On TV

Bodyshock: Born With Two Heads (C4)

One episode left and those of us who think Life On Mars is the best thing on TV are praying that doctors don't manage to bring Sam out of his coma. That means his alive self can stay in 1973 where he's trapped in a never-ending episode of The Sweeney.

Berni Inns, The High Chaparal and Fiona Richmond were among things name-checked this week to stir the memory of older viewers. Nostalgia is the window-dressing on crime stories illustrating the difference in police methods and approach 30 years apart.

In the latest story, a suspect died in police cells after being made to share a space with a hard nut criminal in a bid to make him talk. What developed was a tough, tense drama as Sam, appalled at macho 70s-style policing, tried to uncover the truth as the moral compass in a dodgy department, as someone called him. All the while, he's hoping that a breakthrough in the case will take him back to the present day.

I wonder how many more medical oddities Bodyshock can find. Born With Two Heads told of an Egyptian baby, Manar, who had a second head attached to her skull. We were promised a unique medical and emotional journey, although it was one that skirted close to being a freak show. Only ten two-headed cases have been recorded in medical history, of which only three were born alive. As in the case of the mermaid child featured in an earlier Bodyshock, the whole thing turned into a media circus with her mother discovering her condition from seeing a photograph on the front of the local paper. The second head - classed as a parasite - had a brain but no body. It showed reflexive behaviour and a different personality to Manar, whose heart was under strain from keeping both heads alive. The only hope was to remove the parasitic head, even if the operation cost a tenth of the hospital's annual budget. There were ethical problems too as the second head would die once separated.

Grant Mufti, Eygpt's most senior cleric, had to give his permission for the operation which, inevitably, was televised. When the infant was well enough to leave hospital, it wasn't to go home but to the US to be paraded, along with her medical team, on Oprah Winfrey's TV show - a sight more distressing than any deformed baby. A final shocking twist was that it had put Manar's whole future in danger. There are fears she's brain damaged. Despite everything she's gone through, her future is uncertain.

Tim Garland and The Northern Underground Orchestra, Darlington Arts Centre

"HAVE fun," Tim Garland said to the audience just before the piece dedicated to Durham Miners' Gala began. Little did we realise just how much fun. Flag March managed to combine a mixture of oompah with rock guitar to produce a fantastic contemporary jazz sound - setting the tone for a night full of surprises.

It wasn't the first time composer and saxophonist Garland had played at Darlington Arts Centre, but it was a first for his new 13 piece big band ensemble, the Northern Underground Orchestra. Judging by Saturday's gig it carries some of the best talent in the North and beyond, a band which seem to gel well together and love what they do.

Much of the music was penned by Garland himself and, as well as Flag March, featured music inspired by the North-East, such as Angel Of The North and Tynemouth Spray.

All the soloists were excellent, but a highlight was the fantastic fretwork of Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum. Garland himself was a joy to watch and listen to, switching from the flute to the saxophone to the bass clarinet with ease. A real master at work.

The evening was enhanced by the powerful guest vocals of gospel/soul diva Hannah Jones, who provided a fantastic rendition of the classic, At Last.

Garland has just recorded an album with the orchestra for release in the summer. If you can't catch them live, buy the album and "have fun" in your living room.

Lindsay Jennings

The Rifles with Milburn, Carling Academy 2

From time to time it's possible to leave a gig thinking that you've seen something truly special. With two of the 'tips for 2006' on the bill, this gig couldn't have been more special.

Milburn are potentially the best band of this year, their incredibly catchy ska tinged rock is simply superb. It was impossible to pick a weakness in their 30-minute support set; they looked good, sounded amazing and had a great stage presence. Lead singer Joe Carnell worked the crowd perfectly with banter and panache and the crowd went absolutely wild for them.

Thanks to their last single, Local Boy, hype for main act The Rifles has really gone into overdrive in the last few months and on the basis of last night the hype is fully justified. This excellent set was a blast of good solid rock 'n' roll; new single Repeated Offender sounded fantastic and is sure to be successful when it's released on March 6. But it was Local Boy which stood out the most and it looks set to be their anthem.

Keir Waugh