
Don’t let the presence of Steve Carell fool you into thinking this is a comedy, although there are small moments of dark humour in The Patient — and you’ll need them, too, because this ten-part psychological thriller is seriously tense stuff. Domhnall Gleeson plays a serial killer who
kidnaps his therapist (Carell, above) and forces him to treat him. It’s harrowing, not necessarily because of what actually happens, but because of what you think might happen, so that humour, when it comes, acts as a welcome release valve. Expect awards nods for Gleeson and Carell, both of whom clearly went through the wringer for this one.