Afterlife

The final 2 hours of Afterlife aired here in Adelaide last night (9.30 - 11.30 pm!), and I was riveted throughout the entire screening (even though it ended well past my usual bed-time!.) No dozing off in the last hour of this! Gotta say that Lesley Sharp's performance in this 'mini-series' (and yes, I too thought this was meant to be a "series" and hope it will be) was/is simply stunning, totally believable, and in the final hours....breath taking! I think she is right up there for me now as a "favourite actor", and I've only ever noticed her in 'The Second Coming' before. Andrew Lincoln's performance as the learned, skeptical "ghostbuster" was outstanding also.

I loved the USA's "Medium", but, in comparison, found this series to be a much darker, grittier, warts-and-all portrayal of what it's like to be "blessed" with a psychic ability. (Is there something in the name "Alison" too?? Hmm!) Bravo Lesley and Andrew on some of the BEST TV viewing I have seen all year! (Took my mind off the Brits winning the Ashes yesterday too! LOL!) 5***** from me also!

Despite writing this a few years after the show's release, I feel compelled to write a review after re-watching some clips.

The premise is simple. A medium, a sceptic, and a lot of paranormal activity. What sets this apart from other, similarly plotted shows and films is the incredible atmosphere and suspense built throughout each episode, and the fantastic performance of Lesley Sharp, whose depiction of depressed medium Alison is utterly compelling, powerful and, most impressive, very believable.

Never before had I seen such a moving, emotional, tense and creepy TV show, and never have I been more disappointed that a show has been stopped. That being said, the two series were beautifully wrapped up, with a neat story arc and a final episode that was quite simply perfect. After watching it, I sat there in shock for a good while, barely believing how beautifully written and presented it was.

I won't reveal the ending, but let's just say you may need a box of tissues on hand - I was sobbing! And for a few episodes, maybe a cushion to hide behind!

Afterlife:- Sometimes we would like to believe that our loved one's are looking over us, our curiosity grows and we are left thinking of ghosts, spirits or entities, could they possibly exist? sometimes we need closure to a lost loved one and would do anything to have that, if there were a way. The unknown, it's interesting, frightening, hopeful and leaves you searching for answers, that's why I watched Afterlife, this was a great series, I really enjoyed it! I wasn't aware that there were only five episodes and felt very disappointed when it was all over. I can't say the ending came to much of a climax for me and I felt it was left open, possibly for another series? It would be great if they could manage to do another 5 episodes as I thought it was enjoyable different and entertaining and would definitely watch more episodes to come. Michelle

This was truly the best drama of 2005. i was a huge fan of afterlife and i am extremely please that clerkenwell films have been commissioned to complete a second series, this time running for 8 shows instead of the previous 6. Lesley Sharp and Andrew Lincoln seem to have that perfect on screen chemistry which made the tension and shock factor a perfect combination. I would give this show 10 / 10. The show producers and writers etc, should be recognised for there work. Every episode had you hooked which was truly great and especially seems they answered the storyline on the same episode. perfect viewing recommend 100%. Excellent mixture of a paranormal show.

Although I wouldn't class it as terrifying, this certainly isn't one for the faint-hearted. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and I can never wait until the next episode. I can't believe there will only be six episodes! The first episode, about the girl and her lavender-scented mother, was predictable but still chilling and a good watch. The second, about the drowned girl, was fear-inducing, and made you think a lot. I really like the way it was done. Watch it if you can manage catch it - most of us have busy schedules nowadays! - but don't let your kids watch it, especially if they get nightmares easily. Overall, it's a spooky, fascinating take on a subject never really addressed or looked at in much detail, so I assume most people will find it quite unique and VERY different; I did, and I'm the world's biggest critic (well, sort of.)