Coltrane plays tainted ‘National Treasure’
A tragedy with a comedian at its center, “National Treasure” is not to be missed. Hulu will stream this four-part British series beginning today. Robbie Coltrane (“Cracker,” “GoldenEye,” the “Harry Potter” franchise) stars as Paul Finchley, a beloved television comedian whose life unravels when he is accused of raping a teenager on the set of a movie some 25 years ago.
Coltrane perfectly captures the essence of a beloved has-been, a man everybody seems to remember from their childhood, a catchphrase-dispensing legend who launched a thousand repeats on late-night television. An obese man who walks with a cane, he’s first seen at a gala event presenting a lifetime achievement award to his comedy partner. He’s both esteemed and slightly invisible, a symbol of the media’s past in a roomful of go-getters. He’d be pitiful if he weren’t so famous, and presumably rich.
“Treasure” does a great job of showing how accusations turn this “harmless” old man into a notorious figure. Gradually his beloved and devout wife (Julie Walters), drug-addicted daughter (Andrea Riseborough), fans and the audience begin to wonder just how much they can know about Finchley, or for that matter, anyone.
“Treasure” was inspired by the posthumous investigations of child abuse concerning famous British television personality Jimmy Savile. American audiences won’t be able to watch this compelling series without thinking of allegations against our own national treasure, Bill Cosby.
» A warehouse conflagration on “Chicago Fire” (7 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5) sends Olinsky’s daughter to the hospital on “Chicago P.D.” (8 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5), setting up the debut of “Chicago Justice” (9 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5).
» “Time: The Kalief Browder Story” (9 p.m., Spike) offers a six-part documentary look at a 16-year-old AfricanAmerican student who spent three years in jail without ever being convicted of a crime.
» Conan O’Brien hosts a prime-time special, “Conan Without Borders: Made in Mexico” (9 p.m., TBS). His efforts at cross-border diplomacy include hiring a Mexican crew and staff and inviting “Star Wars: Rogue One” star Diego Luna and former Mexican President Vicente Fox to be his guests.
Other highlights
» “Nature” (7 p.m., WKNO-TV Channel 10) offers a peek at the making of robotic spy critters.
» A new development threatens the future on “Star” (8 p.m., WHBQ-TV Channel 13).
» Cleve, Ken and Roma organize resistance to an anti-gay ballot proposition in part two of “When We Rise” (8 p.m., WATN-TV Channel 24).
» Sadie begins to wonder about Billy’s story on “Doubt” (9 p.m., WREG-TV Channel 3).
» A rescue mission forces team members to face their doubts about Rip on “Six” (9 p.m., History).
» David’s friends search for answers on “Legion” (9 p.m., FX).
» A bachelor party to forget on “Man Seeking Woman” (9:30 p.m., FXX).
Kevin McDonough can be reached at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.