Fearless: Read Between The Lies

“TRUMP has politicised a generation.

“People are very aware of that now.

“That actually they don’t trust necessarily the establishment to solve things for them or look to the establishment as heroes, as Brexit and as Trump has proved.

“So this idea of people that are quite ordinary and normal fighting for other ordinary and normal people on those lost causes, in some cases people who have been abandoned in prison for 10, 15, 20 years, I felt Patrick really had his finger on the pulse there.”

Helen McCrory talking to me about Fearless (ITV, 9pm Mon June 12), a topical new six-part drama created and written by Homeland and 24 writer Patrick Harbinson.

She plays solicitor Emma Banville in a compelling story about the abuse of justice and power.

With a strong supporting cast – including Sir Michael Gambon – in a series that takes us from Britain to America and back.

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The Casual Vacancy: BAFTA Q&A

“OVER my dead body, Andrew…”

Rory Kinnear as Barry Fairbrother in BBC1’s new three-part adaptation of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.

Jo Rowling’s first novel for an adult audience, published in 2012, became a global best-seller with over six million copies sold to date.

The 3 x 60 minute television adaptation, written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Jonny Campbell, begins on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday Feb 15.

Set in what appears to be the idyllic English village of Pagford.

Those who have read the 500-page book will know that it deals with how we live today, including issues of community and responsibility.

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Common: Q&A

TWO sons. Two mothers.

“I thought they were going for a pizza…”

If you have plans for Sunday night, cancel them now.

Common (BBC1, 9pm Sunday) is yet another classic drama by writer Jimmy McGovern.

Matched by the talents of a cast including Nico Mirallegro, Susan Lynch, Daniel Mays and Jodhi May, plus director David Blair.

The 90-minute film tells the story of Johnjo O’Shea, played by Nico, who gives his cousin and two mates a lift to get a pizza.

But Johnjo is unaware his three passengers are going to “have a word” with a local loudmouth.

As he sits outside waiting in the car for his pizza, one of the trio takes offence to a young innocent bystander and stabs him.

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Quirke

“IT was just like getting a fantastic present.

“It’s so rare to find a crime book that’s so beautifully written and so rich and deep and complex.”

Screenwriter Andrew Davies talking about adapting Benjamin Black’s Quirke novels for BBC1.

The first of three 90-minute Quirke film – Christine Falls – was screened at the BFI in London all of 11 months ago in June 2013, followed by a Q&A.

But as is sometimes the way with TV schedules and dramas that don’t fit into neat one hour slots, the start of the series was delayed until now.

With that first Quirke story on BBC1 at 9pm tomorrow (Sunday May 25).

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Lucan: Interviews

“THERE are an awful lot of things that are plausible and just a few things that are probable.”

Rory Kinnear talking to me about new two-part ITV drama Lucan, which tells a story most will not know.

He plays the Lord who created a headline-grabbing mystery after murdering his children’s nanny Sandra Rivett (Leanne Best).

Having mistaken her in a darkened basement kitchen for his wife Lady Lucan (Catherine McCormack).

And then vanishing – never to be seen again.

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