Don't Look Back in Anger

In 2004, a devastating tsunami struck South East Asia, causing widespread loss of life. That same year the region introduced bans on smoking in public places, and Irish rider Cian O'Connor initially won Olympic gold in equestrian before the medal was later revoked.

The 2004 episode is a television programme that collates the year’s most talked‑about news items. Produced as a single instalment, it offers a concise look back at the events that dominated headlines during that calendar year. The broadcast centres on three pivotal stories. First, it recounts the devastating tsunami that struck South‑East Asia, a disaster that captured worldwide attention. It then moves to the public‑health milestone when smoking was prohibited in all public venues, marking a significant shift in legislation. Finally, the programme follows the sporting triumph of Irish equestrian Cian O’Connor, who secured Olympic gold only to have the medal subsequently withdrawn. Beyond the core headlines, the episode presents these moments as a snapshot of 2004’s broader cultural and societal climate. By juxtaposing a natural catastrophe, a major policy change, and a high‑profile sporting controversy, it illustrates how disparate events can shape public discourse within a single year. The concise format keeps the focus tight, delivering each story without unnecessary elaboration, and giving viewers a clear sense of the issues that defined that period.