Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Waterloo Road, ABC, Tues/Weds, 1.30am:

The choices are so poor this week it falls to a 61-year-old wartime drama, screened in the insomniac hours, to maintain some respect. A lonely newlywed (Joy Shelton), missing her soldier hubby (John Mills), falls prey to a yellow-feathered spiv (Stewart Granger). Honour is ultimately satisfied. It's a touching, funny and evocative slice of the times.

The Gift, Ten, Fri, 9pm:

Our Cate is hanging round Backblocks, USA, having visions of disasters in this clichéd supernatural thriller. When a rich party girl (Katie Holmes) goes missing, her father looks for answers in Cate's tea leaves. There's plenty of dread and twists, but aside from Blanchett's performance, little to appeal. Hilary Swank and a nasty Keanu Reeves feature in a good cast struggling with an overwrought script.

Outback House, ABC, Sun, 7.30pm:

In a remote valley in Oxley Downs is a 19th century sheep station with no modern comforts. In come 16 people leading a squatter's life for three months. It's all about testing the pioneering spirit, in the tradition of the other period reality shows. It doesn't take long for the blokes to crack.

Let Loose Live, Prime, Sun, 8.30pm:

This Aussie sketch comedy show is a commendable attempt to put some fun into dreary Sunday night viewing. It can be hit and miss, but the rapid-fire pace means there's enough to entertain. Old stagers Michael Veitch, Peter Moon and Marg Downey mix it with Dave O'Neil and Jane Hall.

Standard Of Perfection, ABC, Tues, 8pm:

Remember the satire film Best in Show? Well, here's the real thing: an amusing behind-the-scenes look at a US cattle show and the International Cat Show in Texas, exposing the intense preparation rituals for showing an animal. First up, it's a bovine makeover.

Boston Legal, Prime, Tues, 9.30pm:

Once you get over the idea that Captain Kirk retired to become a lecherous old lawyer, you'll enjoy this legal drama - a spin-off from The Practice. James Spader is equally obnoxious as his amoral and sexist partner. It's funny and quirky enough to become addictive.

Foreigners Out! SBS, Tues, 10pm:

This revealing, funny, sometimes scary doco shows how dangerous art can be. After xenophobic extremists did well in the Austrian elections, an infamous and narcissistic performance artist set up a Big Brother-style satire of prejudice, installing 12 refugees in a container outside the Viennese Opera House and encouraging people to vote them out of the country. It galvanised the nation, led to heated clashes and much soul-searching. It's a sadly fascinating tale.

State of Origin, NBN, Weds, 7.30pm:

Stupid boofheads once again get stuck into each other. But enough about the commentary team, NSW is hoping to avenge its loss to Queensland.

Black Books, ABC, Weds, 9pm:

England's grumpiest and maddest book shop returns in this twisted and funny comedy about Bernard (Dylan Moran), the book-lover who hates his customers. Bill Bailey plays the chilled out sidekick.