Hunted

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.

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

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?

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.

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.