Afterlife

The final 2 hours of Afterlife aired here in Adelaide last night (9.30 - 11.30 pm!), and I was riveted throughout the entire screening (even though it ended well past my usual bed-time!.) No dozing off in the last hour of this! Gotta say that Lesley Sharp's performance in this 'mini-series' (and yes, I too thought this was meant to be a "series" and hope it will be) was/is simply stunning, totally believable, and in the final hours....breath taking! I think she is right up there for me now as a "favourite actor", and I've only ever noticed her in 'The Second Coming' before. Andrew Lincoln's performance as the learned, skeptical "ghostbuster" was outstanding also.

I loved the USA's "Medium", but, in comparison, found this series to be a much darker, grittier, warts-and-all portrayal of what it's like to be "blessed" with a psychic ability. (Is there something in the name "Alison" too?? Hmm!) Bravo Lesley and Andrew on some of the BEST TV viewing I have seen all year! (Took my mind off the Brits winning the Ashes yesterday too! LOL!) 5***** from me also!

Is it me or has the series afterlife really shone out from all previous and present television shows? it has an special effect on you where you are diving behind the sofa at one point, and crying your heart out the next. What A brilliant combination.

Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also shows an inside view at both medium-ship and scepticism. Before, we thought all that mediums did was perform Ouija boards, but not in this series. The beautiful performance by the wonderful Lesley Sharp as messed up and confused medium Alison mundy really did bring the series to life, and the outstanding Andrew Lincoln matched that as the un-believing sceptic Robert Bridge. These two characters were portrayed every week perfect, and yet it did not seem to bore you with the same two faces. the story lines were just as gripping, showing every day members of the public dealing with death in modern life. This was quite entertaining. well done everyone who worked on the show, it was magnificent!

How great is this show! I think ITV are on to a winner with this one, i seriously hope they treat it properly and not like so many of their other dramas which they push around the schedules or axe completely, if they feel it isn't doing well enough ratings wise.

We are on episode 2 in the UK now, i know Australia has seen all the episodes - lucky! I really can't wait to see them all, and i hope we can all look forward to another series because it would be such a shame to stop after just one, and to let such talented actors as Lesley and Andrew go! There seems to be quite a few fans of Alison and Robert's relationship - glad to know i'm not the only one! x

This series has it all: excellent writing that is witty, terse, dramatic and thrilling. The direction is excellent too - edgy, scary, gripping with cinema-esquire cinematography. The acting is first class too - ordinary people dealing with affliction, emotion, death etc - much better than the US series full of models and glamour - in contrast this is earthy and realistic.

The story lines are similar to The Sixth Sense and are clearly derived from that concept, but each one is expertly handled. One of the best of the series involves a hoax supernatural experience - just wait for the ending! Top notch, hair-raising stuff.

Despite writing this a few years after the show's release, I feel compelled to write a review after re-watching some clips.

The premise is simple. A medium, a sceptic, and a lot of paranormal activity. What sets this apart from other, similarly plotted shows and films is the incredible atmosphere and suspense built throughout each episode, and the fantastic performance of Lesley Sharp, whose depiction of depressed medium Alison is utterly compelling, powerful and, most impressive, very believable.

Never before had I seen such a moving, emotional, tense and creepy TV show, and never have I been more disappointed that a show has been stopped. That being said, the two series were beautifully wrapped up, with a neat story arc and a final episode that was quite simply perfect. After watching it, I sat there in shock for a good while, barely believing how beautifully written and presented it was.

I won't reveal the ending, but let's just say you may need a box of tissues on hand - I was sobbing! And for a few episodes, maybe a cushion to hide behind!