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What happens when a vampire and a werewolf move in to a house that is already inhabited by a ghost? No, this isn’t some bad joke - it’s the premise behind the hit BBC3 programme Being Human. After the rather marvellous pilot in 2008, fans launched an ultimately successful internet campaign to have it commissioned for a full series following BBC3’s inexplicable decision not to go ahead with a full series. The first series, which aired last year, was also rather marvellous, and the second series has kicked off on BBC3 with massive expectations from its loyal fan base – can it really live up to them?
There is a distinct shift in tone from the first series in this episode. While there are a few funny moments (mostly thanks to Annie’s new job and Mitchell’s interactions with the cute new doctor), the overall sense is much darker. This is in no small part due to the change in George, who provided many of the laughs in the first series. However, he is downright unlikeable at times in this opening episode. While I understand that this is a logical character progression following the finale of series one, Russell Tovey is a great actor with a particular gift for likeable, awkward comedy, and it would be a shame not to use that. One of the best things about the first series was the balance between darkness and comedy, and I hope some more comedy returns as the series progresses.
Aside from this nitpick, I thought this was an excellent start for series two. The biggest strength of Being Human is its underlying humanity – these characters experience extraordinary things, but their reactions and behaviour always feel real. Lenora Crichlow displays a real talent for comedy in this episode, while Aidan Turner is at his brooding best as Mitchell tries to fit in and tries to have a normal life – his look of sheer contentment as they finally bond with their neighbours at the end of the episode is a delight to behold. The three leads have a comfortable, believable chemistry. The more prominent role given to Sinead Keenan as Nina is well deserved, and her scenes with Tovey as she confronts the reality of the world she now finds herself in are simply heartbreaking. The new cast seem to work well enough so far, although I wasn’t entirely convinced by Amy Manson as Daisy, but she was excellent in Desperate Romantics, so I’ll reserve judgment. The mystery of the big baddies for the series was nicely set up, with Donald Sumpter giving a scene stealing performance as the enigmatic Kemp.
As long as it can regain some of the humour that made the first series so enjoyable, the next seven episodes promise to be thrilling. Being Human is an example of the best kind of TV programme involving supernatural creatures – they are written and played as likeable, real people that have extraordinary things happen to them, and that makes it truly a joy to watch.
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