British TV with a bite. (Being Human)

Member Name: Renza_e

Product:	Being Human
Date:	01/03/09 (644 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great storyline, terrific casting, humour and acting (especially Russell Tovey)

Disadvantages: Low budget means some special effects lacking

If there's one thing I have learnt, the British tend to fall flat on their face when it comes to the creation of really great supernatural TV programmes and shows like 'Hex' and 'Demons' are evidence of this fact. Correct me if I'm wrong but when it comes to adding the paranormal into a show, we get absolutely trounced by the Americans. Almost makes me think that if a vampire, a werewolf or a ghost forms the basis of a show, we just can't get it right. 'Being Human' takes all three of these supernatural beings and, to my delight, it does actually work! Not only does it work - It's bloody brilliant.

The programme is based on the idea of a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost who cross paths and end up living together. All three of them have to battle with their rather unusual problems whilst still wishing to retain their humanity and live out a fairly normal life. Mitchell (Aiden Turner), a vampire over a hundred years old, is attempting to go cold turkey on the blood sucking front. George (Russell Tovey) may find it somewhat easier to act normal most of the time but he does have to deal with his on hairy problem of lycanthropy each month (Apparently having a heart attack each time. Ouch!). There is then Annie (Lenora Critchlow), the ghost who resides in the house they move into, stuck in limbo between the human and the spirit world due to the supposedly unresolved circumstances of her death. George and Mitchell have to learn to live with her presence, even if she does fill up the house with countless cups of tea that she can't drink. The programme certainly has an interesting take on these supernatural beings, particularly of vampire lore. Mitchell can get staked, does not have a reflection and cannot be captured by film (Which is apparently why you can't see him as an extra in Casablanca - Knocking a chair so he claims). On the other hand, he can go outside in the sun without burning up, only really holding an aversion to sunlight which makes him don sunglasses. I think this take on vampires works very well with the storyline of the show as the characters attempt to fit in to the community around them.
I have absolutely adored the storylines of 'Being Human'. Not only have I been getting my supernatural 'fix' but it wonderfully satirizes what it is to be human in a British climate - having people round for a cuppa', having some unwitting neighbour accused of being a 'paedo' or simply succumbing to a glass of wine and a bit of intimacy with that particular person. As strange as the three characters are, they all have to endure the very human issues of love and death. That's what I love about this programme - apart from the very obvious it all seems very real.

I am aware that the pilot episode for the series aired last February and was only meant to be a once-off. However, due to an online petition they were able to bring about a full series. I can only thank anyone who actually signed that petition. I completely missed the boat on 'Being Human' and had never heard of it until the start of this year. However, I did manage to watch the pilot online and it was definitely an interesting thing to do after watching the first episode of the new series.
They made the very smart move of recasting the main characters with the exception of Russell Tovey. I am very pleased with the way they did this because the cast are now superb. Tovey who plays George the werewolf is a great actor who some of you may remember from 'History Boys' as well as roles in 'Little Dorrit' and 'Doctor Who'. He also knows how to act 'pain' if the high-pitched screams of his werewolf transformation are anything to go by and definitely doesn't have a problem with getting naked.
There is then, of course, Mitchell the vampire. Now Guy Flanagan wasn't all that bad in the pilot as Mitchell but I can see why they brought in Aiden Turner. His acting is somewhat better and if you thought Guy was rather attractive, Aiden is just gorgeous. The Irish accent isn't exactly a disadvantage either. All of this means that he plays the part of the charming, alluring and brooding vampire rather well.
The best change from the original casting is definitely Annie. The old Annie was just sheer annoying with her voice and manner. It made me think that whatever way she had died I wouldn't be surprised if someone had tried to kill her after listening to her yabbering on. Lenora Critchlow is much better. I can really warm to her character and feel sympathetic and some guys are likely to find her rather beautiful.
There are a whole number of characters which you are introduced to throughout the series which adds colour to the show. There are two excellent baddies (which I won't go in to for fear of spoiling the show for you) and I quite liked the cameo of David Threlfall (who plays Frank in 'Shameless') as another werewolf George meets. The acting of all of characters overall is very good and this shows in the numerous emotional scenes they have.
I also particularly enjoy the black humour of the show and find that the interaction between the characters George and Mitchell inject some of best humour into it. Being Human doesn't take itself too seriously and I love that.

I think the only downsides of the show include the relatively low budget which means that the special effects aren't always great. They make do very well with what they have though, using spooky black eye contacts for the vamps and cleverly using prosthetics for George's transformation. However, it disappointed me somewhat that Annie can't walk through walls and this is most likely due to lack of funds. It has also been pointed out that Mitchell the vampire can be found to reflect in some stuff (although I haven't really noticed). Above all, the fully transformed werewolf is really quite silly and almost makes you think it's a man in a suit. I do know that the reception for this programme has been pretty good and much to my joy it has been commissioned for a second series. I only hope that they obtain a better budget. Hopefully that will also mean a better werewolf.
In addition to the low budget, the first series is only made up of a measly six hour-long episodes. It is another example of great British shows whose series are just too short.

Despite the low budget and lack of episodes, I love this show and have found it to be very addictive viewing, anticipating the next episode every week. All I can say is that, surely it is more worthy than to share a channel with the likes of 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps'? (Pile of tosh in my opinion) Then again, I said the same thing about Torchwood. I think that the corporation are using BBC Three as experimental ground for some new shows - it's become a place where they can tentatively dip their toes in before they dive into the deep end of prime time TV. I do, however, find it hard to see why they could have any doubt about this show because it's absolutely fabulous. I really hope it manages to make BBC2 at least, just as Torchwood series three is being put on BBC1 later this year.

With its great storyline, characters and acting, this programme has received a great reception. All I can say is that you should give it a go. I'm still left excited after watching the last episode of the first series and can't wait for the second series! The DVD is out April (£15.98 on amazon if you pre-order) and I know that I will be getting myself a copy. In the meantime, you can catch up on episodes on BBC iplayer. But be quick - the episodes won't be up forever.

*~Thanks for Reading~* x :)

Summary: Brits can do supernatural too!