Tonight TV: Illicit relationships and revenge in a wonderful period drama | television

A woman of substance

9pm on Channel 4
The rags-to-riches drama continues with young Emma Hart (Jessica Reynolds) choosing a secret relationship with her employer’s son, Edwin Fairley (Ewan Horrocks), rather than taking the opportunity to move to Leeds. However, it can’t end well, as present-day Emma (Brenda Blethyn) still holds a grudge against the Fairley family. And it continues on Thursday as Lenny Rush gives a heartbreaking performance as Emma’s brother. Holly Richardson

Marlowe Murder Club

8 p.m., U & Drama
When Marlowe’s beloved Mayor drops dead in the middle of a city council meeting, everyone present becomes suspects. It’s the perfect locked room mystery to challenge DS Tanika Malik’s crime-solving team, and the perfect opening sequence to this cozy crime show. Ellen E. Jones

Beyond the brush

8 p.m., Sky Arts

“This painting has no meaning at all.” James Payne is an art historian helping to tell the story of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, as part of a series that takes a closer look at the famous paintings. Perhaps Monk’s experience with his father’s depression, his mother’s death, and his sister’s schizophrenia can explain the disturbing picture. Human resources

hostage

9pm on BBC Two
The final episode of this fascinating series on ISIS kidnappings follows the continuing story of journalist John Cantlie. After fellow hostage Jim Foley was beheaded, many in the UK were shocked to see Cantlie repeating ISIS propaganda. Was he simply trying to survive? This issue is explored carefully and meticulously. Phil Harrison

Stolen girl

9pm on ITV1
Was it wise – or even ethical – for me to write an article suggesting that Elissa’s (Denise Gough) religious upbringing led to her daughter’s kidnapping? Regardless, intrepid reporter Salma (Ambika Maude) won’t back down. She is determined to uncover the truth, and in this penultimate episode she discovers a key link between Elisa and a fatal traffic accident. Eig

We may regret this

10pm on BBC Two
The four-episode comedy miniseries finale is a chicken-from-hell story (always fun, even if this one is painful). But while this prompts Freya to question the entire wedding, Abe tells his ex-wife, Jane, elsewhere, that he is finally ready to sell their house. And all the while, the lead-up to the big day is being nurtured on social media. Human resources

Live sports

UEFA Champions League Football: Liverpool x Galatasaray, 7pm on TNT Sports 1 Barcelona vs. Newcastle on TNT Sports 2, Tottenham vs. Atletico Madrid on TNT Sports 3.

Women’s Super League Football: West Ham United – Man United7.05pm, BBC Three Chelsea v Brighton at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event.