Hex

Hex is a unique British TV series which has provided relief in the currently dismal TV of late.

Although it has many similarities to and has been hailed as the 'british Buffy' try not to compare the two as they are very different shows. Without Buffy paving the way chances are Hex wouldn't be here but to compare the two will more than likely result in disappointment.

Hex follows student Cassandra Hughes at boarding school with her best friend Thelma (Jemima Rooper). The two are outsiders, mocked by the populars and content to sit alone at lunch - something which many will relate to.

Cassie's world is turned upside down by an innocent discovery. The result of her curiosity turning her mundane school life into a roller-coaster of sex, discovery, pain, death, love and excitement! Hex boasts a witch, fallen angel, lesbian ghost and plenty in-between. Do not miss your chance to see this fab show returning on 18th September 2005 for a well deserved second season.

This show rocked. It had something for everyone, love, hate, lust, magic, good, evil you name it, it was in there. It was the kind of thing that appeals to anyone who watches it, as it had the perfect balance between the supernatural and the natural, with great story lines between each of the characters.

Each of the characters were typical sex-driven teenagers, but they were being driven into a world of magic without realising it, and it was done in a painfully addictive way. This said, the adults in the show also played an important part, and without them (Jez, Azazeal etc) the show wouldn't have worked.

There's only one thing I don't get: Why did they cancel it?!

After seeing the first episode I wasn't sure whether to continue watching. Other than Thelma, the acting was pretty weak. However, hang in there as Christina Cole (Cassie) finds her feet and Azazeal is extremely cool.

This one is much raunchier and less moralistic than most American TV shows. I loved Buffy too, but it was always trying to tell us how to the right thing and everyone did a lot of unnecessary suffering. In Hex the heroin sometimes takes the low (moral) road which enables some interesting character and plot developments. Lets face it, girls are often attracted to some pretty destructive men - the girls often see their more vulnerable side - Azazeal plays this sweet badboy perfectly.

This is not a visual show (although, as someone noted the countryside is pretty). The special effects are almost non-existent. It is a psychological thriller and the characters and music make it scary.

Hex actually has elements from a number of genres, not least of which is some black comedy (which Brit's excel at). Thelma is fabulous!

I watched season one of Hex and enjoyed it in an on and off kind of way despite some ropey acting and a hammy script at times. However, if you stick with it and start watching season 2, you will be well rewarded, the action kicks up several notches, the stakes are raised and a MAJOR character dies for good and a new one is introduced.

Jemima Rooper continues to steal the show as the sassy, lesbian ghost Thelma, with some great one liners such as "I may be dead, but I'm not straight" and newcomer Laura Pyper creates a whole new dynamic as Ella whilst some old faces get some much needed character development. The Nudity, violence and sex is more noticeable helping distance this show from the whole "british Buffy" tag it used to have. It really has become a must see show and one I spend an agonizing week waiting for the next installment.

Hex is not at all similar to Buffy or charmed except for the basic narrative of it containing the supernatural! And I don't understand how people can compare them when they have nothing in common! Although Hex seemed to conclude in the most strangest of ways each week, I thought that it was a very brave production for Sky One to broadcast, because their target audience wasn't a guarantee.

This production was not only entertaining but educational too, not because any of us are likely to have the child of a demon, but because it explores the precautions we must take everyday and also historical issues are raised.

Hex may not continue for many more series but I hope the second and perhaps the third are just as exciting as the first.

I must congratulate those who worked on Hex in the feature and the publicity because I felt that everything was done successfully.

xxx