Lost Cities of the Maya: Revealed (C4, 8pm)
The Mayan civilisation is now sadly consigned to the history books but its legacy resonates strongly within our own to this day – whether it’s elements of architecture still found in Mexico and Central America, ancient pre-Hispanic sites scattered throughout the region or in the plotlines of Hollywood movies (for some reason we’re preoccupied with misinterpreted Mayan prophecies of armageddon). This documentary uses exclusive access to the results of a huge scientific research project to learn more about the ancient civilisation, revealing fascinating insights into a people who remained largely hidden in the jungles of Central America, and transforming everything we thought we knew about the Maya.
South Korea: Earth’s Hidden Wilderness (BBC2, 8pm)
Sport aside, the Olympics offers a unique opportunity for a host country to raise its profile, as people around the world want to get to know more about the nation. For those who have not yet had enough of seeing footage from South Korea, after another day’s live coverage, there’s this fascinating insight into the country’s natural history. Impeccably filmed as always, it charts the varied landscapes that the southern part of the peninsula has to offer and the myriad different species which have made their homes in its coastlines, forests, mountains and plains – from raccoon dogs and dolphins to cicadas and hawks.
Endeavour (STV, 8pm)
Hollywood glamour comes to Oxford as the stars of a horror movie begin filming in the city. Meanwhile, the unexplained poisoning of a former detective sergeant leads Endeavour and Thursday to a local cinema, which is playing host to the film’s stars. While Thursday fears there could be growing unrest in Oxford’s underworld, the case takes a turn when the cinema’s organist is also poisoned. The film’s star is convinced a mysterious Egyptian curse is to blame and the detectives find themselves uncovering long-kept secrets and a revenge plot. Finally, Thursday receives a visit from his estranged brother Charlie.
McMafia (BBC1, 9pm)
Alex travels to Moscow, ready to do business, but he remains dreadfully unaware of the devastation that Dmitri’s recent actions have caused – or the danger he is unwittingly rushing into. As the full horror of the situation finally catches up with him, Alex is forced to play the one card he has left in his hand to stand a chance of saving himself, before heading off to face a final showdown with Vadim and Ilya. Conclusion of the crime drama, starring James Norton, Juliet Rylance and Merab Ninidze.
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