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.

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.

I recently uncovered the full miniseries of Chimera and it brought back a whole host of memories for me. I remember watching it whilst on holiday in Wales in a caravan, in the middle of a field so it really did a number on me as a kid.

When struggling film critic, Peter Carson's girlfriend is killed at her new job at a research facility in Northern England he finds the countryside in an uproar and a manhunt underway as the entire research staff was brutally murdered that night.

The police are brought in to track down an unnamed killed and Peter finds out that the research facilities experimentations into genetic engineering created the monstrous hybrid responsible for the deaths and now it's on the loose in the Yorkshire Dales. Two young children from a local farm make themselves a new friend...Mr. Scarecrow.

This was really brave television, following in the footsteps of the early eighties 'Day of the Triffids' and 'Threads'. It tackled issues of genetic engineering and human rights when relating to 'Hybrids' and was pretty ahead of it's time really.

The acting is top notch and supersedes what is on British TV these days. It is quite amusing to see a whole string of minor parts played by now massive British celebrities; Lisa Tarbuck and Paul 'O' Grady not to mention fantastic established actors such as Kenneth Cranham and 'Rita, Sue and Bob too's' George Costigan.

The series is spread over six parts and is just the right length. Having not seen the Monkey Boy edit, I cringe at what that butchered version has to offer.

'Chad' the Chimera himself is genuinely freaky looking, especially when he shows his teeth. The shot of him reading the 'Rupert the Bear' children's book only to turn and snarl at the camera sends chills up my spine to this day. They spent money on the creature and it looks horrific, especially in it's black and red striped 'Freddy' sweater and dungarees (trust me it's unsettling.)

British TV of this calibre and genre could be gone forever down to constant big budget American TV imports which is ashame because there is no place spookier than the British countryside.

If you loved, 'Day of the Triffids' and if you're a British horror fan in general, you'll love this.

Don't watch it alone.

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.