Television Specials for Today, August 17: Highlights Include the Premiere of Ridley's Latest Episode
In the realm of gripping television, two captivating series are set to air this week, offering a mix of crime-solving and personal drama.
On ITV1, at 8 pm on Sunday, August 17, the character-driven crime drama "Ridley" will air. This series follows retired detective Alex Ridley, played by Kevin Doyle, who has become a police consultant after an early retirement due to medical reasons. Ridley, portrayed by Jean Dixon (Elizabeth Berrington), works alongside DI Carol Farman to solve complex crimes in Northern England while also dealing with personal trauma from the arson attack that killed his wife and daughter.
The episodes airing around August 17 include standalone but interconnected cases. In Season 1, Ridley investigates cold cases and new mysteries, such as a 13-year-old unsolved missing person case tied to a local farmer’s death, a young woman living a secret double life discovered in a shallow grave, a long-term disappearance connected to a jazz singer, and suspicions surrounding a man’s death from a balcony fall which links back to Ridley’s own family tragedy.
In Season 2, Ridley faces new challenges including a puzzling disappearance, a major shooting, and a jewelry heist. The series opens with the episode "A Sleeping Tiger," about the murder of a young man named Ryan shortly after release from police custody, alongside complex investigations that test Ridley’s skills.
Meanwhile, on BBC1 at 9.20 pm on Sunday, August 17, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" will air. This masterful series, based on the novel by Richard Flanagan, reminds viewers of the futility of war and the importance of never forgetting its horrors. The main character, Dorrigo Evans, played by Ciarán Hinds, is an eminent surgeon who is cleared of malpractice but has a troubled private life. His personal life is in disarray due to his love for another woman and his experiences in the Burma jungle during the construction of the Death Railway.
A flashback in "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" shows Dorrigo Evans's wedding to Ella, and his personal life is further complicated by his love for another woman. The series offers a poignant exploration of love, war, and the human spirit.
In a separate realm, the "Cooking with the Stars" competition on ITV1 at 7 pm features six contestants vying for culinary glory. The contestants include Shaun Wright-Phillips, Natalie Cassidy, Hugh Dennis, Kelly Hoppen, Jordan North, and Jack Osbourne. Each week, they are tasked with preparing a classic dish within a limited timeframe and using unusual kitchen equipment, such as an air fryer.
In the animal kingdom, a Hanuman langur in India is seen babysitting other monkeys' little ones to prepare for motherhood. Meanwhile, a guanaco and her calf are at risk from man-made fencing in Patagonia, and a cheetah in Kenya teaches her cubs to hunt. In Zambia, over-exuberant African wild dog adolescents scupper their pack’s predatory plans, while a San Joaquin kit fox in California faces a challenge keeping her babies safe from a coyote.
The week also sees a tragic turn in a case, as the investigation into Kathy Hadderly's death involves everyone in her family, who seem to have secrets about the night she disappeared. Another body is discovered during the investigation, which has a possible connection to Kathy's murder.
As the week unfolds, these compelling series and heartwarming animal stories provide a diverse and engaging viewing experience for audiences. Tune in to ITV1 and BBC1 to immerse yourself in these captivating worlds.
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