Documentary raises emotions
The Day That Changed My Life Wednesday, 8.30pm TV One This is raw and powerful television.
Just a few minutes in and I was shedding tears – moved by the destruction that the February 22 earthquake caused in Christchurch and more powerfully, moved by how it affected the people who lived through it.
I suspect this will be hard viewing for anyone who lives in Christchurch or has loved ones there – or who have already emotionally connected with what it must be like to live through such a huge event with such long-reaching consequences.
This is what this documentary captures so well, using raw never-seen-before footage and combining it with the stories of six survivors – it makes it real. From the practical details of what it was like on the day (for example, organising emergency response), to the courage shown by individuals helping each other and the very real and moving look of shock, fear and sadness on people’s faces. For this reason, it’s powerful television, bringing insight into the earthquake and its aftermath. WEDNESDAY Fair Go 7.30pm, TV One Local show Fair Go is back for the new year, sticking up for the little guy and putting products and claims to the test. Hosted by Pippa Wetzell and Gordon Harcourt, episode one looks at detox diets and offers some financial advice to start off the year in good form. becomes a sensation. The set and costumes are impressive, capturing 1970s Australia, and there are some interesting discussions on the role of women in the workplace. Silicon Valley Thursday, 10pm SoHo Of all the comedy shows I watched last year, Silicon Valley gave me the most laughs and, even better than that, a sense of comedic and dramatic satisfaction. This is good, funny television, an HBO series set in Silicon Valley and following a group of talented programmers, most notably Richard, as they try and turn a game-changing idea into a successful start-up. Season THURSDAY American Idol 9.30pm, Prime The numbers have been whittled down and now things are getting tougher in the latest season of American Idol, screening here just hours after it goes to air in the US. This week, it’s time for the top 12 boys and girls to impress judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. It’s the boys turn on Thursday and the girls give it a go on Friday. Best Bits 9.30pm, TV One Local comedy show Best Bits starts again this week, hosted by Jesse Mulligan who, with the help of a panel and guest comedians, pokes fun at the weird and wonderful moments from the week’s television line up. Says the write up: ‘‘ Best Bits offers viewers a chance to laugh at themselves, the panel, and anyone else who takes themselves too seriously.’’ two is coming to SoHo in April and this is an encore screening of the first season, providing a chance to catch up with Richard and his buddies Big Head, Gilfoyle and Dinesh, or get on board if you haven’t seen the series before. A Fierce Green Fire Friday, 9.30pm History Channel A documentary worth watching for all the stunning historical footage alone, but this history of the American environmental movement is thought-provoking and interesting, too. Written by Mark Kitchell and narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Van Jones, Isabel Allende and Meryl Streep.