Being Human [BBC] - Season 3 (** SPOILERS FROM POST #132 **)

Basq

Spoilers tags are used for discussion of season 1 and 2.. but season 3 discussion (from post #132) will have no spoiler tags. You have been warned!

Never seen anything written about this show so let me give a bit of an introduction.

Back in February of last year, BBC Three aired 4 new pilots. Among of them was a one-off pilot called 'Being Human' which was.. well, I'll let the BBC synopsis explain it:

Contemporary supernatural drama about George and Mitchell, a pair of perennial outsiders. Working in the anonymous drudgery of the local hospital, they live lives of quiet desperation - because Mitchell is a vampire and George is a werewolf. Deciding to turn over a new leaf, they move into a house together, only to find that it is haunted by Annie, the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious circumstances. As a threesome, they deal with the challenges of being supernatural creatures, bonded by their desire to adopt the lifestyle of their neighbours - humanity.

The pilot was moderately successful, but a 6 part series was greenlit mainly due to some glowing reviews (1, 2) and an online petition with almost 4000 signatures.

The first part of the six-part series started last Sunday on BBC (the second episode was tonight). 2 of the 3 lead actors have been changed since the pilot and while the pilot is not "canon", it's apparently worthwhile to get some backstory on the characters.

I watched the first episode this evening and really enjoyed it. It might seem on paper like "Hollyoaks meets Buffy", but it was quite fun fresh and enjoyable. I saw it advertised one evening on BBC One but it was a terrible promo and thanks to a few Internet forums (DigitalSpy has a 12 page thread on it already: http://fame.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=979099, not to mention a 31 page thread when the series was announced: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=744473) raving on about it, I wouldn't have known.

There is quite an Internet fanbase around it.. and I really enjoyed the first episode. So much so that I might pick up the pilot as well as watch the second episode when it's repeated (EDIT: Feck.. just missed it. Was on 12.15 - 1.15am).

Anyways, I recommend it and due to the fact it's on BBC3... it's really too easy to miss good shows on there.

User45701

There was a topic about it when it first came out ages ago, actually randomley me and a mate only watched the pilot last week, ive had it on pc my since the orginal pilot was aired after i saw a topic on boards about it.

i checked tv.com or tv rage about a week ago andf it was listed as cancelled

absurdtrivia

I really liked the pilot last year. I can't see why they re-cast two of the three main characters.

Wait ..

So an online petition actually worked for once?

I saw the re-made pilot recently. It's very enjoyable.

Irishshin

I saw the first episode last week and really enjoyed it so looking forward to the second and thought I may as well watch the pilot as well.

Basq

Just watched the repeat of the second episode on BBC3.. and I probably enjoyed it even more than the first.

I know people had problems with the cast changes since the pilot.. but having not seen the pilot, I'm just glad they kept Russell Tovey as George. He's by far the most impressive of the cast both in terms of dramatic performance and comedic timing (in the scarce but always witty moments of humour).

He excels in this episode.. his performance carries the episode as Annie and Mitchell took somewhat of a backseat for the episode. They each had parts to play in the episode but it was very much a George-centric episode.

Once again.. I recommend this wholeheartedly.

Elmo

I saw some of it, but your insulting by suggesting it is anything like Hollyoaks.

Yeah worth the watch. When will the repeat it?

Basq

Elmo wrote: »

I saw some of it, but your insulting by suggesting it is anything like Hollyoaks.

I said it sounded on paper like "Hollyoaks meets Buffy" .. never suggested it was!

Elmo wrote: »

Yeah worth the watch. When will the repeat it?

BBC3 are repeating the previous episode on Monday and Tuesday nights... am sure they'll do a catchup!

jill_valentine

Well impressed with this, yes. Very enjoyable, at it's best when it's not trying to be American and has Vampires making tea or whatever.

Russell Tovey is cracking, George is a great character.

Stark

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1349938/

New BBC "horror drama" about a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost in a house share. A good bit of a fun on a Monday evening even if the show is mostly carried by Russell Tovey. Mostly worth watching for the awkward comedy moments. With any luck, it might develop into something good. Anyone else watching it?

Mr E

Yup, its very good. Threads merged.

Stark

Mr E wrote: »

Yup, its very good. Threads merged.

Oops. I actually did a search but didn't spot any threads. D'oh.

Basq

Anyone else still watching this? It just goes from strength to strength.. the most recent episode (on BBC3 last night) was just fantastic stuff.

The final couple of minutes were just gold - couple of shocks and loved the line by George to ease the bridge between shocking emotional scenes (

"a little bit of wee came out that time!

").

This show really is the one of the best things the BBC have done in years.. and it's a shame to see it tucked away on BBC3!

Shame next week is the last episode.. I'd say it's bound to be renewed for a second season though.

Ivan

I've somehow managed to miss this entire thread and every mention of this show everywhere

Every show you've recommended I've liked so far, at least a little, will definitely give this a shot

Cheers for the heads-up.

Stark

I think it's starting to take itself a bit too seriously. I find the vampires preparing to take over the world storyline a bit boring. I think the show's at its best when it's sort of awkward comedy.

The previous episode where they were accused of being paedophiles was outstanding though.

Basq

Ivan wrote:

I've somehow managed to miss this entire thread and every mention of this show everywhere

Every show you've recommended I've liked so far, at least a little, will definitely give this a shot

Cheers for the heads-up.

Do give it a shot.. it's over next Sunday so you could probably catch up in time for then. If not, I assume BBC3 will run a marathon when it finishes.

Stark wrote: »

I think it's starting to take itself a bit too seriously. I find the vampires preparing to take over the world storyline a bit boring. I think the show's at its best when it's sort of awkward comedy.

The previous episode where they were accused of being paedophiles was outstanding though.

I see what you mean.. but the comedy / awkwardness (of George mainly) is wonderful but too much of it would be a completely different show.

The show has taken a real dark turn in the last few episodes.. and I'm enjoying it more due to this.

This week's episode had plenty of witty one-liners but the storyline progresed by leaps and bounds.. in just this episode alone.

jill_valentine

With every episode, Mitchell's bits get more tedious, and Annie and George's bits get more awesome. I laughed my stupid arse off at her haunting. Fantastic stuff.

"Can you like... move things around? Go from room to room?"

"Uh... yes, I think most people can".

And might I add that George and Annie's rescue attempt is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

I dunno.. I quite like how they are all proceeding. You can tell why George was the only person kept on from the original pilot - he is fantastic! Interesting ending to this weeks episode too, can't wait to see how it turns out!

Peared

Great show. Has all the ingredients of something that should be sh1t but it's not.

I like the fact that it is unapologetic about exactly what it is. It doesn't try compete with glossy American bigbucks shows.

iguana

It's a great show, I thought it sounded completely awful and didn't bother with it. But I caught the 3rd episode one night and it hooked me so much I stayed up and watched the first two that night. I'm really liking how it's turning out, nicely dark and the end of this weeks certainly wasn't predictable.

And Mitchell is very yummy.:D

marie_85

I'm really enjoying it, although last weeks episode kinda annoyed me. Mitchell is turning into the new Nathan Petrelli with the amount of times he's switched sides. Great actor though and quite attractive.

George has grown on me. And I love the relationship with Nina. She was the second Farrah on 'Fair City', btw. I had to look it up because she seemed so familiar.

Annie is adorable. I love everything about her.

I'm finding the show a little predictable though. I'm hoping they'll take more risks with the second season, which AFAIK, got confirmed today.

fugazied

I just started watching, it has potential! It's a small cast, so I think the only problem might be it running out of steam half way through the series. The characters are likable enough, there are a few villains. However episode 1 I kind of got annoyed by the fact that

people suddenly 'turn evil' when they become a vampire.

iguana

An 8 part 2nd series has been commissioned.



http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a147837/being-human-recommissioned-by-bbc.html

iguana

I was looking for some clips of the pilot on youtube when I found these prequels about the 3 main characters which were made in the run up to the series. I especially liked Annie's one, it's a bit creepy.

Mitchell, George and Annie.

Basq

Excellent news regarding it being commissioned for a second season!

I would be highly interested in knowing what they think is on the other side. In the original pilot, Annie (before she was recast) commented on how there were people waiting with whips and the like. I seem to remember either Mitchell or someone else referring to what is actually there when you die.

120_Minutes

great show, but i must have missed the part where they explain how mitchell can go out in the daytime???

Stark

Don't think that needs explanation. Vampires in the "Being Human" universe are able to tolerate daylight.

Spon Farmer

hi,
does anyone know if episode 4 [last fridays episode] is going to be repeated[again - can't believe i kept missing it]
or anyone have it recorded to dvd from the tv [not an avi or download - tv is better]
cheers.

marie_85

Spon Farmer wrote: »

hi,
does anyone know if episode 4 [last fridays episode] is going to be repeated[again - can't believe i kept missing it]
or anyone have it recorded to dvd from the tv [not an avi or download - tv is better]
cheers.

I've been able to watch them on the BBC3 website. For some reason, it's not region-locked like the iPlayer usually is.

Spon Farmer

marie_85 wrote: »

I've been able to watch them on the BBC3 website. For some reason, it's not region-locked like the iPlayer usually is.

that doesn't work for me.

i would prefer it off the tv anyway.

i'll give blank dvds in exchange for a recording.

Spon Farmer

anyone got a song list for episode 3?

its the only episode on the website where the music is not discussed :mad:

Stark

Yup: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/beinghuman/2009/02/the_music_of_being_human_gilbe.html

Spon Farmer

thanks stark.

i swear i looked

Spon Farmer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/beinghuman/2009/02/the_music_of_being_human_part.html

i was full sure human by the killer was also in ep 1

when george was running through the streets to find mitchel and the nurse

Basq

The finale was probably the weakest episode of the season but all-in-all.. it was bloody great viewing!

Never saw

the twist of George giving Herrick a false location, and into the dungeon. The special FX on George's transformation was woeful as usual.

Definitely the best thing on telly so far this year.. looking forward to season 2!

Peared

Actually, I was thinking just the opposite, that the production values seem to go up with each episode.

Loved the use of the Bloc Party song in the hospital.

Really looking forward to the next series.

Basq

Peared wrote: »

Loved the use of the Bloc Party song in the hospital.

Not to mention Johnny Cash's 'When The Man Comes Around'..

.. over-used but excellent nonetheless!

Can we talk openly about this, or are spoiler tags needed?

If not..

Are they trying to insinuate that Nina is a werewolf too? If that's the case, why didn't she change the same as George? The twist was fantastic, completely and utterly surprised with what happened. This show has far surpassed anything on TV at the moment (excluding Fringe).

There is definately going to be a second season .. right?

iguana

Deleted User wrote: »

Are they trying to insinuate that Nina is a werewolf too? If that's the case, why didn't she change the same as George?

George did it to her. When she ran into the locked room as he was transforming he pushed her away and she fell into Mitchell. That's why she asked him how he got it, she knew he had the scars on his shoulders and now she has the same ones on her arm.

So she asked because she wanted to know if she was infected too rather than simple curiosity. In fact all the questions she asked him about how painful it was and what he does have a double meaning. She wasn't just asking about her boyfriend's condition, she was preparing herself as she'd guessed she's got it now too.

Peared

iguana wrote: »

George did it to her. When she ran into the locked room as he was transforming he pushed her away and she fell into Mitchell. That's why she asked him how he got it, she knew he had the scars on his shoulders and now she has the same ones on her arm.

So she asked because she wanted to know if she was infected too rather than simple curiosity. In fact all the questions she asked him about how painful it was and what he does have a double meaning. She wasn't just asking about her boyfriend's condition, she was preparing herself as she'd guessed she's got it now too.

Ha, i'm slow, i didn't get that!

Makes sense now of course.

In fairness though, her scars were old looking, not fresh and bleeding.

jill_valentine

Well impressed by the last episode. All through the series, I was kind of expecting it to fail spectacularly, but it just got better and better.

Great end to a great run. Hopefully, S2 will keep it up, and hopefully we get more of Nina, who's great. And uh, better werewolf effects, that would be nice.

unreggd

Cool show!

Saw the latest ep last night, but still have a few more t catch up on

I really need a TV timetable

Stark

"Well congratulations on mastering speaking like a twat". Oh Annie, I never liked you before but now I think otherwise

I really hope they go back to focusing on the central characters though. The twat-speaking vampires bore me.

Peared

Peared wrote: »

Ha, i'm slow, i didn't get that!

Makes sense now of course.

In fairness though, her scars were old looking, not fresh and bleeding.

That's what threw me of too. I was expecting it to be a story-arch to connect with the scars across her stomach (which haven't been explained yet, I don't think?)

matrim

I watched all of this over the last couple of days and really enjoyed it. It was darker than I expected from the few adds I'd seen but if anything that made it better.

When is the second season expected to be filmed \ released?

Basq

matrim wrote: »

When is the second season expected to be filmed \ released?

I'd imagine it'll start airing same time next year.. so a while to wait yet!

Ponster

Are we to presume that the guy at the end is a vampire hunter of some sorts?

Could the 'professor' on the phone be "professor van helsing" ?

Basq

Bump for two reasons...

1. Cheapie Blu-ray!

2. Filming for Season 2 has begun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AS5d8R1ACQ

Basq

Nooooo....!

Syfy picks up 'Being Human'
RDF's 13-episode dramedy is based on a BBC series



The misfits from the hot British dramedy "Being Human" will face another challenge: being American.

Syfy has handed out a 13-episode order to a U.S. version of the BBC show from RDF Media USA.

"Human" revolves around three twentysomething roommates -- who happen to be a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf -- as they help one another navigate the complexities of living double lives.

The original series, produced by RDF subsidiary Touchpaper TV and executive produced by Rob Pursey, had an initial six-episode run on digital channel BBC Three. It was so successful that the show got a second window on mothership BBC One. It is slated to return early next year for an eight-episode second season.

The deal for a U.S. take on the show at Syfy marks the first scripted series order for the cable network following its rebranding this summer designed to attract broader audience. It also marks the first scripted series order for RDF Media USA.

"Human" appeared on Syfy's radar about two years ago when the network was given the pilot script by the BBC, which was seeking to bring in the U.S. cable network in as co-producer. It was too late in the process, so Syfy brass passed but became instant fans of the material.

"It turned out great as we can now do an American version," Syfy president Dave Howe said. "We've always been keen on vampires and werewolves, and we loved the originality of 'Being Human,' the fact that the fantastical creatures in it are very young, accessible and charming."

Howe stressed that Syfy is not going to "slavishly replicate the British version." Some of network's core audience already might be familiar with the original series, which runs in the U.S. on BBC America.

The search is on for a writer to adapt "Human," with Syfy targeting a launch in summer or fall 2010 and eyeing it as a potential companion piece to breakout hit "Sanctuary," which shares similar subject matter.

The U.S. version of "Human" drew a lot of interest from broadcast and cable networks and several production commitment offers, but Syfy stood out, RDF Media USA CEO Chris Coelen said.

"From the beginning, Syfy was unwavering in its pursuit of the project and had a lot of conviction about doing it,"

The company, which established a toehold in the U.S. on the strength of its unscripted business, has been making a big push in scripted series largely outside the traditional studio system. RDF is the sole producer of "Human" and is also working on several other scripted projects.

"We're getting into the scripted and studio business in a different way; the plan is to do things ourselves," Coelen said.

Basq

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUrcp62fixM

DS - 'Being Human': Watch an exclusive prequel