Originally broadcast in 2010, this is episode 1 of series 2 of the UK series Being Human (2008-2013). The series follows the lives and struggles of three characters, Annie, Mitchell and George. At first glance they seem to be three late maturers who share an old house in Bristol in the UK. They have lived, and loved, but now rely on each other in what first appears to be fairly average lives. But then the depth comes in; George is a werewolf, Mitchell a vampire and Annie is a ghost. They struggle with who they are as they put almighty effort into being human, or at least appearing to be so. But as they struggle they discover there is more to being human than wearing the right clothes and saying the right things. There are emotional currents, allegiances, ethics and morals, choices and the need for love.
This episode deals with some of the heaviest aspects of being human; love, desire, honesty, memory and purpose. It pits characters against each other in love and war as they gradually reveal and learn the truth about themselves and those around them. Consequence is also a major theme in the story, with the result of actions made in ignorance revealed and then made part of relationships. It even has a backdrop of power as a way to control people, but also being a status desired by many. In my opinion Being Human was one of the most riveting and well written series to emerge from television in the past decades. It takes up themes of Shakespearean proportions and delivers them in the language and imagery of the early 21st century. The acting is powerful and precise and characters appear as fully developed entities that draw us, the audience, into the depths of the human psyche. If you do not want to watch all 5 seasons then just watch this episode 1 of series 2, Cure and Catagion. It will change the way you understand your own life and what you do with it.
The episode begins with Mitchell and George encountering husband and wife vampires Ivan and Daisy, who warn them of the likely power struggle after chief vampire Herrick's death and their own vulnerability. Annie gets work in a pub and takes home customer Nathan, and Mitchell befriends new doctor Lucy. At the full moon, whilst the sinister Kemp destroys a captive werewolf in a pressure chamber, Nina is horrified to find that, accidentally scratched by George, she too transforms into a werewolf. George is pursued by the flirtatious Daisy who wants him to enjoy the dark side and has sex with him. Smelling Daisy's perfume on him increases Nina's anguish but they make up and the other housemates pledge to support Nina. Whilst they are all out, Kemp comes to the house with a psychic, testing for supernatural presences, and sensing triumph.
The episode ends with a sense of community, be it threatened by the selfishness of aggressive and wrathful religion.
No comments:
Post a Comment