WACO
Double episode series final ★★★★★
8.30pm, SBS
It can't be easy writing a screenplay when everyone knows exactly how it will end. It's a testament not only to the series creators, Dowdle brothers John Erick (known for his horror films) and Drew, but also the committed cast that in this final chapter of the 1993 Texas siege we are hoping for a miraculous alteration to history. What we get instead is a devastating recreation of the tragedy and a version of the events that led to it that challenges what's on record.
Waco challenges the historical record of events that led to a devastating tragedy.
HOW TO STAY MARRIED
★★★½
8.30pm, Ten
With the laconic cynicism of the Australian middle-aged dad, series creator and male lead, Peter Helliar covers in this episode female puberty, viciously competitive basketball parents, the insecurities of a stay-at-home mother's return to the workforce, and the terror of a parent's meeting with the school principal. There's a lovely Little Lunch moment. As a jaded boss lady, the queen of dry, Judith Lucy, is heaven.
THE GOOD COOKS
★★★
8.30pm, SBS Food Network
My Kitchen Rules finalist, Bondi personal trainer and same-sex marriage advocate Luke Hines is in fine foodie company (Mark Olive, Paul West and Dan Churchill) on this series that visits Australia's overseas agricultural aid projects to glean local knowledge about food sustainability. In the Philippines, Hines meets some people working for a better world and picks up a few recipe tips. This is an informative program that offers a flicker of hope for humanity.