Counter Culture

Selections and commentary by Pat Harrington
Original music on our video edition by Tim Bragg

3,524 words, 19 minutes read time.

This week’s picks illuminate power, protest, and identity with remarkable clarity. At the heart of the television schedule lies a commitment to confronting injustice and re-examining history: from new angles on the Titanic and the Lockerbie bombing to George Floyd’s global legacy and the silencing of working-class voices in British schools. Films offer the same sharpness: we move from Spike Lee’s masterful biopic of Malcolm X to British Gothic horror and Almodóvar’s meditations on memory and motherhood. Whether it’s courtroom showdowns or polar expeditions, every story this week echoes into the present.

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📅 Saturday, 17 May

Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest (BBC One, 7:10 PM)
This glitter-bomb of an episode drops the Doctor and Ruby into an intergalactic Eurovision-style contest. Underneath the dazzle lies a critique of soft-power politics and propaganda by entertainment. Ncuti Gatwa is magnetic, balancing comic timing with a growing emotional range, while the satire never lets up. There are monsters, metaphors, and musical mayhem in abundance.

Titanic: Our Secret History (Channel 4, 8:00 PM)
Not another retelling of the iceberg tragedy, but a deep dive into the ship’s under-explored backstories. This absorbing documentary reframes the Titanic as a floating symbol of class division and industrial overreach. Drawing on fresh sources and survivor testimonies, it paints a vivid, poignant picture of lives shaped by hubris and inequality.

The Untouchables (1987) (BBC Two, 10:00 PM) ★★★★
Brian De Palma’s stylised gangster saga pits Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) against Al Capone (Robert De Niro) with operatic flair. The screenplay, written by David Mamet, crafts a battle between virtue and corruption with theatrical weight. Sean Connery provides the grit and gravitas, winning an Oscar for his supporting role as Malone.

The direction is bold, with De Palma’s signature set-pieces — especially the slow-motion shootout on the train station steps — creating a heightened world of mythic justice. The score by Ennio Morricone lifts scenes into epic territory without ever losing tension.

This is a film that revels in cinematic bravado while remaining morally unambiguous. It doesn’t flinch from sentimentality, but it earns its emotion with sheer style and craftsmanship.

Parallel Mothers (2021) (BBC Two, 12:50 AM) ★★★★ 🌟
Pedro Almodóvar entwines personal drama with political memory in this story of two women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Penélope Cruz is extraordinary in a performance that is both maternal and haunted. She plays Janis, a photographer whose decision to investigate her family’s past leads to unsettling revelations.

Almodóvar delicately balances melodrama with meditative reflection. The domestic storyline never overshadows the deeper commentary on Spain’s reckoning with its Civil War-era crimes, creating a powerful blend of private and collective history.

Visually rich and emotionally generous, Parallel Mothers is a late-career triumph that shows Almodóvar still capable of reinventing his thematic concerns with elegance and depth.

Dead of Night (1945) (Film4, 1:50 AM) ★★★★★
This British horror anthology remains one of the most inventive and disturbing films of its era. A series of eerie tales, linked by a framing device of a man haunted by a recurring nightmare, it taps into postwar anxieties with uncanny precision.

Each segment offers something unique, but it’s the ventriloquist dummy story, starring Michael Redgrave, that sears itself into the mind. The psychological terror here is deeper and more existential than simple ghost stories.

Blending surrealism with social unease, Dead of Night influenced everything from The Twilight Zone to modern horror. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere and dread.

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📅 Sunday, 18 May

The Bombing of Pan Am 103 (1 of 6) 🌟
This docuseries embarks on a harrowing and deeply personal investigation into the Lockerbie disaster, peeling back layers of history to expose the political and intelligence failures that shaped the response. Drawing on newly declassified files and firsthand testimonies, it does more than recount the events of December 21, 1988—it interrogates the mechanisms of power that dictated how justice was pursued, or in some cases, obstructed.

Rather than adopting a conventional true-crime format, the series takes a profoundly human approach, placing the families of the victims at the heart of the narrative. Their decades-long struggle for answers is not framed as a subplot but as the driving force behind the investigation. The programme refuses to tiptoe around the uncomfortable truths of state accountability—questions are asked boldly, not whispered in the margins.

The political dimensions of Lockerbie are unavoidable. From the moment Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Scotland, killing 270 people, the tragedy became entangled in international diplomacy, intelligence operations, and geopolitical maneuvering. The official conviction of Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi remains one of the most contested rulings in modern history, with some arguing that Libya was scapegoated for political expediency while the real perpetrators—potentially linked to Iran or Syrian-backed groups—escaped scrutiny. The series does not shy away from these controversies, instead confronting them head-on, examining how shifting alliances and covert intelligence dealings may have influenced the investigation.

Beyond the question of who was responsible, the series also scrutinizes how governments handle acts of terror. The response to Lockerbie set precedents that would later shape policies on counterterrorism and victim support, influencing how authorities reacted to tragedies such as 9/11. The failures in communication, the lack of transparency, and the reluctance to acknowledge prior warnings about the attack all raise unsettling questions about the balance between national security and public accountability.

Expect this series to reignite old wounds and provoke urgent discussions about how nations reckon with terror, truth, and memory. It is not merely a retelling of history—it is an indictment of the systems that dictate whose grief is acknowledged, whose voices are heard, and whose version of events is allowed to stand unchallenged.

The Wicked Lady (1945) (Talking Pictures, 6:00 PM) ★★★★
Margaret Lockwood stars in this florid melodrama about a bored aristocrat who becomes a highway robber. A Technicolor romp with lace, daggers, and stolen kisses, it shocked censors on release and delights in its heroine’s moral ambiguity.

Gainsborough Pictures excelled at this kind of heightened costume drama, and The Wicked Lady is among the most brazen examples. Lockwood’s performance is charged with charisma and cheek.

A valuable watch not just for its camp appeal, but as a rare early British portrait of female rebellion.

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📅 Monday, 19 May

Inside Our Minds (BBC Two, 9:00 PM)
Inside Our Minds is a compelling documentary series that shines a light on neurodivergence, offering a deeply personal and insightful look into how different minds work. Hosted by Chris Packham, the show helps individuals with conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia create films that express their experiences in a way that words often cannot.

The upcoming episode continues this journey, providing a platform for neurodivergent individuals to share their stories and perspectives. If previous episodes are anything to go by, viewers can expect a mix of emotional revelations, scientific insights, and beautifully crafted storytelling that challenges misconceptions and fosters understanding.

For those interested in exploring the complexities of the human brain and the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, this episode promises to be both enlightening and moving.

Nixon in the Den (PBS America, 9.55pm)
Nixon in the Den is a gripping and meticulously crafted documentary that peels back the layers of Richard Nixon’s presidency, offering a psychological portrait of a man whose ambition and paranoia shaped American history. Rather than resorting to caricature or simplistic villainy, the film presents Nixon as a deeply complex figure—an astute political strategist whose insecurities and distrust of others ultimately led to his downfall.

Through rarely seen archival footage and insightful interviews, the documentary reconstructs Nixon’s rise from a modest, often loveless upbringing to the heights of global power. It explores how his relentless drive to escape his past fueled his political success, yet also bred the paranoia that would consume him. The film does not shy away from the darker aspects of his presidency, particularly the Watergate scandal, but it reframes these events with fresh perspective, examining how Nixon’s psychological makeup influenced his decisions.

Beyond the scandals, Nixon in the Den delves into his foreign policy achievements, including his groundbreaking visit to China and his complex relationship with the Soviet Union. It acknowledges his diplomatic prowess while simultaneously exposing the ruthless tactics he employed behind the scenes. The documentary paints a portrait of a leader who was both brilliant and deeply flawed—a man whose legacy remains one of the most debated in American history.

This is not just a retelling of well-known events; it is an excavation of Nixon’s mind, revealing the contradictions that defined him. Expect a tense, thought-provoking exploration of power, paranoia, and the fragile nature of political legacy.

Little Women (2019) (Film4, 6:20 PM) ★★★★
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel plays with time and structure, refreshing the story while honouring its spirit. Saoirse Ronan leads a luminous cast, capturing Jo March’s restlessness with grace.

The visual palette, inspired by impressionist paintings, gives each scene a lived-in warmth. Florence Pugh’s Amy is especially well-drawn, turning a traditionally maligned character into a figure of surprising clarity and ambition.

Gerwig frames this as a tale of authorship and economic survival, enriching its relevance for modern viewers.

Malcolm X (1992) (BBC Two, 11:00 PM) ★★★★★ 🌟
Spike Lee’s biopic of Malcolm X remains a towering cinematic achievement. Charting his transformation from petty criminal to political icon, it never loses sight of the man behind the myth.

Denzel Washington’s performance is magnificent: disciplined, impassioned, and spiritually searching. He captures Malcolm’s shifts in tone, from firebrand to philosopher, with heartbreaking nuance.

The film is long, but its scope feels earned. It is a film of ideas, anger, and dignity — and one that should be required viewing.

he film is long, but its scope feels earned. It is a film of ideas, anger, and dignity — and one that should be required viewing.

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📅 Tuesday, 20 May

The Admirable Crichton (1957) (Film 4, 4.35pm) ★★★★

The Admirable Crichton (1957), directed by Lewis Gilbert and based on J.M. Barrie’s play, is a fascinating exploration of class structure and social hierarchy, wrapped in the guise of a comedic adventure. The film challenges the rigid British class system by placing aristocrats and their servant on a deserted island, where survival necessitates a dramatic role reversal.

At the heart of the film is the question of capability versus status. In Edwardian Britain, nobility is synonymous with leadership, but when the pampered upper class is stripped of its comforts, it is Crichton, the butler, who proves himself most resourceful. This reversal of roles underscores the arbitrary nature of social rank, suggesting that competence, rather than birthright, should dictate leadership. The dynamic between Crichton and the stranded aristocrats becomes a microcosm of meritocracy, subverting the established norms of the British class system.

Additionally, the film exposes the fragility of aristocratic entitlement. The members of the ruling class are reduced to helpless figures, unable to fend for themselves without Crichton’s guidance. The irony here is sharp—these are the people who, by birth, rule nations, yet they cannot boil water or build shelter. This critique of social structure implies that the traditional class divisions may be outdated and impractical.

Although lighthearted, the film reflects post-war Britain’s shifting perspectives on class and social mobility. Released during an era when Britain was undergoing profound social change, The Admirable Crichton subtly comments on the growing sentiment that leadership should be earned rather than inherited. The character of Crichton represents a democratic ideal, in which individuals are judged by ability rather than status.

Yet, the film does not fully embrace revolution. When the characters return to England, the established order is reinstated, demonstrating the persistent grip of tradition. Crichton, despite proving himself a capable leader, willingly steps back into his servant role, hinting at an internalized acceptance of the societal framework. The film suggests that while class structures may be flawed, breaking free from their constraints is not simple, nor always desired by those within them.

The Admirable Crichton is both a satire and a thought-provoking social commentary, asking audiences to reconsider entrenched notions of class and leadership. While it offers moments of humour and romance, its deeper message remains relevant: Who truly deserves power, and why do we accept the structures that govern us? It is a film that entertains while inviting reflection on timeless societal and political debates.

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📅 Wednesday, 21 May

The Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd (BBC Two, 9:00 PM) 🌟
The Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd is a powerful and unflinching documentary that examines the seismic impact of George Floyd’s death—not just in the United States, but across the world. More than a retelling of the events surrounding Derek Chauvin’s trial, this film takes a broader view, exploring how societies react to protest, how institutions respond to demands for justice, and how the fight against racial inequality continues to evolve.

Through a combination of unseen archival footage and deeply personal interviews, the documentary captures the raw emotion of the protests that erupted in the wake of Floyd’s murder. It follows the young activists who took to the streets, defying police orders and pandemic restrictions to demand change. Their voices, alongside those of Floyd’s family, legal experts, and cultural figures, form the backbone of the film, ensuring that the narrative remains grounded in lived experience rather than detached analysis.

The documentary also examines the political and institutional responses to the Black Lives Matter movement. In the US, Floyd’s death led to widespread calls for police reform, corporate pledges to address systemic racism, and a reckoning within the media and entertainment industries. But as statues were toppled and protests grew more confrontational, a counter-movement emerged, seeking to discredit and dismantle the momentum of racial justice activism. The film does not shy away from this backlash, exploring how political figures, media outlets, and social movements have sought to reshape the conversation, sometimes in ways that obscure the original demands for accountability.

In the UK, Floyd’s murder resonated deeply, sparking protests that highlighted Britain’s own struggles with racial injustice. The documentary weaves together the American and British narratives, showing how Floyd’s death became a moment of reckoning on both sides of the Atlantic. It revisits key moments, from John Boyega’s impassioned speech in London to the removal of statues linked to colonialism, and examines how these events shaped public discourse on race and history.

At a time when diversity initiatives are being rolled back in the US and debates over racial justice remain deeply polarizing, The Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd asks urgent questions,

Wild Rose (2018) (Film4, 11:25 PM) ★★★★
Jessie Buckley plays a Scottish single mum fresh out of prison who dreams of Nashville stardom. It could be clichéd, but the script and performance resist easy sentiment.

The film balances grit and hope, showing how creativity and aspiration battle poverty and stigma. It features one of Buckley’s finest performances to date.

With its tender mother-daughter dynamic and stirring music, Wild Rose is soulful without being saccharine.

📅 Thursday, 22 May

The Secret Life of Bees (1 of 2) (Channel 5, 9:00 PM)
The Secret Life of Bees (Channel 5, 9:00 PM)

This fascinating documentary, hosted by British naturalist Steve Backshall, takes viewers deep into the world of bees, revealing their intricate societies and vital role in the ecosystem. The first episode explores the 270 different bee species in Britain, showcasing their behaviors, historical significance, and the cutting-edge research being conducted to understand them better.

Backshall, who is learning to be a beekeeper for the first time, brings a personal touch to the series, immersing himself in the challenges and rewards of apiculture. The documentary emphasizes the importance of pollinators in maintaining food security and biodiversity, making a compelling case for why we should all care about these remarkable insects.

With stunning visuals and insightful commentary, The Secret Life of Bees is both educational and engaging, offering a fresh perspective on creatures we often take for granted. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the hidden lives of bees, this documentary is well worth watching.

Classic Movies: The Story of Scott of the Antarctic (Sky Arts, 8:00 PM)
This engaging retrospective looks at the making and legacy of the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic, revealing how it helped shape British perceptions of heroism, exploration, and sacrifice. A treat for cinephiles and history buffs alike.

Out of the Furnace (2013) (Legend, 9:00 PM) ★★★
Christian Bale and Casey Affleck star in this moody, downbeat drama set in the rust belt of America. It’s a tale of brothers and broken dreams, heavy on grit and grey skies.

The plot leans into noir territory, with violence and retribution at its core. Woody Harrelson’s turn as a sadistic villain steals every scene.

Bleak but beautifully shot, it speaks volumes about the costs of economic collapse.

A Few Good Men (1992) (Film4, 9:00 PM) ★★★★
Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom drama remains gripping and smart, anchored by powerhouse performances. Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson circle each other with increasing tension.

At its heart, it’s a morality play about duty and the abuse of power. The climactic courtroom exchange has entered pop culture, but the surrounding story is equally compelling.

It’s a satisfyingly old-school thriller with genuine thematic weight.

📅 Friday, 23 May

Draining Pompeii: Secrets Beneath the Ash (Channel 5, 9:00 PM)
Using advanced scanning and excavation techniques, this documentary uncovers new insights into the lives of ordinary Pompeiians buried under ash. It’s a poignant exploration of vulnerability, daily life, and the forgotten victims of catastrophe.

Brass (Rewind TV, 7:00 PM)
A satire of British class, industry, and soap opera tropes, Brass skewers Thatcherite Britain with absurdist flair. The northern accents are thick, the stakes are ridiculous, and the politics are gleefully unsubtle.

Judy (2019) (BBC Two, 11:00 PM) ★★★★
Renée Zellweger disappears into the tragic glamour of Judy Garland’s final act. We find her broke, addicted, and still trying to sing, haunted by a life in the spotlight.

Zellweger’s physical transformation is matched by emotional truth. She captures Garland’s humour, vulnerability, and desperation.

Far from a showbiz hagiography, the film honours Judy by showing her at her most human.

Booksmart (2019) (BBC One, 11:40 PM) ★★★★
Two bookish girls decide to cram all of high school’s missed fun into one wild night. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is fast, fresh, and surprisingly moving.

Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein share chemistry that grounds even the zaniest moments. It’s a film that balances sharp jokes with a big heart.

Modern, inclusive, and genuinely funny, it holds its own against the great teen comedies of any era.

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📺 And finally, streaming choices

Rematch (Disney+, all six episodes available from Wednesday 21 May)
Rematch is an intense six-part series that dives into one of the most famous chess matches in history—the 1997 battle between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer. The show isn’t just about chess, though—it’s about the tension between human intelligence and machine power, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Christian Cooke plays Kasparov, bringing out all his passion, frustration, and determination as he faces off against a machine designed to defeat him. The supporting cast, including Sarah Bolger and Aidan Quinn, add depth to the story, making the stakes feel personal as well as historical.

Visually, the series pulls you in with its sharp cinematography, making every move on the board feel like a high-stakes moment. Whether you’re a chess fan or just love a gripping story, Rematch delivers drama, strategy, and a fascinating look at a turning point in history

Tucci in Italy (Disney+, all five episodes available from Monday 19 May)
Stanley Tucci’s culinary journey through Italy returns with warmth, elegance, and charm. He moves through regions both familiar and overlooked, meeting cooks, farmers, and winemakers. More than a travelogue, it’s a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the sensual pleasure of eating well.

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Picture credits

Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest
Titanic: Our Secret History By Francis Godolphin Osbourne Stuart –
The Untouchables Fair use.
Parallel Mothers Fair use,.
Dead of Night Fair use.
The Bombing of Pan Am 103 By Air Accident Investigation Branch – Air Accident Investigation BranchReport No: 2/1990
The Wicked Lady Fair use.
Inside Our Minds By Garry Knight from London, England – People’s Walk for Wildlife 2018 – 04, CC BY 2.0,
Nixon in the Den By James Anthony Wills – archive copy at the Wayback Machine, Public Domain,
Little Women
Malcolm X

The Admirable Crichton By Columbia Pictures – Fair use,
The Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd: By Darnella Frazier Facebook post., Fair use.
Wild Rose By Studio and or Graphic Artist – Can be obtained from the film’s distributor., Fair use.
The Secret Life of Bees By Impawards, Fair use.
Classic Movies: The Story of Scott of the Antarctic
Out of the Furnace IMP Awards, Fair use.
A Few Good Men
Draining Pompeii: Secrets Beneath the Ash By ElfQrin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Brass
Judy
Booksmart By Trent Farr, Fair use.
Rematch By James the photographer
Tucci in Italy By Raph_PH – ConclaveBFILFF101024 (9 of 44), CC BY 2.0,