Innholdsfortegnelse for 06 May 2021 i TV Plus English

Documentaries have become an increasingly popular way to tell stories, especially when there’s an important social awareness message being conveyed. Streaming platform Showmax has a serious collection of doccie specials for you to binge that cover everything from politics, to race, to the desperate fight for survival. TRAFFIC STOP 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary Traffic Stop exposes US police prejudice against people of colour that was again highlighted by the recent conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin. He was found guilty of using excessive, undue force after arresting George Floyd in 2020, which led to George’s death. While it’s the few who’re causing trouble, US law enforcement has a reputation for being racially biased and it’s shown in graphic detail as unassuming 26-year-old teacher Breaion King comes under attack from…

Too Hot To Be Single Season 1 Thursdays SABC1 (*191) 21:00 Despite their strikingly good looks and unique sense of humour, the contestants on new dating game-show Too Hot To Be Single (THTBS) are unlucky at love. They’ve tried meeting their potential partners on dating apps, but they end up swiping left instead of right. And when it comes to blind dates, theirs have ended in disaster and heartache. Hopefully, their misery is about to end when they leave the THTBS stage as actor and host Lawrence Maleka (Zolani in telenovela The River, 2018-now, see p36) is chiming in to assist the singletons meet their soulmates. “Each week, a hot single – male or female – who’s searching for love, is presented with five possible matches. The matches go through…

After weeks of their complaints falling on deaf ears, the nurses at Durban Gen hospital are left with no other option than to set their long-overdue strike in motion this fortnight. Their refusal to work comes after Phumeza’s (Tsidi Makitle) suspension – without notice or pay – in mid April following a patient being injured while under her care. “In the past, doctors failed to follow protocol during surgery and a patient died, yet there were no disciplinary measures taken against them. Instead, the matter was swept under the carpet. The nurses demand the same grace for Phumeza,” says Nombulelo Mhlongo, who’s outspoken character Sne is at the helm of the nursing strike. Rather than attend to the nurses’ grievances, the hospital’s management hires stand-ins, which makes matters worse. “By…

Viewers knew earlier this year that Thokozile (Nqobile Sipamla) wasn’t dead despite watching her son Nkululeko (Nkanyiso Mchunu) telling people that he had her remains cremated. “She escaped with her life and fled town, while Nkululeko, aware that the body he was looking at in the morgue wasn’t his mom, knows that Thoko is still out there,” says Nkanyiso. And out of sight has meant out of mind for the last few months. But now Thoko is back in town, she’s hiding under the cover of being a servant of the church, and she’s got inside help from Nkululeko’s girlfriend Fikile (Phindile Gwala). What does Thoko want and how far is she willing to go to get it? Let’s just say that the god of her church isn’t the only…

Make no mistake: escort madam Georgina aka Gigi (Nambitha Ben-Mazwi) doesn’t dabble in the business. But she does know how to use her feminine wiles to get ahead in her personal life. “Gigi knows how to lure in property developer Muzi (Sdumo Mtshali). She uses her body and sex and she gets him to fall in love with her. But there is actual romance despite the fact that he’s married,” says Nambitha. Muzi and his architect business partner wife Lwandle (Jo-Anne Reyneke) have been trying to have a baby for years following an offscreen miscarriage and that has left cracks in their marriage, which Nambitha says Gigi is happy to take advantage of. “Gigi has spotted the gaps and she has used that to target Muzi. She has what he…

It’s taken some time but it appears that ex-doctor Siya Thuli (Gantane Kusch) has found peace. If he hadn’t pleaded guilty in February this year to the murder of his rapist Denver (Marlon Swarts), Siya wouldn’t have been able to live with his conscience, and he would’ve been on a path of self-destruction says Gantane. “Siya also addressed his drinking problem and is trying to get his life back on track,” adds Gantane. The biggest obstacle currently plaguing Siya is money. But before he can address it, another opportunity comes his way and it may just be Siya’s calling… PEW POSSIBILITIES “Because Siya is no longer a doctor, his income has disappeared,” says Gantane, explaining that his character is earning a pittance at the moment working for the church, albeit…

Season 3 of drama series Coroner (2019-now) has dropped even more creepiness on our screens, Mondays on Universal TV (*117) at 20:00, with its ultra-realistic sets and macabre corpses as Toronto-based coroner Jenny Cooper (Serinda Swan, Chloe in sport dramedy Ballers, 2015-2019) investigates the murders. So it’s time to do a little investigating of our own as Serinda and executive producers Morwyn Brebner and Adrienne Mitchell reveal more about the show’s prop bodies… LIVING WITH DEATH How do you deal with the visual horror of the prop bodies? Adrienne: We are in the world of make believe, but what does start to feel normal, which is strange, is gross things. The autopsies and the mystery of the body and how Morwyn and the team come up with all sorts of…

Avenue 5 Season 1 Fridays (from 14 May) M-Net (*101) 22:30 The idea of travelling through space for exploration and knowing more about the universe is one thing, but strapping yourself to tons of fuel and shooting yourself into orbit for a vacay is a whole other story, says Hugh Laurie, who plays ship commander Captain Ryan Clark in sci-fi series Avenue 5 (2020-now). “It’s ridiculous, preposterous. The concept of holidaying in space is the most incredibly smug thing I’ve ever heard of. And that’s exactly why I signed on for this show,” says the actor who is famous for his more serious roles like Dr Gregory House in medical drama House MD (2004-2012) and arms dealer Roper in crime drama miniseries The Night Manager, 2016). “I love serious roles…

The hair competition is more than just a contest for Nosipho (Nompilo Maphumulo). She’s hoping that it will put KwaNjomane hair salon back on the map as KwaMashu’s best spot for styles, ’dos and hot gossip. The red carpet has been rolled out, the judges have arrived and there’s a strong smell of hairspray in the air. It’s not the intricate hairstyles that will turn heads – instead, Uzalo fans are going to be spoilt when GC (Khaya Dladla) and Thobile (Nokuthula Mabika) sashay their way into the spotlight. “The pair needed a reason to stay in KwaMashu after they finished with the late April surprise wedding for MaNgocbo (Dawn Thandeka King,” says Khaya, who left the soapie in 2019. “They enter the competition with the excuse that they’re just…

Tendamudzimu (Nat Ramabulana) has money, power, the mansion and the tailored suit. But there is one thing that he’s always struggled to scheme together: the perfect woman by his side and kids to round off the family. But after fighting tooth and nail he’s always wanted. And there’s a baby on the way too. But there’s a problem brewing and it’s closer than Tenda realises: his out of control nephew Hulisani (Burnett Gededger) is gambling again. “Their relationship is complicated, as Tenda has felt responsible for his twin brother Tshamano’s son Huli,” explains Nat. “Tshamano (played by Nat) went to prison for a crime Tenda committed and Tshamano murdered Azwindini’s son before dying in 2019.” Hulisani has been able to guilt-trip Tenda into giving him whatever he wants. “There are…

It’s only been a month since DiepCity started and car mechanic ex-convict Nox (Nozuko Ncayiyane) hasn’t been able to catch a break. Her workshop has been raided by thugs stealing her equipment, and her family’s personal dramas have drained her. “She’s faced with one hurdle after the other. It’s a surprise that she’s still standing,” says Nozuko, whose character is hit with yet another obstacle this fortnight. Nox learns that her teenage sister Lungile (Luyanda Shezi) is being held hostage by their mom Zandile’s (Dawn Thandeka King) loanshark because Zandile didn’t pay her debt of R65 000. “Nox returns to crime to settle Zandile’s loan and free Lungile. It’s the least she could do after all the trouble she’s put her family through,” explains Nozuko. Despite the risks, Nox and…

As 9-Nine radio station’s most promising assistant, Mapula (Mapula Mafole) is looking at climbing the corporate ladder. “Not only is she hardworking and efficient, Mapula is the type of employee who goes beyond the requirements of her job description. She deserves a promotion,” explains Mapula the actress. To prove that she’s capable, Mapula considers pitching an idea to her boss Ziyanda (Linda Sokhulu), which could bring more listeners to the breakfast show. “It’s called DJ For A Day. Basically listeners record a soundclip and send it to the station. The listener with the most creative clip is invited to co-host the show,” adds the actress. But her character makes a mistake of revealing her idea to her DJ bestie Sindiswa (Mbalenhle Zakwe). What follows is disastrous, reveals Mapula. “Sindiswa steals…

PREVIOUSLY Debra made a troubling discovery, and Lee-Roy made plans for his performance with Lionel. A new employee was hired at Janice’s salon, and Langes wondered if he should tell Debra that he was involved in Wendy’s criminal organisation. 5 – 6 MAY Debra is broken by the truth about her mother Wendy, and Caleb tells Janice about his parents. Keesha finds a solution to her battles with maths, and Lionel realises where his priorities are. Captain Krige is surprised when Janice reveals that Caleb is her intern, and Debra wonders if she should give Wendy another chance. 10 – 13 MAY Debra and Langes prepare for their meeting with Wendy, and Janice is wary of Captain Krige’s sudden interest in her salon. Caleb and Keesha have their first session…

Stephanie McMahon has wrestling in her blood – her dad Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr is the WWE CEO – check out the action on SuperSport WWE (*236) – and she’s been married to WWE Superstar Triple H (real name Paul Levesque, who is also the WWE Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy and Development). But she is a wrestling powerhouse on her own. The 44-year-old started as a merchandiser for the family business and has done just about everything until being made WWE Chief Brand Officer in 2013. She’s won gold as the Women’s Champion, and more than that, Stephanie has championed equality in a sport once dominated by men. A WOMAN’S WORD What is your message to female fans watching the WWE? I say this to all women –…

Coyote Season 1 Mondays (from 17 May) Universal TV (*117) 20:00 Refugees and people fleeing their home countries for freedom and safety is nothing new – see the doccies on p12 for some eye-opening real-life stories. But there’s another tale being told at the Unite States-Mexico border in single-season thriller Coyote (2021), explains lead star Michael Chiklis. “My character Ben Clemens, he is a normal guy. He works at the Border Patrol and he’s retiring in episode 1. He has spent 32 years keeping people out of the United States illegally.” Thanks to an unfortunate turn of events, he’s now got to smuggle people in. Before hanging up his handcuffs, Ben discovers a tunnel during a routine patrol and it’s somehow linked to a late friend. “He has a moral…

Jack Mabaso (Vusi Kunene) has been with Generations since the early ’90s in its previous incarnation that ran from 1994 until the actor revolt in 2004. He’s cemented himself as one of the most feared but loved villains on the smallscreen, whether it’s his dealing with crazy Russians, or dodgy drug pushers or women – he’s become an iconic figure in the local television scene. Even Vusi admits that he’s grown to adore his character over the years. Having always wanted to play “the bad guy”, Vusi was elated when he was cast 26 years ago. “I’m attached to Jack because that was my first soap opera role. People have never forgotten Jack and he has stayed with me for so long.” But now it’s time to leave the legendary…

Considering that he is Turfloop’s most-loved actor and poet, it’s rather strange that fan favourite Wallet (Molefi Monaisa) hasn’t had more luck when it comes to love. In fact, he hasn’t had much romance in his life at all, says Molefi. “But that is about to change! He falls for two feisty women and it will be interesting.” Having recently taken up a position at the Kunutu spaza shop, Melita (Hellen Motsuki) has been spending more time with shop regular Wallet. For now, it’s mostly business. But Molefi says it could become something. “Wallet and Melita start seeing more of each other, and I think that’s how Wallet starts to take a liking to her.” At first, Wallet isn’t sure about his feelings. Is it simply a blossoming friendship or…

Since returning to Legacy Investments, Petra (Trix Vivier) hasn’t had the best of times – thanks to her new manager Mike (Russel Savadier, Gary in comedy series Taryn & Sharon, 2017). He’s a sex pest and he’s about to be exposed. “Sexual harassment is never revealed in one action. It’s a series of comments, micro aggressions that make the victims (most often women) uncomfortable,” explains Trix. “When the physical abuse takes place, the victim has been so manipulated that they question their sense of rationality.” Having turned unsuccessfully to Angelique (Michelle Botes), who brought Mike to Legacy, Petra takes matters into her own hands – and she has every right to in the important real-world storyline. “As a woman in film, I have absolutely experienced what Petra is going through,”…

When it comes to romance and relationships in Hillside, Marko (Francois Lensley) and Rickus (André Lötter) aren’t what you’d call role models thanks to their many, many flops with love. “Shame, they’re really kind and try to help Thomas with advice, but they give him conflicting tips,” says 15-year-old Vian Singleton, who portrays smitten matric student Thomas. The teen character notices 16-year-old Mieke (Reze-Tiana Wessels, who is 23) when he bumps into his friend Shawn (Deànré Reiners) in the arcade and “he has instant butterflies. She likes him too, and that’s where trouble starts,” says Vian with a laugh. Because while he’s happy being himself, “guardian angels” Marko and Rickus have other ideas. UNHELPFUL HANDS Looking at Marko and Rickus, they are two very different men with different approaches to…