Bonekickers

I keep reading bad comments about Bonekickers and I really feel I must write a positive one.

To start with, i think it is important to say that I'm a professional archaeologist, with well over fifteen years experience. I have been lucky enough to work in several countries and on a variety of different periods sites.

First at all , YES! Bonekickers may have gathered some inspiration from Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, maybe something (not a lot though) from the Indiana Jones series, and most likely a bit from Time Team. But in addition to this,BoneKickers is a mystery series. It just happens that the main characters are not police, journalists or detectives (or a retired lady that write about murderers), BUT a team of archaeologists that get themselves involved in a series of historical (fiction) mysteries…

And when you accept the reality, that is PURE entertainment, then you can enjoy it. At the end of the day, the series is not trying to be Indiana Jones, or Dan Brown's code, but just something different, that plays with uncommon mysteries.

So what if it is not unique, fresh, new, etc etc etc? It's really funny and when they actually show some archaeology, it is actually really well done.

In its own way, it is quite fresh (does anyone remember the last time that we saw a team of archaeologists on TV other than TimeTeam?).

I really hope BBC decides to push for a second series, I know a lot of us will be really happy with it!

Well done this time BBC!!!

If you're the sort who enjoyed "The DaVinci Code" or "National Treasure," you'll probably love this show. The plot of the pilot episode was absurd, but the way the characters reacted was wall crafted and within the realm of the possible.

The social commentary is palpable and perhaps too extreme to be taken seriously. While the first episode may be called by some anti-Christian, the real distinction is drawn between those of any faith who use organized religion as a means of domination and those who actually believe in the (usually peaceful) teachings of the faith.

I was especially drawn to the character of Viv (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) both because she's beautiful and because she is the outsider's bridge to the world of archeology the show supposes to portray ... though I haven't heard of any actual archaeologist recently being hunted by brainwashed, sword swinging thugs, so let's just admit this has as little to do with archeologists as Indiana Jones.

Bonekickers is easily the worst BBC programme of 2008. That much is obvious: absurd, illogical, incomprehensible story lines; huge plot-holes and plot twists that make no sense; awful, cringe-worthy dialogue; downright wrong archaeology.

Yet, somehow I am compelled to watch it, week after week. Like a drug, it keeps me coming back for another hit, despite knowing how harmful it is to my braincells.

Quite simply, Bonekickers is the most hilarious show in ages. Utterly, insanely preposterous, once you stop taking it seriously it's incredibly funny. Treat each dreadful line of dialogue and each implausible coincidence as a joke -- or better still, a drinking game -- and you'll soon realise how fun this show can be.

Bonekickers is a poor man's Indiana Jones, but with less action and a lot less believable (and that's saying something if you seen Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls). The programme is about the fictional University of Bath archaeology department (the department not the university), and somehow this team find amazing discoveries and come across major conspiracies. The problems with the show are numerous. Firstly the programme takes itself too seriously and make out that it is a gripping thriller: it's not. The show is not well written, full of plot holes, bad dialogue and stereotypes. Whilst the West Country does have a rich history involving things from Stonehedge, King Alfred, the Rome Baths and the English Civil War, it is unbelievable that its involved with American conspiracy and having items like the true cross. What surprises me about the show is that Adrian Lester is in it, and he is a very good actor. He has been in Primary Colors, the Day After Tomorrow and Hustle. Some people have criticised the acting in the programme: I personally think that it is okay, nothing special. The show is not the worst one ever made, but there is a lot better around. The only good think about the show is it is made in the West Country which is under-representated in television, but it needed a stronger vehicle.

If you're hoping for an accurate account of history, or a spellbinding mystery, then this show will disappoint. If you want to have a fun, pointless show with strange plot points, poor directing and comical characters, then this show is perfect. The mysteries aren't that good, the older professor is a sexist pig and i think the young girl is only there so that she can ask questions so that the plot can be explained to the audience. An absolute riot, if you have a sense of humour.

It's the kind of show to watch with a group of friends that know little of history to find it interesting, or those that know so much, that the plots are awful. This is the kind of show that makes America's "Relic Hunter" look like a documentary.