TheReviewPerson

This won't be everyone's cup of tea. But it definitely is mine. Never before has there been a more convincing TV show, in terms of its plots, dialogue and characters, and this is largely down to its unscripted format and documentary-style filming. Naturally, there's never going to be award-winning artistic cinematography or Hollywood-esque dramatic lines, but that's what makes this show different. You get utterly transported into the working lives of the three detectives, as if you're a fourth party watching over their shoulder.

With the exception of the first and second episodes of the second series, each episode has its own crime to be solved, meaning that there's no grand story arc to follow, and you can dip in and out of the series; missing an episode is no problem.

It's also a breath of fresh air that there's no personal rubbish with the main characters. Sure, sometimes a case gets a little close to home on the occasion, and DI Martha Bellamy noticeably has pictures of her kids on her desk - little touches of believability like that - but other than that, the focus is on the plot and catching the criminal. As it should be.

As someone who has grown up watching Poirot, Sherlock, and countless other crime-solving dramas, you'd think they'd have had enough making these things, but nevertheless the plots keep coming, and the plot twists in this show are actually unpredictable. You yourself are a detective, trying to thread the clues together alongside Jack, Martha and Charlie, and it's certainly a tense ride.

I feel this show will 'revolutionise crime drama', as The Guardian has said. Although the format is foreign and takes a moment to get used to, it's something I don't regret watching. Well done, Channel 5.

In a way, this show is quite good, but it lets itself down in far too many other ways.

The premise of imminent terrorism is quintessentially the same as every other thriller on TV, but nonetheless the writers seem to find it necessary to spell out every plot point to its audience, which having watched intelligent thrillers like Fargo and Homeland, can be incredibly frustrating. It's bereft of the 'guessing factor': the essential hint of ambiguity that is vital for thrillers to achieve 'edge-of-your-seat' status.

There also seems to be a distinct lack of three-dimensional characters. Everyone's lives seem to rotate around the events of the day; there's no irrational fear of green apples, secret addiction to on-line gambling or any personality quirks at all - sure, there's a bit of emotional entanglement here and there, but it's so flat that it practically reflects light. There's no fluctuation or development in the characters, either. I know that that's quite difficult to achieve in a plot that spans across only one day, but to put things in perspective, when explaining the plot to someone, to me Jack Bauer is 'Mr Whispery Voice', Chloe is 'Miss Grumpy Face' and Audrey is 'Mrs Doe-Eyes'.

Unfortunately, the poor writing means the acting is disastrous - I almost feel sorry for the actors having to put up with such unrealistic lines.

I understand that 24 was a much-loved series and that this reincarnation has been highly anticipated, but really by itself it is not a thriller worth watching.

Flicking through the reviews, I can see clearly that there is a wide range of opinions on this show. For starters - guys, get out. Don't even bother: every male viewer of this show that I personally know, hates it, and judging by the lowest scoring reviews, so did most of the rest of the male population. Ladies... it's a different story.

Typically this show is made for teens, and I'm sure that's where the majority of viewers are placed, so adults I think have less chance of enjoying it.

But, nevertheless, it's got me helplessly hooked. There are so many elements to this show that are what make it great - I don't know where to begin! I'll admit - and I'm sure most others will agree - it came off to a shaky start; so if patience isn't really your thing, then there's no doubt you'll think very little of it. The key advise I'd give to someone considering watching this show is - give it a chance.

The first four episodes are very clichéd, predictable, and the same old vampire story you've heard time and time again. After that, it starts to get interesting - the plot thickens, and you kind of want to know what happens next.

All of a sudden, the pace picks up; there are many twists in the plot, and characters will do and say very unexpected things, that will have you gasping in your seat - (if you're anything like me!) The show twists and turns - you don't know who you should trust, and who you shouldn't, so it keeps you guessing, and moves at neck-breaking speed in many episodes, and often there are major plot developments you'd never expect. Of course, the standard fluctuates - some episodes are better than others, even after the first four or so; but really from there it's just a matter of personal opinion and taste as far as I'm concerned.

The one thing that has been recognised as this show's "stamp", is its unwavering boldness to kill characters off without the least bit of warning.

Oh yes! That's the other thing - the characters. None of the characters are completely unlike-able, and even if you're convinced you hate one of them, there'll be something that gives you even the tiniest bit of sympathy for them. Each and every one of these characters is well thought-out, and totally three dimensional, and not to forget, all brilliantly well acted. You really feel like you know them, and laugh and cry (well, almost) along with them.

Each of the series come to fantastic ends, with finales that are just... fantastic! This show keeps on getting better and better, and, although it's most certainly not for everyone - (like I said, some will loathe it!), it has the unfailing ability to keep viewers who do like it guessing, gasping, and desperate for more. A true "Marmite" show.

One last and final thing I have to comment on: the violence; the blood; the gore. Please, do realise that this show is not for little young girls - it has guts. It's not afraid to live up to its title - 'Vampire', and show us all *exactly* what they're all about. So be warned.