Aquila

I stumbled across this gem on YouTube. After 10 minutes I was hooked and watched the whole thing back to back in an afternoon.

It is a combination of a very clever script, great special effects and of course the two lead actors. Like all great TV it works on many levels.

There are the science fiction aspects which make logical sense, and much of the fun is watching the boys figure out how everything works - and the hilarious results when things go wrong, which they often do. The performance from the school headmaster is priceless as he wrestles with a puzzle - why are these previously academically challenged boys suddenly interested both in laser physics and Latin ?

Both boys understand the terrible consequences if Aquila's power is misused, its weapons can kill millions or just knock someone out - just by selecting menu options on a screen. They agonise over each decision and show a maturity most adults never achieve. Even the more Gung-ho Geoff has doubts about continuing.

But the real heart of the story is that both boys have absent fathers, and I get the feeling that their deep friendship is a substitute. There is a real sadness left unspoken throughout the series, which makes the ending quite emotional.

14 years later Craig Vye looks rather lost on Hollyoaks - he deserves better material than that.