TOP OF THE BOX
Taken 2 (M-Net, Channel 101, Today, 20:05) This excellent action thriller is the sequel to the 2008 film and, once again, Liam Neeson plays CIA agent Bryan Mills. In the previous film, Mills had to recapture his daughter from a ruthless Albanian gang of human traffickers. In the sequel, Bryan is still stalking the gangsters, seeking vengeance. The trail leads him to Istanbul, where he must confront the mobsters. It’s a slick, racy thriller and the locations are splendid. Party’s Over – How the West went Bust (SABC3, Channel 193, Today, 20:30) This two-part documentary is hosted by BBC business editor Robert Peston. He has analysed the colossal imbalances in the global economy. His theory is that, three decades ago, China, under the leadership of Deng Xiao Ping, opened up the country to foreign capitalists, with unexpected consequences. The Chase: Series 2 (BBC, Channel 120, Thursday, 21:00) The structure of this complex quiz is that the contestants are questioned by four different judges — The Beast, The Barrister, The Sinnerman and The Governess. In the first round, they have just one minute to answer questions. For each correct answer, they get cash. The survivors must then rise up seven steps but if they miss, they lose everything. The Duchess (M-Net Movies Drama & Romance, Channel 107, Monday, 20:30) The momentum of Keira Knightley’s career seems to have slowed down, but this opulent melodrama reminds us what a skilled actress she is. This period piece is set in the 18th century and is about Georgiana Cavendish, the trophy wife of a rich, elderly duke. Georgiana soon realises that her husband only wanted a male heir and that their marriage is a fraud, forcing Georgiana into an empty life. Location, Location, Location (Home, Channel 176, Friday, 21:00) Since 2000, presenters Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer have been trying to match willing buyers with excellent properties. This show about buying, selling and making a profit takes us on a trip through some of the most beautiful places in England. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (e.tv, Channel 194, Today, 20:00) Made in 2003, this is the sequel to the 2001 film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. With Jan de Bont at the helm, Angelina Jolie once again takes on the role of the resourceful adventuress. This time, her goal is to find the mythical Pandora’s Box before an evil scientist finds it and uses it for his own wicked goals. Gerard Butler and Ciarán Hinds co-star.