The Human Genome Pearl, 8.30pm Find out all about the chemicals abbreviated to A, T, C and G that make you who you are in this six-part series on the international Human Genome Project that is decoding the human genetic blueprint. For the non-scientist, this is a mind-boggling endeavour: the information contained in the 100,000 or so genes located in the 46 chromosomes in question would fill 700 encyclopedias. This Japanese series focuses on the genetic science, using stories of unusual genetic variations to illustrate how the genome works. In the first episode we learn of the handful of genes, called homeoboxes, that make a human different from a pig, and what makes a lineage in Italy so unique. Animated images of DNA factories at work help us understand the science. The series also addresses the ethical issue, of what we should do with this knowledge of our creation. What the series lacks, though, is the human touch of a strong presenter to make such a complex and important topic gripping for the general viewer.
Shakespeare: The Animated Tales Pearl, 6pm These adaptations of the Bard's tales, co-produced by British and Russian television, are stunning works of art. This week, children, and adults, can enjoy a shortened version of Hamlet. The use of puppets and paint on glass impressively captures the ghostly presence of Hamlet's father and the agonised indecision of the prince of Denmark.
Mr Holland's Opus Pearl, 9.30pm Richard Dreyfuss (above) stars as Glenn Holland, the frustrated composer who for practical reasons spends his career in the classroom, inspiring countless pupils to share his passion for music, rather than achieving greater fame himself. Holland finds fulfilment in his work, but finds it harder to be a dedicated father and husband, especially when his son is the one person with whom he cannot share music.
Queen Christina TCM, 9.55pm Greta Garbo (above) is superb as the hauntingly beautiful 17th-century Swedish queen who escapes a political marriage by donning a male disguise and heading into the countryside where she pursues her love for the Spanish ambassador (1933). This is followed by her first talking movie, Anna Christie (12am), in which she plays a spiritless prostitute who has a chance of salvation when she falls for Charles Bickford. This movie was advertised as'Garbo Talks!' (1930).
Murder At 1600 HBO, 11pm 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, better known as the White House, is the focus of a murder investigation after a member of the president's staff is found dead in the Oval Office bathroom. Wesley Snipes stars as the jaded detective assigned to the case, finding himself embroiled in a cover-up that may reach the highest level of government. While the president (Ronny Cox) tries to deal with a hostage crisis in North Korea, Snipes uncovers the dangerous truth with the reluctant help of Secret Service agent Nina Chance (Diane Lane) (1996).
