While Australia is a nation obsessed with sport, its film industry has often sidelined sporting stories, leaving a curious gap in our cinematic landscape. Television, however, is enthusiastically filling the void with compelling miniseries about iconic sporting moments and figures. The latest to ace this serve is the ABC's three-part miniseries, Goolagong, delving into the remarkable career of tennis legend Evonne Goolagong.
Goolagong: More Than Just a Game
Premiering at 8.20pm on Sunday on the ABC, the series starring Lila McGuire proves a sporting drama can captivate audiences far beyond the court's baseline. The narrative weaves through the complex and often controversial aspects of Goolagong's rise, including the questionable actions of her coach, her personal battles with racism, and the professional fallout from her stance on equal prize money, which led to ostracism from some fellow players. This rich tapestry of conflict and triumph ensures the series delivers ample drama, holding the attention of viewers who may not know a lob from a let.
SBS Recalls a Tragedy That Shocked the World
Also on Sunday, SBS offers a sobering historical retrospective. Challenger: Days That Shocked the World airs at 7.30pm, focusing on the catastrophic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster of 1986. The documentary reveals how NASA, seeking to reignite public interest in the shuttle program, placed school teacher Christa McAuliffe on board. The strategy worked, but with tragic consequences, as millions watched live when the shuttle exploded shortly after launch. The film features emotional accounts from the families of the lost astronauts and includes testimony from former NASA officials who had expressed grave concerns about the launch conditions on that fateful day.
Dr Karl Fills the Gaps in His Knowledge
Switching gears to lighter fare, the ABC's resident science communicator is back for a second season of curiosity. Dr Karl's How Things Work returns at 8pm on Tuesday, with the self-professed know-it-all tackling subjects that even he admits are gaps in his vast knowledge. In a quintessentially Australian episode, Dr Karl investigates the science and history behind the humble meat pie. Viewers can expect fascinating tidbits, such as the fact that pie casings were once considered inedible and thrown away, and the surprisingly combustible nature of flour under the right conditions.
This week's television lineup underscores the depth and diversity of Australian broadcasting, from gripping biographical drama and poignant historical documentary to engaging educational entertainment. Each program promises to deliver compelling content, proving that great storytelling transcends its subject matter.
