Hunted

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.

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'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?

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.

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.