Michael Portillo sports a strikingly modern edition of his Bradshaw’s Continental Handbook, dated 1936. His destination lies close to his heart: the ancient kingdom of Spain and land of his father, recommended in Michael’s guidebook for its exceptional climate and glorious history. 1936 was a turbulent time in Spain, with political upheaval descending into a brutal civil war. Michael begins an emotional rail journey, which takes him deep into his family’s past and reveals the tentacles of the regime which forced his father into exile.
The Independent, a brand-new skyscraper in Texas is a gravity-defying engineering marvel with a one-of-a-kind shape, and to build it, experts use cutting-edge construction and design that pushes modern-day tower-building to strange and innovative heights.
Schwalmstadt, a 12th-century fortress surrounded by a moat, houses some of Germany's worst offenders, many of whom attend intense therapy sessions.
The tropical island of Mauritius is home to Melrose maximum security prison, where even the smallest infraction is met with extreme punishment.
An unnerved Rowe contends with aggressive cellmates at Maseru prison, where a high number of inmates are behind bars for rape.
Raphael Rowe spends a week behind bars at Tacumbu prison in Paraguay, where inmates scrounge in the trash in order to pay their own way.
Emma, Daniel and Barbara head to the Regional Realtors Association of Tasmania Conference, where Barbara is hot property amongst the other agents. Emma sees an opportunity for Daniel to meet someone.
Sasha and Jeremy reassess the case of a petty criminal who was sentenced to death for murdering a policeman in an Essex country lane in 1927.
The Barristers examine the case of a young off-duty soldier who was convicted of murdering a family friend in Bishop Auckland, County Durham on New Year's Eve in 1934.
In this episode, Monica Galetti and Giles Coren visit Schloss Elmau, a hotel deep in the snowy Bavarian Alps that claims to be a cultural hideaway and restore their guests mind, body and soul. Monica joins in the daily meditation session for the restaurant staff, and Giles recites poetry and travels to a mountain hut to serve dinner, while dressed in lederhosen. They join the hotel guests for an evening of world-renowned musicians playing for free.
Stuart tackles a 200-metre fatberg in Manchester, newly qualified "leak listener" Dan detects holes in the water company's network, and the Steves attract donkey attention.
Mina and Karen venture into a new neighborhood, Irvington, where Mina acquired a home from a real estate friend. When a serious problem arises with the small cottage, the entire plan for the property changes and making a profit becomes an enormous hurdle.
It is Christmas time on Ravenseat Farm, and all nine children are home for the holidays. Four-year-old Clemmy has her hands full nursing a premature calf. Clive has rigged up an ancient contraption to cook the festive roast.
Emerging from a 15-year coma, a woman sets out to recoup her losses.
Sirus, the Architect for the Box of Worlds, breaks ranks with Clock. Aria and Eyeball use a serum to kickstart Mouse's memory and he remembers working with them and helping to create the Box of Worlds.
Rylium CEO Noah is informed of an intimacy breach with one of their "emBeds", and decides to send his brother Abel to take care of it. Meanwhile, Aisha seeks Levi's help to test the limits of what she's capable of.
Adam and his "ride or die" Blake Anderson put the pedal to the metal when they take part in a demolition derby.
At the stables' Family Fun Day, the kids compete with rivals Dulmoth Park. Issie's visions become hard to ignore and her reckless behaviour endangers her future at the stables.