Being Human
A ghost, a vampire and a werewolf walk into a bar…scratch that. A ghost, a vampire and a werewolf move into an apartment, work together and have their lives taped to find out what happens when people stop being human. There we go, that’s a little closer to the premise of the BBC show Being Human.
I recently had the pleasure of viewing the British supernatural drama-comedy Being Human. It follows three otherworldly characters trying to pass themselves off as humans; Lenora Crichlow as Annie, the ghost, Aiden Turner as Mitchell, the vampire and Russell Tovey as George, the werewolf. I’ll admit, when I first heard about the plot I thought it was silly (How exactly does a ghost pass herself off as human?) and not worth my time but it came highly-recommended by a friend so I gave it a shot. I’m glad I did.
The series consists of only six episodes plus the original pilot. All but one of the original cast from that pilot followed over into the series and that’s Tovey. You may remember him as the Little Sailor That Could, Midshipman Frame, from Doctor Who’s “Voyage of the Damned.” It was the best move they could have made as he turns out to be the heart and soul of the entire show. Creator and writer Toby Whithouse still considers the pilot canon even though he reuses some of the material in the first episode so it’s worth a viewing if you can find it.
As with most tv shows and films (not to mention books), Being Human makes up it’s own set of rules for it’s supernatural characters to follow. The vampires go out in daylight and can eat regular food but they can’t come into your house uninvited or see themselves in mirrors. The werewolves are the usual, change during the full moon and spread the infection through a scratch or bite but it’s the ghosts who are given a new set of characteristics. Although she’s stuck in the clothes she died in for the entire series (poor girl), Annie is basically solid (contrary to promotional photos), can be touched by other people and do things around the house.
Each of the characters are tested during the series by others of their kind, none more so than Mitchell, as the vampires become a source of conflict for them all. George is the innocent one of the bunch and provides most of the comic relief through his neurotic tendencies and therefore is slightly protected by the other two who have seen “death.” There’s a lot more to Annie as her character changes the most throughout the course of the show but I don’t want to spoil it.
It’s a very dark show at times and definitely not for the feint at heart but certainly for those who enjoy the supernatural. So what happens when non-humans start getting real? See for yourself, Being Human airs later this year on BBC America and has been picked up for a second season to air in January of 2010 on BBC3.
K.D. Ultraviolet the movie?
I’m happy you’re all as interesting in it as I am! :)
Haven’t heard of No Heroics but you’ve now made me curious. I’ll read up on it.
Sounds like something I’d like. I’ll check it out when it’s on BBCA, for sure.
Just watched the first episode and I’m hooked. Out of curiosity, have you tried No Heroics?
A friend of mine introduced me to this show recently. It’s brilliant. I can’t wait for Season 2.
Thanks for letting us know it’s going to be on BBC America! I’ve wanted to check out this show for a while. :)
interesting… guess that’s one more to add to my list! :)
This series looks really interesting. Thanks for the tip! I’ll put it on my “need to watch eventually” list with Hex and UltraViolet.