User reviews

I've only see the pilot but it was a slick, fast-paced piece of work. They wasted no time getting into the story (stories) and to cover that amount of info in an hour without confusing or tiring the viewer was impressive.

The story centers around a gal who was special forces and is now part of a private sector (counter)espionage team. I won't get into any more details than to say she's hardcore.

I also have to say that I've always liked Melissa George, she can act and she does a believable job in action sequences too. She perfectly suited to this type of show, and the show works because of her.

The rest of the main cast, though largely unfamiliar to me (which means nothing), are clearly pros as well. They carved out their niches in the short time allotted to them and it's always a treat to have a strong supporting cast.

The show is definitely worth a watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I watched all the episodes and found the tension built nicely from episode to episode. One of the things I like about watching BBC shows is it seems they don't guard the main characters like they do in the United States. With U. S. shows you can assume no matter what happens to the main character or characters each episode, they will survive to be around for a second season, even if there isn't one. With shows like Misfits and Being Human, the plot is king and anyone can be killed off at any time. So, when I walk into a show like Hunted, I have no expectations that any of these people will be around next season. This increases a shows tension enormously. For me that makes for a completely different viewing experience than I'm used to and it's very refreshing.

Well I am a big fan of spooks and when I saw the trailer on BBC HD I was quite excited to see what was new and if this programme still had that sort of feel about it. When I watched the first episode there was very little chatter among characters and the story line seemed to be missing. The acting is very good among everyone but at the moment in time I was a bit disappointed. The next episode told us a bit more but I have realised that all of the episodes give very little information away about the characters and the story line itself, Its basically given in spoonfuls. I think that this sort of programme builds up eventually and thats what its starting to do now which gets more exciting to find out new facts and watch.

Overall I think that this programme is interesting and that people should not be put off with the slow build up to the plot. Be patient and we all may be very surprised and impressed towards the end of the season or throughout episodes.

I've just discovered via third party info online that BBC execs have decided not to renew their involvement in Hunted for a second season. Given the quality of the program, the strength of the production, cast, acting, not to mention reflecting the darker side of our zeitgeist, the decision is perplexing from a purist TV point of view. BBC have had recent form, a bit of a track record over recent years really, of canceling programs ahead of their time, often claiming poor ratings as an excuse, that were technically, thematically and stylistically rich, with ideas and characters that should have been allowed to be explored and developed: Outcasts, Zen, the cancellation of Whitechapel, Identity, The Body Farm, amongst others. The question is Why? What will happen with The Fall? Will it be allowed to reach it's final conclusion on it's own terms or be cut off. If not it would be interesting to know why some programs are given life and others not?

Why, oh why, did this programme end after only one series? It has to be one of the best British productions I have seen in a long time. It's never too late to bring the concept back

In the pre-publicity for Hunted, a big deal is made of how Melissa George did her own stunts and got battered and bruised for her craft. She needn't have bothered, since the action and fight scenes are notable only for the appalling editing. Usually the only reason for this is when actors can't learn or won't be allowed to perform multi-movement sequences so every little punch, slap and shove has to be filmed separately and cut together. Melissa's previous film career includes many great horror / thriller performances (Triangle in particular) so it's not her fault. Somebody also needs to take the blame for her being a deadly & efficient spy/ex-soldier some of the time and making stupid tactical choices the rest of the time. The only fight shots shown in their entirety are when she eventually snaps necks, which is odd as most TV and films look away to avoid unfortunate playground recreations the next day. Maybe she's doing it wrong and it's perfectly safe. I won't know until I try.

The acting is a mixed bag, albeit in one-dimension. Adults get three basic choices: ominous looks, sad staring or constipated anger, and the dialogue is all terribly serious all of the time. Anybody cracking a smile is obviously a loose-cannon. A couple of child roles are just Macguffins, with dialogue and direction even less realistic than the adults. Melissa's interaction with the kid (this is not a spoiler) includes a cute-connection to her own childhood, because no film or TV show gets greenlit without this Spielberg-esque 'emotional moment' bull; thankfully it's not quite a nursery-rhyme or "you're a poopy-head" shared phrase, but I worry for the safety of my TV set if this turns out to be in important thing later in the series.

The spies and bad guys are all so far up themselves they're inside-out. Nobody interrupts or talks over each-other, all sentences and exchanges are perfectly formed and delivered (it sounds planned and pre-written rather than natural) always dripping with exposition; plus regular flashbacks and recap shots to make sure that even pets can follow the story. I think the central plot is otherwise fairly good, even if these high-tech spies are being outwitted by a conspiracy that Private Eye would be able to expose in an afternoon. I'm getting sick of the table-top computer at HQ. It might look fancy the first time when you open & fling files around the table, but it's a lot less practical than everybody being able to see everything on a wall-mounted screen.

Hunted takes place on a planet similar to our own, but a lot cleaner and emptier. Locations are perfectly dressed and lit to BBC guidelines (neutral in the daytime, shadowy at night even indoors), and no signs of actual daily practical use or personal taste. Apparently when you're 'abroad' everything is in a gold/sepia tone but North Africa still looks cold. And it doesn't rain as much in the other Scotland. Apologies for being a bit facetious; I'm not against visual cues and themes, but it's all a bit sterile and perfunctory - there's zero style and no flair. If you think about the best horror films and thrillers, there is so much you can do with the language of lights & camera & editing to add tension or pace, to direct or misdirect attention, to build excitement or suspense. There is literally none of that here. It comes as no surprise to see that all four directors listed so far are very much from the competent but creatively-comatose school of BBC serial drama; I do not see Hunted getting picked up (unless to licence a remake) by Sky Atlantic, HBO, FX or any of the other channels turning out actual exciting, creative and visionary shows.

Frank 'X-Files and X-Files spin-offs' Spotniz is the big-name writer/creator attached to the show, which may be why I'm enjoying the plot, and Melissa George always gives 100%, but with everything else I've mentioned stacked against it I don't know if I'll be able to make it to the end. The sooner she goes back to making movies the better.

FantAstic show, cinema-quality experience, fab cast of thankfully non-American actors. Considering that pretty much everything out there on TV is cheap, tortuous class-A crap (and we get an embarrassing # of channels) this is the first series in a loooooong that I've been able to both watch and more than enjoy. Am absolutely bummed that it appears they've only written one season; was this lack of funding? Lack of an audience? (that'd be weird since everyone I know plus their pet LOVES it). Boo. Come on, Hunted Execs....we need another season. Or 6!

Hm it seems I've not written enough lines. Gee how much raving can a girl do? I though less was more. OK I think this is it.

Interesting concept for the Spy or Action thriller. 8 episode series which is built up quite well but there have been many more better and more exciting suspense thrillers. The direction is average, could've been much more slicker and should have aimed for a shorter series maybe. There were too many entanglements which were not needed and was distracting focus from the main story. Editing is a key in a story like this and feel should have been much better for the story as the pace fails at some times and the final episode ends just average. The casting was pretty good and most of them do a good job. Now the question of a second series, I would suggest not to go there, they have kept quite a few opening for another but should resist the temptation.

This show is addictive, mysterious, and thrilling. It has it's faults just like any TV show. The choreography and cinematography for the fight scenes are a bit awkward at times. There might be a couple clichés here or there. However, I think the strong points in the show overshadow the small faults. And if the writers/directors work on those small flaws, this show would definitely become a 10 in my book! If you enjoyed the espionage and paranoia that existed in Alias/Nikita, you will enjoy this. Who do you trust? Will the lead character get caught in her lies? Who else is lying? It gets quite addictive.

The plot line is very continuous, which is another plus. There are no standalone episodes. Everything sticks close to the main plot.

This would have been pretty much your average UK spy-thriller drama, but for one main exception.. and her name is Melissa George. Not hugely recognized in the US, she's the real reason this production is a couple notches above ordinary. The story-line and dialogue does not help her one bit.. as a result, it's near impossible for her to get away from the sad-sack frown she displays throughout most of the entire film. But without question she brings the only rays of enjoyment in what would have been otherwise a 2-3 episode-then quit watching enterprise. Had more effort been allotted to writing longer sentences of meaningful dialogue, and improved character development, this had potential to be one of the better examples of the genre. Casting her was the best decision the powers that be made.

I for one am a fan of Melissa George, her role in alias as a world class super b--- was impeccable, but it wasn't till I saw A Lonely Place to Die that I became a huge fan, as the movie explodes into graphic violence and tension her performance and looks suck you in.

Hunted is another grand example of taking advantage of her extraordinary screen presence.

As a spy thriller, its originality is mute, its not bad, not at all, but not all that special... but just as a thriller in general its wonderful. The picture quality is grand, and while it may make a few to many cuts, the whole picture put together is spellbinding.

It's plot and characters seem fully developed, just waiting to unfold and each seems psychologically sound to what they are, they don't just make things happen for the characters, it seems like the characters will react as if they should in that situation.

The show keeps tension well, Melissa's uncanny ability to suck you in (not unlike Jodie foster with her eyes) keeps you involved, and when the show bursts into its graphic and brutal violence, its all the better. The handful of action scenes by far outmatch those in the Bourne flicks and the adult plot is refreshing from the childish hollywoodised crap that those movies descended to.

I highly recommend this, just simply if anything for its balance between its violence, plot, and characters, not suffering one for any other like so many shows now days do.

If a show can do all three and do them well, than sacrificing one or both others do do one thing VERY well, well, thats just not good enough, let things happen as they do.

The only issues I have are a sh-- title sequence (very English, not in a good way, makes it seem far more cheeseball than it in no way is), and some spastic cuts on the violence, the camera work isn't shaky, in fact most of it is good, but the some (and i do mean only SOME) of the cuts don't fit together.

During the Cold War all counterespionage centered on the competition to gain ascendancy between the East and the West typically between the US and the Soviet Union. Agents and spies of all ilks and shades were engaged in gathering information which would give one side leverage vis a vis the other. In this series, the agent works for a private firm Byzantium which basically provides service to its clients of a clandestine nature including murder. The protagonist Sam Hunter while working for Byzantium is still leery about the motivations of her organization and various executives in the hope that she can uncover the mystery of her mother's murder. He apparently has some information which makes her dangerous to Polyhedrus a multinational of immense wealth and untold power. The plot gets too complicated but the writing is superb and the actors very competent. Watched it on Prime and am waiting for Season 2. The first season was released in 2012 so I'm not sure if there are any more seasons.

Solid series for lovers of Spooks and similar series of the genre. A slow build up of so many unanswered questions over the previous 7 episodes make the final episode (8) a "must see" - so many unanswered questions.

However, I was extremely disappointed by the final episode. Perhaps 10 episodes would have been sensible. The writer/s simply lost the plot, so much so that I joined IMDb to air my view. It is hard to comprehend that the same writing team constructed the previous 7 episodes.

No spoilers, but so many questions and mysteries raised in the prior episodes is answered in episode 8 which takes place over just a few days in episode story time. Unlike Spooks and others, the outcomes were predictable, not a single twist and some important questions are left unanswered (frustrating? Yep).

E08 is simply a bombardment of answers on plot and previously unclear character backgrounds and provides far too much information to remain plausible, or for the viewer to absorb in a single episode without feeling let down. It felt like the writers were instructed to "Kill this, and make it fast!"

I sat down to watch E08 thinking "I hope this runs for another season". After it was finished I stood up thinking "What an implausible dud, so glad that's over!" If you are a fan, you will want to watch E08, if you intend watching or buying the entire series on DVD, then maybe best to save your time and cash. Episode 8 - 2/10, Series - 5/10

Not perfect. Certainly a British point of view on spy thrillers, which are normally more thoughtful, better written, and better acted than US drivel, such as the current version of Nikita or 24.

The characters were human and entertaining as individuals. They developed as individuals. The plot is a little convoluted but eventually you figure it out. There are no 180 degree twists to keep the plot going, just the gradual discovery of new information.

The acting was British but not to over the top. There were a few too many altercations that didn't result in damage whose effects disappeared too fast. They spent a lot of time setting up the next series, so it would be a shame not to see some of it at least.

Remember when Alias ​​came over and in the mind of the doubts which series could be as good as her? So, that prepares Hunted came to give a new start in espionage. With a good atmosphere of suspense and action Melissa George is here to stay and show how to make a good TV show ... It has everything to be one of the best series of 2012 and is here to stay and please the viewers, can not wait the next episodes, addictive. Do not listen to criticism, see for yourself and draw your own conclusions Hopefully not another good series that is cut off for any reason unknown. Frank Spotnitz did an excellent job in x-file will not disappoint in his new series. Sorry some mistakes in English, Melissa George have a big fan from Brazil.

João Pedro A.

terrible terrible show. cast is just so unbelievable and plot lines paper thin. cant see this show lasting longer than 1 season. sad to say there seems to be a trend of poor programs at the minute. show has so much potential as well. definitely needs a revamp before its to late. its just a terrible cast and just doesn't cut it as a bad take no grief agent. good looks don't make up for bad casting. sometimes wonder if television companies turn out poor shows like this just make good ones look even better. bring back alias. nailed every show for last 10 years and this i'm sad to say just doesn't have what it takes. more believable and you could have a winner but really needs a lot of work to be done

Love the show. Keeps me guessing, I would really like to see more can anyone tell me if more is to come. I keep looking but nothing not. Please let me know. It kind of left me hanging with what's going to happen next. Please I need more. That was in 2012 Now it's 2014 I need to know the ending. Why wasn't the next season made it's not like it was not great! Cause it was really worth it. I mean really worth watching back to back. If not on Cinemax go to Netflix and but out the next season that's how much I need to see this show. I need to know what happen with the little to boy. Great love scenes. It's really hard to find good series like this one "Hunted" gave you a reason to wanted to stay up late in watch T.V.

Hunted has all the twists and turns needed (and expected) of any self respecting spy thriller. If you are looking for a thrill or kill a minute then you have come to wrong place. The violence is kept to a minimum but can be gruesome at times.

The plot is the key to this series, don't leave your brain at the door. Some of the other reviewers have commented on holes in the storyline -get a grip people- it's a spy thriller, holes are there to be filled and more to be dug.

The central character Sam Hunter, played by Melissa George, is the main focus of the storyline. She has broken memories of a past that haunt her. It is good to see a strong and believable female lead.

The other characters get fleshed out as the story goes along, some you want to know more about and some you don't. At the time of writing this review, episode 5, the series is well set for an absorbing last 4 episodes.

Enjoy.

Although production values are fairly high, the producers apparently decided to save money on a good script writer and lead actress.

The title of the programme is apparently a "clever" twist on the name of the lead character (Hunter). If there is another meaning, it is certainly not clear as a hunt is certainly not the main focus of the story.

The story itself, such as it is, seems to revolve around a dam in Pakistan and the affiliation and relationships between the main characters and certain shadowy organisations. The significance of the dam has still not been revealed.

The weakest area of the script is a lack in logic. For example, in the opening episode, three armed and brutal-looking young men go after a slim young woman (the main character). She surprises the first assassin by throwing fluid on him, then igniting it. The second assassin, she surprises and shoots. The third, she engages in physical combat. Although both are young and obviously fit, for no obvious reason, the assailant can do nothing to hurt her, yet she kills him with her bare hands.

After killing all three assassins, she goes back to get her bag when several policemen come in. Uh-oh. They are wearing uniforms and training shoes, so they must not be real. Before our heroine can swing/jump/fly away from this, one of then men pulls out a gun and shoots her at arms-length, yet, inexplicably, he aims at her stomach, rather than one of her vital organs.

Every episode contains howlers like these: superwoman can not be hurt, but can easily dispatch men two or three times her size.

Violence, frequently involving guns, often shown in gory detail, takes the place of story exposition and character details. In fact, it is the violence and particularly the unrealistic depiction of a woman taking on men several times her size that actually seems to be the main draw of the program to the very young audience it seems to be aimed at.

The lead actress, Melissa George, may be a good actress, but, if so, she is certainly hiding her talent very well in this programme. In most of the episodes she seems to display a single mood: sullen (usually with a pout). Virtually all of her reactions tend to be muted.

Hunted has been compared to the Bourne, as well as the James Bond films. However, these comparisons are more in terms of what the producers had hoped to achieved. What they have actually achieved, however, is a third-rate drama with enough graphic violence to turn the viewer's stomach.