RUSSELL TOVEY - No.442

Review: Being Human Season 1

Friday, July 30, 2010

By Athena from http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

Being Human is an extraordinary look into the lives of hospital porters George and Mitchell. Toiling anonymously in Bristol, England, they lead lives of quiet desperation under the burden of a terrible secret - Mitchell's a vampire and George is a werewolf. Deciding to start life afresh and leave behind the dark side, they move into a house, only to find that Annie, the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious circumstances, haunts it. As the three deal with the challenges of their new lives together, they're united in their desire to blend in with their human neighbours. However, with unwelcome intruders into their world, a threatened revolution from the vampire underworld, constant threats of exposure, and the day-to-day issues faced by young people - the only thing they may be able to rely on is each other.

I am sure it hasn't escaped any one's attention that recently there has been a surge of paranormal television shows premiering or returning for additional seasons. Almost all of which features vampire-centred story lines and main characters. After a while it starts to feel as if you are watching the same show over and over again. If you are having feeling of déjà vu each time you turn on your T.V. then I suggest watching Being Human.

Being Human is about a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost (no this isn't a set up for one of those 'walked into a bar...' jokes) and their idle attempt to lead lives of normalcy. George (played by Russell Tovey) is a werewolf that hates what he was turned into and tries to avoid human relationships for fear of anyone finding out his secret. George is my favourite character. He is very lovable character who has a tendency of panicking in tense situations. He made me laugh more than a few times and his their when his friends need him. Over the course of the short 6 episode season, his character starts to develop more confidence in himself and in the end, surprises me with his actions.

Annie (played by Lenora Crichlow) died and has yet to move on to the other side. She has a sweet and innocent quality about her that straddles the line between being lovable and being annoying. I think her character goes through the biggest transformation during this season. Annie starts out as this somewhat of a naive girl and by the she stands up for herself and is willing to go after those who dare harm others.

Mitchell is a vampire who struggles with his craving for blood every day. He feels that with each person he kills he is taken further and further away from humanity. He is not a soul less creature like the rest of his kind. He cares for Annie and George and tries his best to help them lead as normal of a life as they can for being what they are. I'm kind of disappointed with Mitchell's character. I really enjoy the scenes with him and his friends and he is a funny guy but his vampire side feels weak and not the powerful being vampires are always portrayed as. I kept waiting for him to do something that would WOW me but it never happened. Perhaps next season.

During season 1 of Being Human Mitchell, George and Annie are all trying to overcome their personal demons while trying to lead a simple life. They are constantly running into obstacles that they will need each other to overcome. This includes a powerful vampire that believes it is time for his kind to come out of the shadows and take what is rightfully theirs. Being Human goes from light and funny one minute to suspenseful and emotional the next. You are never quite sure what you will get with each episode and the season ends even better than it started.

By Stephanie from http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

Well, what can I say about this show that Steph has not so adequately all ready covered? The show may only be just 6 episodes but they are at least an hour long and keep you entertained the entire time. There is magic between the characters and they learn to help and take help from each other. It is packed with a lot of humour a little action and a bit of romance.

George is the omega wolf. I think he just might pee his pants if he ever met an alpha wolf from one of my books. He is my favourite character though. He is hilarious and he still has much of his humanity left . He strives to keep it and be normal, live that normal life he thinks he is missing out on. He will grow in the show and he will become more confident in what he is. He is a loyal and great friend to Mitchell and Annie. He is willing to go to bat for either of them knowing he does not stand a chance of winning the fight, but he steps in none the less and throws his whole self in to help his friends.

Mitchell is the world’s worst vampires, he does not dink blood he does not have super strength or move really fast, but he loves his friends and is willing to do just about anything to protect them. He has a big heart and wants to save the world. He gets a bit wrapped up in what he thinks is the right thing and it takes a friend from his past to show him the error of his ways. I like him he is nice, he can look handsome at times, and not so much other times. It will be nice to see what his character does next season.

Annie is a cutie for sure. She is sweet and caring a bit naive at first. I think she is very pretty. She is a very strong character, she just is not confident enough in herself to see that yet. She is having a hard time with the fact she has not crossed over and once she starts to put stuff together and figures out why she is still here, she then comes into her powers and wow! She just needs to learn how to use and channel the power she has. I can’t wait to see how she develops in the next season.

All in all I like the show, but I am a sucker for supernatural shows. This show is very funny and it keeps you interested and as Stephanie said, it gets better with each episode. I would recommend you check out this series.