This meaty Russian drama centred around a working mother has been likened to Breaking Bad, and with good reason. It’s made plain quite early on in the piece just what a head Marina (Anna Mikhalkova) has for money. The premise is also in keeping with a swath of dramas around the world concerning the desperate measures of cash-strapped women. This is high-stakes, uniquely Russian storytelling that is immediately intoxicating, disturbing and addictive.

BACK ROADS

Series return *** three stars

8pm, ABC

Heather Ewart takes off for a fifth season of remote road-tripping, into what could be the pages of a Jane Harper murder-mystery novel. Near the tiny town of Glen Helen in the Northern Territory’s MacDonnell Ranges, she meets the residents of a cattle station who are thankfully all alive and kicking and all too pleased to share their isolated existence. As is often the case with these vignettes, the reflections of the children make the biggest impact.

THE VOICE
*** three stars

7.30pm, Nine

Yes, some “All-Stars” (read: recycled former contestants) have had a rough time when their second chances at stardom didn’t quite work out as they had hoped. But as they really ought to know, having been once through the reality talent show wringer, that’s showbiz. The process has been a reminder that, one way or another, life goes on for these performers long after their 15 minutes on the stage is up.