Leonardo (Amazon Prime)
Frank of Ireland (Channel 4) | All 4
Not one week semi-out of lockdown, half a crack of light, and we’re already caught in rows over deference, and a BBC row entirely of its own making, and not one but three programmes reminding us how the planet’s off to hell in a burning handcart. Not complaining, as such; I just might have liked a few days off to smell the coffee blossom.
The most accessible of these was most likely Ade Adepitan in the Solomon Islands and Australia, the first of three shows in his
Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline series. The host is simply such a warm companion these days, whether shifting ever so agilely from his wheelchair to lie on the sand, eye level with the baby turtles existentially threatened by being born 99% female, or charming his way into the hearts of grumpy sheep farmers, that you hardly mind the multiplicity of oohs and aahs, rather than rigorous scientific analysis.
Perhaps there are some people out there who only want to parent, and nothing else, but speaking personally, I would go mad. There is an assumption when you become a parent that this is it for you now, this is where you find your rewards and it is obviously an incredibly challenging, rewarding experience but for many of us, it can’t be everything. I, therefore, had dozens of hobbies and interests, and never gave much thought to her lack thereof. I think I partly fell into the trap of thinking that being a mother would somehow be enough. It’s not though, is it?