The Guardian 15 November, 2006
TV programs previewed:
Sun November 26 — Sat December 2
In The Spy Who Stole My Life (SBS 7.30pm Tuesday) in 1992, Robert Freegard arrived in Newport, Shropshire in England where he befriended some students from the local agricultural college. Shortly after that, he claimed to one of them, John Atkinson, to be an undercover policeman and "recruited" him for an IRA surveillance operation. Claiming their cover had been blown, Freegard persuaded John and two girls to flee college and drive around the country on the run while severing all ties with families and friends.
So began a ten-year spree of kidnappings, robbery and deception that netted Freegard hundreds of thousands of pounds and included an ever-expanding pool of victims. His least fortunate victim, Sarah Smith from the agricultural college, spent an entire decade on the run from imaginary enemies, convinced that both she and her family would be killed if she did not go along with Freegard’s instructions. Freegard was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment while denying all charges, claiming they were part of a conspiracy against him.
According to Independent America (SBS 8.30pm Wednesday), America is the land of the free and the home of mass consumption. Between the nation’s breathtaking coastlines, drivers on any interstate highway may be hard pressed to pinpoint exactly where they are. Why? Everything looks the same. The same malls, the same big stores, the same chain restaurants and hotels offering the same services — just about everywhere.
However, across the country there is a backlash underway against what some call the tyranny of corporate America. There are boycotts and anti-chain legislation in communities across the nation and demands for diversity, economic freedom and in some cases, the right to survive. In this polarised country, even shopping has become a political act.
This documentary follows former journalists, Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes as they endeavour to make a 55-day road trip around America without setting foot inside a corporate chain restaurant, motel or store. Together they travel 20 thousand kilometres, through 32 states looking for an America unchained by corporate retail and for the hardy souls fighting for the right to remain independent.
The national broadcaster announced earlier this month that The Glass House was being axed, on November 29. At the special time of 9pm (ABC Wednesday), Wil Anderson, Corrine Grant, Dave Hughes and a host of their favourite reasonably special guests will appear in the final show to announce the 2006 Glass House Awards For Eksalince. In a one-hour, completely bias-free episode, Adam Spencer, Liz Ellis, Rhys Mildoon, Fiona O’Loughlin, Pinky Beecroft, Georgie Parker, Merv Hughes, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Arj Barker and more will honour the world’s movers and shakers in science, religion, sport, entertainment and politics.
Will Kim Beazley’s astonishing popularity make him even more of a winner? Can Big Brother’s turkey-slappers bring home the bacon? Drunk monks, French headbutts, Kiwi couches — eksalince, eksalince, eksalince.
And who in this bias-free program will take home the prestigious award, the Golden Cretin — the ABC Board? It’s the most competitive field in years!
For more than half a century the Walkley Awards (SBS 10pm Thursday), Australia’s most prestigious media accolades, have set the benchmark for quality journalism. They recognise and reward outstanding achievement, courage and commitment in a range of categories including print, television, radio and photography.
Starring Geraldine McEwan as Jane Marple, with Joanna Lumley, Simon Callow, Jack Davenport, David Walliams, Tara Fitzgerald, Ian Richardson and Adam Garcia, The Body In The Library is the first of four Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Mysteries (ABC 9pm Friday).
When the body of a woman is found in the library at Gossington Hall, Dolly Bantry (Lumley) needs to clear her husband’s name so she calls her friend Jane Marple. Miss Marple is eager to help, must to the annoyance of Colonel Malchett (Callow) the chief of the County Police. Inspector Harper (Davenport) has reports that a dancer employed at the Majestic Hotel has gone missing and the description fits the body found at Gossington Hall.