What To Watch TV reviews: Bergerac, Strife season two, Jock And Me, The Piano and the return of Poker Face

Bergerac

Sunday, 8.30pm, ABC

Bergerac’s back — but not as you know it. The Jersey-set British crime series which ran for 10 years from 1981 and starred John Nettles in the title role of Jim Bergerac is back on screens. But this time Brassic star Damien Molony is stepping in to play the troubled DCI, and things look very different indeed.

Those vintage enough to remember this popular crime drama the first time around may be disappointed to note a few key changes, chief among them the updating of the accordion theme tune — it’s now a much darker, moodier affair, setting the tone for the series as a whole.

This time around Bergerac emerges as a recently bereaved father of one, on stress leave and hitting the bottle after his wife’s untimely death six months earlier. But when a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, police call back their No.1 man, and it’s up to him to piece together what happened.

But is he up to the job?

Joining Molony is a great ensemble cast, which includes the reliably great Zoe Wanamaker, who plays Jim’s mother-in-law, begrudgingly helping as Bergerac battles to get his life back on track. He’s struggling to contain his grief and put on a brave face for his teenage daughter — Wanamaker’s on hand to set him straight.

This time around the series takes on a different format: instead of a case-of-the-week, it follows Bergerac as he investigates the wealthy woman’s murder. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing — there’s still much to like about this darkly reimagined crime drama.

Oh, and good news: Bergerac’s leather jacket and burgundy 1947 Triumph Roadster remain! A win for fans.

This is great Sunday night fare.

Strife

Thursday, streaming on Binge

Asher Keddie returns as women’s publishing powerhouse Evelyn Jones, a character clearly based on real-life maven Mia Freedman. This season sees our hero (is she though?) besieged on all sides as her media empire is set upon by rivals, including a new women’s website launching with Eve’s old colleague at the helm. Mary Coustas, Nathan Page, Dylan Alcott and Tim Minchin join the cast. One to watch.

Jock And Me

Sunday, 8pm, 7NEWS Spotlight

Liz Hayes is popping up for the first time on 7NEWS Spotlight with this exclusive sit-down with Jock Zonfrillo’s wife, Lauren. This is the first time Lauren has spoken publicly about the death of her high-profile husband, who was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room in May 2023. His cause of death has never been released. This is sure to be fascinating — Liz is an icon and it’s great she’s back on screens over at Seven.

The Piano

Sunday, 7.30pm, ABC

Get the tissues ready, this one will have you welling up — in the best possible way. Amanda Keller hosts this six-part series, which gives ordinary people who love the piano the opportunity to perform publicly in places like train stations and shopping centres. The twist? Watching on are Harry Connick Jr and concert pianist Andrea Lam, who will pick out performers to join them at a special concert. This is lovely, life-affirming television.

Poker Face

Thursday, streaming on Stan

Everyone’s favourite human lie-detector is back, and no porky pie is safe! Natasha Lyonne returns as unintentional super-sleuth Charlie Cale, an ex-casino worker with an uncanny ability to sniff out an untruth. This season she’s on the run, with nothing but her wits and trusty Plymouth Barracuda to keep her company. Keep an eye out for Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo who pops up in episode one — she’s a delight.