Better Late Than Never

'The Late Review' (BBC2) has been knocking around in various forms for over two decades. It's one of 'thetvreviewguy's favourite, if not regrettably oft-watched programmes, as it makes him feel smart. A mixum-gatherum arts review show, ably alternately hosted by the multi-talented Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney - Current Affairs and Arty, 'thetvreviewguy''s kinda gals, it chugs along nicely and does exactly what it says on the tin. Last night's discussion covered the worlds of film, literature, museums, live music, drama and, ahem, television all over 45 minutes and we got the some insightful contributions, particular from Economist columnist Anne McElvoy. 'The Late Review' may not have the stand up arguers that were a feature of the show's predecessor, 'The Late Show,' like Tom Paulin or Tony Parsons (contributors in the 1990s version) but the successor has critics that allow for constructive and excoriating criticism where and when required. The most in depth, and for 'thetvreviewguy', the best part of last night's programme was the overview of '56 Up', which has followed the lives of its participants since they were 7...now that's documentary making. The panellists observed that in today's age of looking for the instant pay-off and pat story line, such a series is unlikely to have been commissioned if we were starting from today's viewpoint. 'The Late Review' has still got it.