Being Human (UK)/Being Human (US)

[DanaC]

I mentioned in another thread that series 3 of Being Human had started on BBC3, and that at the same time, across the pond, SyFy have launched their own version of the show, with different character names, and a different arc, but the same basic premise.

I've talked about this programme before, because I am a huge fan of the original show. But given it is a bit of a niche programme and only shown on BBCAmerica, I know very few people are likely to have seen it outside the UK.

So, with the new North American show launched, I'm intrigued to know if anybody has seen it, and what they thought of it? Has anybody seen both versions? If so, how did they compare for you?

If you've seen just one version, whichever that might be, what are your thoughts on it?

When I first tried the US pilot, I was unconvinced. But I didn't hate it. It struck me that had I not seen the original I'd probably have loved it and found it a really exciting new angle on the whole supernaturals living amongst us theme. Which, I suppose is the point really. There's a chance here for SyFy to do something really marvellous. To take a gem of a story and give it a longer treatment than it can get on British TV (series 1 was just 6 episodes, and series 2 was 8 episodes) and throw the kind of budget at it that (imo) it deserves.

I went back and rewatched the two part pilot again and then followed through and watched the third episode. Not fair to judge a show on it's first episode, after all. I admit, I am now hooked. Where they take scenes from the original and port them across with a few changes it feels weak. Like something trying to be something else, it feels uncomfortable. The rhythm and pacing isn't right : why would it be? It was originally designed for a different audience who have different expectations from a scene. Where they just take the basic idea and twist it, or do something different it's really quite good. It's different. It pushes an entirely different set of buttons to the original, but in its own way it works.

back to Britain: the third episode of the third series just finished. I loved it. Really strong. Introduced the most pathetic and tragic 'zombie' i've ever seen :P Funny and heartbreaking in equal measure, and with some great character development. The main themes pf the series arc are starting to crystallise and there's a sense of paused momentum about to let rip.