Chimera

Two things let down this prophetic drama; poorly-shot special effects and a long, unnecessary setting-up sequence about a nurse getting a job that takes up most of the first episode (apparently it was originally scripted to start right in at the clinic but the producers insisted on adding the extra material. obviously a long bus ride is their idea of a good time.) But once the real story starts we're into a very dark and uncompromising meditation on cruelty and humanity that was considered science fictional back in 1991 but which has moved within reach today. The identity and status of a creature with an animal physique and a human mentality is a matter for urgent and ongoing debate, and the drama dared to imagine that such a creature might not be denied a voice in its own fate.

Currently being shown on Forces TV in the UK Satellite Channel 181 (23/02/2022) Ep 3 & 4 on the 24 & 25 February 2022

I watched it first time in the 90's brilliant series, good to be watching again.

Nurse Tracy Pickford starts a new job at The Jenner Institute, a fertility clinic, one with a nasty secret hidden away in the basement.

It really does take me back. I was eleven when this aired and was banned from watching it, but I hid on the stairs and peeked through, and of course, had sleepless nights.

It's great to exercise a few of those demons, and I've thoroughly enjoyed rewatching it. The first and most vivid memory I have is that wonderful music; it's so beautiful. The music is so soft and soothing, totally at odds with the story.

Even though it's a few years old, it still looks rather good; only John Lynch's curtains give it away. It's nicely produced, and I've always thought that Chad's makeup is rather good.

I am so glad that this finally had a commercial release, a must for fans of horrors, thrillers, and 90's TV in general.

Why, oh why, did they dub that little boy's voice with something so... curious?

Enjoy.

I remember watching the full version on TV on 4 consecutive Sunday nights as a wee lad of 11. The 1st episode (Chad stalking the hospital) terrified me and gave me nightmares. It was great! I've only been able to see the cut down version since and it did not do the original justice at all. The hour spent introducing and killing all the hospital staff was reduced to 5 minutes! Try and get your hands on the full version, it'll blow you away.

CHIMERA is a well-regarded British TV miniseries exploring the murky world of scientific research and hybrid organisms. It has that gritty, government conspiracy angle that was all the rage back in this era of filmmaking - check out DEFENCE OF THE REALM for a particularly good example of the form. This features four episodes, and I rather liked the first one, which sets the viewer up very well before a big twist at the climax. The other three episodes are more predictable, but the pacing is well handled and former BBC Ghost Story director Lawrence Gordon Clark clearly knows how to make this all work. The lead actors are a little weak, but the familiar faces of Kenneth Cranham, George Costigan and Pip Torrens enliven things somewhat.