Episode 3
Michael Palin starts the final leg of his epic adventure across Venezuela, as he enters Zulia state. Next to the border with Colombia, it is on the UK Foreign Office no visit ‘red zone' list and one of the most dangerous parts of the country, with a history of violence, gang warfare and a recent mass exodus of people - leaving areas like ghost cities.
Michael then embarks on a three-hour boat journey across Lake Maracaibo to a remote fishing village called Ologa. It's the best place to see the famous Catatumbo lightning, but as soon as he arrives, Michael discovers the village has been invaded by thousands of toxic moths and he has to leave immediately. He ends up spending the night in a hammock, on a rickety concrete viewing platform on the lake. He finally sees the lightning, alone, from afar, but only when he gets up to use the loo at 3am, after a feast of fresh crab and a few beers!
The next day, Michael returns to Maracaibo city, once the centre of Venezuela's oil production and city of hope. But while Maracaibo used to be the richest place in Venezuela, much of it is now boarded up, thanks to the collapse of the country's economy. Away from the forbidding streets, exploring Maracaibo's historic centre, Michael finds a livelier side to the city and meets María Peinado. Venezuela is obsessed with a unique idea of feminine beauty which means beauty contests are big business. María was a finalist in the much coveted ‘Miss Venezuela' pageant, but literally fell at the last hurdle. Being an indigenous woman of the region they explore what ethnic identity means in South America.
But Michael has also heard that Venezuela produces the best chocolate in the world and risks a violently bumpy boat journey to the Caribbean coastal town of Chuao. Here, Venezuela feels just like the Caribbean and cacao trees, and a secret recipe, produce the chocolate he's heard so much about - and it doesn't disappoint. And deep into the night, Chuao really comes to life as the Carnival hits town.
Finally, Michael returns to the capital, Caracas, for a government sponsored Carnival parade - where there are guns and soldiers alongside the partying. An endless stream of morotorised floats pass by, and organised chaos begins. And it gives Michael the chance to reflect on Venezuela, a country so beautiful and a people with such spirit. Even with all the challenges of an authoritarian state, Venezuela remains one of the great unseen wonders of the world.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Ghosts
Samantha and Jay throw caution to the wind when they convert their recently inherited country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Call it mislaid plans. Not only is the place falling apart, but it's also inhabited by spirits of previous residents -- whom only Samantha can see and hear. Ghosts spins the funny, heartfelt story about a newfound dream that reveals connection and self-discovery aren't just for the living.
Young Sherlock
Young Sherlock is touted as an irreverent, action-packed origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective in an explosive re-imagining of this iconic character. At age 19, Sherlock Holmes is disgraced, raw, unfiltered, and unformed, when he finds himself caught up in a murder mystery at Oxford University which threatens his freedom. Diving into his first-ever case with a wild lack of discipline, Sherlock manages to unravel a globe-trotting conspiracy that will change his life forever.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set in the 32nd century, a time period in the far-future of the Star Trek franchise where Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets are recovering from a cataclysmic event, as depicted in Star Trek: Discovery. It introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.
Murdoch Mysteries
Set in Toronto at the dawn of the 20th century, Murdoch Mysteries is a one-hour drama series that explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch, a methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city's most gruesome murders. Murdoch's colleagues include the love of his life, coroner and psychiatrist Dr. Julia Ogden, a staunch ally who shares the detective's fascination for science; Constable George Crabtree, Murdoch's eager but sometimes naïve right-hand man; Inspector Brackenreid, Murdoch's skeptical yet reluctantly supportive boss; and coroner Dr. Emily Grace, Dr. Ogden's protégé.
Will Trent
In Will Trent Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta's overwhelmed foster care system. But now, determined to use his unique point of view to make sure no one is abandoned like he was, Trent has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.