Hunted

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?

Well I am a big fan of spooks and when I saw the trailer on BBC HD I was quite excited to see what was new and if this programme still had that sort of feel about it. When I watched the first episode there was very little chatter among characters and the story line seemed to be missing. The acting is very good among everyone but at the moment in time I was a bit disappointed. The next episode told us a bit more but I have realised that all of the episodes give very little information away about the characters and the story line itself, Its basically given in spoonfuls. I think that this sort of programme builds up eventually and thats what its starting to do now which gets more exciting to find out new facts and watch.

Overall I think that this programme is interesting and that people should not be put off with the slow build up to the plot. Be patient and we all may be very surprised and impressed towards the end of the season or throughout episodes.

This show is addictive, mysterious, and thrilling. It has it's faults just like any TV show. The choreography and cinematography for the fight scenes are a bit awkward at times. There might be a couple clichés here or there. However, I think the strong points in the show overshadow the small faults. And if the writers/directors work on those small flaws, this show would definitely become a 10 in my book! If you enjoyed the espionage and paranoia that existed in Alias/Nikita, you will enjoy this. Who do you trust? Will the lead character get caught in her lies? Who else is lying? It gets quite addictive.

The plot line is very continuous, which is another plus. There are no standalone episodes. Everything sticks close to the main plot.

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.