Compelling programme with an unlikely mix of characters and a fantastic blend of genres (Being Human)

Member Name: SapphireSunflowr

Product:	Being Human
Date:	23/02/09 (115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Main characters with very interesting back stories that you end up really caring about

Disadvantages: Nothing!

I'm a very new recruit (ooh dear, that's a bad pun considering the vampire storyline!) to this programme, but after my other half showed me an episode, I've become a bit hooked, and I'm quickly catching up on I player! Currently showing on BBC3, the programme involves the unlikely mix of a vampire, werewolf and ghost living together in a rented house in Bristol. It succeeds because it combines a number of different genre threads to fantastic effect;

Drama - there's an emotional heart string tug in the form of the ghost, Annie, who is tied to the house after being murdered by her boyfriend. Her sadness and frustration as she tries to free herself and punish him is awful, especially as he remains smug and unmoved throughout. Lenora Crichlow plays this part perfectly, flitting between the confusion of coming to terms with being a ghost, understanding what happened to her and determination to do something about it - followed swiftly by devastation when she realises Owen is still winning, even after her death. Gregg Chillin (good name...) plays the cruel, evil Owen, who actually makes you physically angry as you watch him manipulate both his current and dead girlfriends.

Horror - the central storyline concerning the up-rise of a vampire movement, determined to convert all humans to their tribe, is quite chilling, particularly in the latest episode where Mitchell makes a chilling discover about the troop of vampires he has joined the ranks of. Watching the characters struggle with the choice between 'being human' and their 'monster' sides is compelling, and leaves you genuinely concerned - for both them and us humans - about which side they will choose.

Humour - Russel Tovey as George adds a perfect dose of humour, as unlikely as that sounds, to the show. He plays a bumbling, nervous, well spoken werewolf, who often comes up with some genuinely funny one liners in the middle of what otherwise could be a very heavy concept.

I'm really enjoying watching this programme and would advise you to give it a go - even if, like me, you had taken one look at the ads (vampire, ghost and werewolf living together, amongst humans??) and decided it wasn't for you.

Summary: I Player, now!