Hunted

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.

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 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 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.

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.