TV PICKS OF THE WEEK By Lisa Jewell

Get stuck into these top TV choices this week

Documentary – Trump v Ireland

Monday 24 April, 10pm, 3

Matt Cooper presents this two part documentary that examines the impact of Trump’s presidency on both Irish people living in America (legally and illegally) and the Irish nation itself.

Trump’s connection with Ireland so far has manifested itself in buying up our golf courses and holding up the old shamrock with his new friend Enda Kenny on St Patrick’s Day. He’s made a beeline for tax cuts for American originated companies like Google and Apple in a bid to bring them back home, a move that would have a knock on effect on our economy.

The series also looks at the Irish American influence in the White House – Trump lacks Irish heritage but his stalwarts Mike Pence, Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway all have Irish American connections. The series continues on Tuesday at the same time.

Film – The Two Faces of January

Thursday 27 April, 7.05pm, Film4

This period thriller has a strong Talented Mr Ripley feel to it, which isn’t surprising as it’s also adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel. The central characters also comprise of a woman and two men – this time played by Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Oscar Isaac.

The film’s settings are gorgeous, with key scenes in Greece and Turkey. The plot concerns a con artist and his wife (Mortensen and Dunst) who are visiting Athens and make the acquaintance of a tour guide come scammer (played by Isaac). When a detective following Mortensen’s character turns up dead, all three become suspects and flee Athens together. From there, the plot only continues to thicken….

Film – Carol

Saturday 28 April, 9pm, Channel 4

Would you believe, another film adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel? This time, the story is set in early 1950s New York when an aspiring photographer Therese (played by Rooney Mara) meets the elegant and older Carol (Cate Blanchett) in a Manhattan department store. A pair of lost gloves leads to a friendship between the two and later into a secret love affair.

When the relationship turns sexual, there are consequences all around, especially for Carol who is going through an acrimonious divorce. Beautifully directed by Todd Haynes with both female leads getting acting nominations for their roles. The cast also includes Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson.