Gawd, that review rocked. One itty-bitty: check 'gape' versus 'gap' in the first 'graph. Also, the smart quotes don't work in most browsers.
Anyway...
Will now seek out Being Human behind this "must-see" review. Thanks.
Dump the networks!
It has been renewed for a second season I think. And I concur that it is a milestone in post-Whedon (is that even a term?) supernatural television.
Having seen all of it, it manages a wonderful "kitchen sink" feel for supernaturals, and even manages to weave in an interesting antagonist(s) towards the end.
Sorry about the weird quote-y things. It was fine last night I swear. I'll try and fix it.
How does it compare to the original pilot/movie-thing? I really loved that, but the changes I heard that were made for the TV series kind of had me doubting.
I haven't seen the telemovie I'm sorry to say. From what I heard they toned down the gothic and Goth elements, and recast Annie, Mitchell, Lauren and Herrick. I think you have to see them the same way you see the Buffy series and the Buffy film; different versions with similarities, but basically different continuities. However I can't make a comparison between the two. All I can say is that I enjoy this series a lot.
And hell yes Post-Whedon is a term. Or if it isn't it should be.
I've never even heard of this show uip till now. Thanks for the great review, you've convinced me to check it out.
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Being Human: A Post Whedon world
For most of us fans of supernatural fiction, television has been a barren landscape ever since the final of 'Angel' back in 2004. Other shows such as 'Supernatural' and 'Smallville' have tried to bridge the gap but the never really achieved the same resonance as 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer' and its spin-off. And the year long hiatus of 'Doctor Who' only leaves us thirsting for quality speculative TV even more.
The reason for this hole in our collective psyche, in my humble opinion, is that these later of the show never really grasped what lay at the heart of both of Whedon's programs; not myth, not drama, not action, not special effects. Buffy and Angel were popular because of their varied and compelling characters. While, it must be said, Smallville and Supernatural have their share of likable and interesting characters they aren't people I can bring myself to care deeply about. Sure, I want to know what happens. Sure, I want to see the dynamics between them. However I don't find myself shouting at the screen when Clark does something stupid, laughing at the mistakes the Winchesters make, or cry with them when they are at their lowest point, like I did with Buffy and co. These are individuals who I couldn't possibly envision as friends or even real people. They are characters, nothing more.
'Being Human' however has people. People people. Okay, a werewolf, a ghost, and a vampire, but essentially people. These characters arent just bogged down with a story arc or crushed under the weight of a monster of the week plot. The world isn't on their shoulders. They aren't special. They aren't chosen. Mitchell, George, and Annie are what they are and they deal with it as best they can.
Written with humour as well as drama, Being Human shows characters, no strike that people, who you could go and have a beer with. People who are charming, funny, cheerful, compassionate, scared, awkward, stupid, fault ridden, guilt ridden, forgivable, understandable and most of all relatable. In my opinion that's when speculative television is at its best. When it's real.
This series only has six episodes so far, and I've only seen one of them. This means two things: One- I was compelled to write this after only seeing one episode. It's that good. And two- If it's on in your area see it while you can. If you miss it you will miss a gem.