Television: Friday, February 13

TV choice

THE LAST DETECTIVE

ITV1, 9pm

The return of this amiable series featuring the detective (Peter Davison) who solves murders by being spectacularly nice. “He’s got this terrible habit,” says a colleague, “of seeing the best in people.” Tonight’s episode involves a drunk who spontaneously combusts after winning the lottery. As a whodunnit, it is dull as dull can be. The enjoyment comes from Davison’s cosy appeal and the eccentricity of the smaller parts — the philosophical friend (Sean Hughes, with Davison), his dyspeptic boss (Robert Spendlove) and a lascivious landlady (Elizabeth Bennett). It is undemanding, end-of-the-week telly to heal the bruised and weary. DC

CHANNEL 4 POLITICAL AWARDS

Channel 4, 7.30pm

Jon Snow hands out awards at the end of a turbulent year