An intriguing mystery drama about IVF, and the return of Arnie’s daft espionage comedy in which he gleefully makes fun of his own legend
This is the first original drama produced for the new Channel 4 digital platform, which will be on YouTube, alongside a broadcast on Channel 4. It packs plenty of intrigue into 45 minutes. Written by Uzo Oleh, Beth stars Nicholas Pinnock and Abbey Lee as Joe and Molly, an interracial couple longing for a child as they struggle with IVF and ponder adoption (“I want our kid to look like both of us”). Eventually, an apparent miracle happens and Imogen is born. But soon, the circumstances around her conception – and Abbey’s relationship with her doctor – become mysterious. Pinnock and Lee do a sensitive job of rendering the retreating intimacies of their collapsing relationship.
Channel 4, from Monday 9 June
This espionage comedy drama has its cake and eats it, with daft genre tropes and knowing humour. The key to its success is Arnold Schwarzenegger as agent Luke Brunner, happily poking fun at his own legend. When we rejoin Luke’s team, they’re in witness protection – and a shocking early death makes the threats they face clear. But they’re going up the wall, and Luke’s agent daughter Emma (Monica Barbaro) is cohabiting with both an ex and her new squeeze. Fortunately, they soon have a new adversary to distract them in the shape of terrifying nihilist Dante. Plus, Carrie-Anne Moss later joins as Luke’s old flame.
