TV tonight: detectors McDonald and Dodds are back with a bang Television & radio

McDonald & Dodds

9f, ITV

Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins repeat their roles as the unlikely crime-solving duo McDonald and Dodds in the second series of this magical detective drama set in Bath. In this first-of-three star movie, McDonald and Dodds are summoned to the site of a hot air balloon crash where 80s stars Barbara (Patsy Kensit) and Mick (Martin Kemp) have escaped death. While they are left largely unnoticed, another passenger, Frankie, is missing. Did he sacrifice himself for his friends, or was he pushed? Ammar Kalia

Attenborough life in color

7pm, BBC One

David Attenborough brings out this series exploring the role of color in the lives of animals, using new camera technology to see previously unseen communication signals and rituals. We open by analyzing how color attracts attention, from the tails of a wonderful peacock to a moving mushroom. AK

A new life in the sun: A road trip

7f, Channel 4

In early 2021, a fresh start somewhere warmer will have been difficult for many of us. In this series Fred Sirieix meets a few fallen Brits. He visits a boutique hotel in Andalucia, a pair of prospective wedding designers and an ambitious single mother. Phil Harrison

Chris Packham’s Animal Einsteins

8pm, BBC Two

This program is all about communication: from birds, used to attract mates, and exploring why the white perch has changed its tune, to dolphins that have names for individual animals, except “ I like fish ”or“ No. like fish ”. Plus: Chimp sign language. Ali Catterall

The large pottery will throw down

8pm, Channel 4

It’s semi-final week and that means an American theme to our remaining amateur ceramics. It’s an unusual task at first, throwing a Native American Acoma pottery that has been burnt in cow dung, before being challenged at speed to make as many Alabama ring bottles as possible. AK

Bloodlands

9pm, BBC One

There was little evidence of the impact of action producer Jed Mercurio last week when this new series began, but it is now, as Bloodlands grows into a spiky thicket of worms , afflictions, false identities and sudden murders. The surprise at the end of this latest, gripping statement is definitely killing. Jack Seale

Film selection

The way back.
The way back. Photo: Claire Folger / Allstar / Fox

Way back, 12.15am, Channel 4

A humorous and humorous bit of abstract family life directed by the writers of The Descendants, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Teenager Duncan (Liam James), on holiday with his mother (Toni Collette) and new girlfriend (Steve Carell), is seeking refuge at an aquapark managed by acclaimed Sam Rockwell. Paul Howlett

Live fun

Premier League Football: Leicester City v Arsenal 11.30am, BT Sport 1. With three more games to follow on the Sky Sports Main Event, including Chelsea v Manchester United at 4.30pm.

S.WGC Golf: At the 5pm league, Sky Sports Golf. The final round of the first World Golf Championship event of the year.

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