Monday, March 14, 2011

Being Human - So long Mitchell. (contains spoilers)


I've been very neglectful again, haven't I? Truth is I've been busy writing, revising, inventing dishes out of leftovers and juggling bills. Now, the novel has gone back to the e-publisher following revisions, the novella is in the knowing hands of beta readers and the new story is tugging at my sleeve. So, I really have no excuse. I need to kick the old blog back to life, yet again.

Where better to start than the recently concluded third series of 'Being Human'.

Oh, bloody hell, she's not rabbiting on about that again is she?

Why yes, yes I am.

I don't even know where to begin. This series has been a wild ride, showcasing all that I love about BH - clever writing, brilliant acting and a make-up department let loose with the fake blood. There was the usual deft mix of humor, tragedy, sorrow and drama, enhanced by some stellar guest appearances, including Robson Green at his most manly as the werewolf McNair, Michael Socha as his 'son' Tom, a delightfully dotty performance by Nicola Walker and the long anticipated reappearance of Jason Watkins wreaking havoc as Herrick.

The regular cast were at their very best, led by Aidan Turner portraying Mitchell as a vampire whose unraveling throughout the eight episodes was the main thread running through the series. The chemistry between Russell Tovey and Sinead Keenan was even stronger and they provided some memorable moments - my favorite being a scene at the police station when both Nina and George were moments away from transforming. Lenora Critchlow, as Annie, was finally brought to the fore a bit more in this series and I suspect more of Annie's powers will be revealed in Series 4.

Jason Watkins was remarkable, as always as he slowly transformed from the creepy 'Uncle Billy' in the attic to a dramatic and horrific return to Herrick in ruthless form, leaving a bloody trail of dead police officers in his wake. Watkins really gives the impression that he loves every moment and his performance in this series really stood out.

The final nod really has to go to Aidan Turner playing John Mitchell for the last time in this series. The die was cast with the massacre of the Box Tunnel 20 and the main thread that ran through all the episodes was the acceleration of Mitchell's unraveling, kick started by Lia's false prophecy in the first episode about a 'wolf-shaped bullet'. His final moments tear at the gut, a heartbreaking exchange, which ends with George plunging a stake into his best friend's heart out of love. I usually get burny eyes and sniffles when I watch something sad but this scene had me sobbing. It really was the right true end to Mitchell's story and kudos to all involved for making that bold leap in the dark.

So, yeah, that's my take on this season of Being Human. I know there's many a red-blooded female rending her clothes and wailing at Turner's departure and forthcoming dwarfdom and there's a few wondering how Season 4 will shake out without Mitchell but I have every faith that, this time next year, I'll be writing yet another blog singing Being Human's praises.

Thanks guys.