theguardian.com
TV Highlights: Action, Adoption, and Alternative Lives
Sky Atlantic's Atomic follows drug smuggler Max and enigmatic JJ facing violent extremists and intelligence agencies; Channel 4's The Dog House features heartwarming dog adoption stories; Channel 5's Ben Fogle visits a rice farmer in Japan; ITV's Fortune Hotel has teams competing in challenges; and BBC Three's Dear Viv celebrates the life of drag queen Vivienne.
- What are the main plots and themes of the TV shows Atomic and The Dog House, and what makes them stand out?
- Atomic (Sky Atlantic) features Alfie Allen and Shazad Latif as a drug smuggler and an enigmatic man who become entangled in a dangerous situation involving violent extremists and intelligence agencies. Their struggle for survival evolves into a story of redemption. The Dog House (Channel 4) showcases heartwarming stories of dogs finding new homes, including Spud, a French bulldog, and Tinker, a cane corso cross.
- How do the narratives in Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild and Dear Viv reflect broader societal trends and interests?
- Several TV shows offer diverse viewing experiences. Atomic presents an action-packed crime thriller with elements of redemption, while The Dog House provides heartwarming stories of animal adoption. Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild profiles a man who traded his UK life for rice farming in Japan, highlighting the search for simpler living. The juxtaposition of these diverse narratives reflects varied aspects of human experience.
- What are the potential future implications of the diverse programming choices presented, and what can be inferred about evolving viewer preferences?
- The contrast between the high-stakes action of Atomic and the emotional resonance of The Dog House highlights the broad range of storytelling on television. The inclusion of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild adds a perspective on alternative lifestyles, suggesting a trend toward showcasing unconventional choices. Dear Viv celebrates the life of a prominent drag queen, indicating a growing recognition of LGBTQ+ figures in mainstream media.
Cognitive Concepts
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. The author uses positive adjectives (e.g., "punchy," "heart-tugging") but avoids overtly loaded or judgmental language.
Sustainable Development Goals
The show "Dear Viv" highlights the life of a drag queen who died at a young age, promoting awareness and potentially challenging societal norms and prejudices related to gender identity and expression. This contributes to reducing inequality by fostering understanding and acceptance of diverse communities.