Channel 4's Tony Blair Documentary Examines His Calculated Rise and Fall
A new three-part documentary series on Channel 4, titled The Tony Blair Story, offers a deep dive into the former prime minister's political trajectory, from his early days in Sedgefield to the controversial Iraq war. The series, airing at 9pm, portrays Blair as a masterful communicator who excelled at negotiation but lacked substantial political ideology, relying instead on a chameleon-like ability to appeal to diverse audiences.
Insights into Blair's Character and Strategy
The documentary opens with a revealing anecdote: Blair advised his chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, to "Never lose your temper. Except on purpose," highlighting his calculated approach to leadership. This meticulous examination tracks his singular journey to power, exploring what fueled his relentless ambition, yet it stops short of fully explaining the motivations behind his decisions, including the divisive Iraq conflict.
Viewers are presented with a nuanced portrait of a leader whose greatest achievements stemmed from being all things to all people, raising questions about the depth of his political convictions amidst his insistent will to dominate.
Additional Programming Highlights on Channel 4 and Other Channels
Following the Blair documentary, Channel 4 continues with Fukushima: Days That Shocked the World at 10.30pm, a two-part series marking the 15th anniversary of the 2011 nuclear disaster. It features interviews with survivors and witnesses, including British journalist Mure Dickie, who reported from the disaster zone, detailing the tsunami's impact and the near-meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Earlier in the evening, at 8pm, Channel 4 airs Bargain Holiday Secrets, a consumer series hosted by Jasmine Harman. This show provides holiday hacks and insider tips from industry experts, covering everything from city breaks to all-inclusive resorts, aimed at helping viewers maximize value during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Other Evening Television Offerings
On ITV1 at 9pm, The Summit continues with more physical and psychological challenges for the remaining mountaineers, now reduced from 14 to 11, as they climb with dollar signs in their eyes. This episode includes an elimination vote that adds tension and forces contestants to watch their backs.
Sky Witness presents The Rookie at 9pm, where Nolan and Bailey are in Prague for a season eight opener, overseeing a tricky inter-agency operation involving lawyer Monica Stevens and an arms trafficker.
BBC Four's Storyville: The Darkest Web at 10pm follows child sexual abuse prosecution units, offering a gripping yet bleak look at the toll on officers like Greg Squire as they build cases against abusers.
