What’s On TV: The best TV in Scotland this week

DRAMA

Homeland

Despite its credulity-stretching plotlines, Homeland, one of the best thrillers on TV, returns for a fifth season. The US drama moves the action along two years from the heat, dust and terror of Islamabad to Berlin, where Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, has left the CIA and is working as head of security for a German philanthropist, Otto Düring, played by Sebastian Koch.

After problems bonding with her child in the last series, Carrie is now a doting mother and appears to have embraced religion as she tries to come to terms with the actions of her past. Add a live-in lawyer boyfriend, played by Alexander Fehling, and life seems to be one of quiet contentment.

The idyll is broken by an Edward Snowden-style leak of American secrets, including details of a US-backed surveillance programme of German citizens, which bring her former employers calling.

The rich supporting cast sees the return of Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend) and Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin), last seen being released after the kidnap plot of season four.

New characters include head of Berlin station Allison Carr (Miranda Otto) and an American journalist, played by Sarah Sokolovic, who, like Carrie’s boyfriend, is working for Düring’s foundation...

Tomorrow, Channel 4, 9pm

REALITY

The Apprentice

Another bunch of self-proclaimed business go-getters strive to over-achieve and win the admiration and cash of Lord Sugar. New aide this time round after the retirement of Nick Hewer is Claude Littner, usually seen dismantling the CVs of the apprentices in the Interview round.

Wednesday and Thursday, BBC1, 9pm

DOCUMENTARY

Ted Hughes: Stronger Than Death

This 90 minute film about the life and career of Ted Hughes, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, includes the first TV interview with his and Sylvia Plath’s daughter, Frieda.

Today, BBC2, 10pm

INTERVIEW

Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success

The former manager of Manchester United and Aberdeen talks to the BBC’s Nick Robinson about his career, sharing his philosophy of how to build – and maintain – successful teams. “I’ve spent my career watching and analysing leaders for a living but I never saw one to match Sir Alex,” says Robinson.

Tomorrow, BBC1, 10:30pm

CRIME

River

Swedish film star Stellan Skarsgård heads this ambitious six-part series, written by Abi Morgan, about a police officer with a mental disorder. When investigating a murder, John River has such empathy for the victims that he creates – or manifests them – in his imagination. These characters are played out on screen as he tries to solve the crime, without revealing his condition to his superiors.

Tuesday, BBC1, 9pm

COMEDY DRAMA

The Mysteries of Laura

Debra Messing stars as Laura Diamond in this entertaining series about a police officer who juggles being a tough cop by day with being a far less sure of herself single mother.

Tuesday, Channel 5, 10:55pm

ENTERTAINMENT

TFI Friday

Chris Evans turns this summer’s one-off revival of his music and talk show into an eight-part series.

Friday, Channel 4, 8pm