Les Survivants

A sudden and deadly flu epidemic sweeps the population of the world (Britain in particular) leaving few survivors. Those that remain each have strengths and weaknesses aplenty, perhaps a personal mission to fulfil, and most likely something to hide; some reason to be glad of the fresh start offered them by this disaster.

In order to get to the true meat of the story; which is about negotiating new identities, new relationships, new positions of power; the BBC pushes some unlikely scenarios on us in the first couple of episodes (I don't want to go into detail because that would involve spoilers - there are some surprises early on). Individuals, by various means, form into loose groups of shared interest and we watch their stories begin to intertwine.

Some might be tempted to stop watching the new Survivors at this early, somewhat unrealistic point.

Others who were fond of the 1970s series might drop out in disgust, having hoped for a true remake, whereas the 2008 version is asking different questions - yes they will eventually have to start making their own fuel (methane playing a major role in the original as I recall), but in fact I think the 2008 incarnation is more realistic in the sense that to start with, there will be plenty of long-life supplies and vehicles available. The story is satisfied to hint at more desperate survival struggles to come.

What this new version does superbly is generate a mix of characters and histories, with understandable suspicion of each other but also with a mutual need generated by the strength found in numbers and by the common desire for comfort in intimacy; as the story develops and stirs this unstable cocktail of personalities there are explosions waiting to happen around every corner.

For me the tension builds through the episodes. Rather than issues being resolved it seems that more and more potential conflicts and dangers arise at every encounter between the different groups of people that are forming. There is no chance to truly settle; no oasis of genuine security or freedom.

The seething tension reaches its height in the very last episode of the series. I for one cannot wait for the next outing of the new Survivors - in fact I am expecting series 2 to crank up the intensity even further.

At the start - not fully convinced. By the end - excellent, genuinely edge of the seat fare. Overall - definitely worth watching.

I really enjoyed the first series which is only six episodes long unfortunately and I can't wait for the next series which is now confirmed.

After the virus outbreak the few remaining Survivors start to find each other. As time passes they begin to depend on each other and organise themselves. The power struggles both from within the group and outside leave you wondering how civilisation ever got to where it is today. This show works on many levels and those of you who like end-times scenarios will probably love it. The character interactions are great, quite believable.

This isn't Mad Max, this is the bit before Mad Max.

I know that BBC has decided against a third season, and nothing a viewer in the USA says will likely change that, but here goes anyway: My wife and I watch a lot of programs, both British and American. We were completely sucked in by Survivors and are continually impressed by how unpredictable and exciting each episode is. We watch "24" and have enjoyed other edge-of-your-seat shows like "Alias" and "Prison Break" in the past, but we agree that Survivors is usually more entertaining than any of them.

Perhaps the total number of viewers in the UK hasn't been up to hopes, but maybe if demographics (average income, education level, etc.) are taken into account, PLUS you add in American viewers (via BBC America), the BBC should reconsider its decision and renew this riveting program for a third season (or "third series," as they call it) and beyond.

The premise of the show seemed fairly mundane: a virus wipes out most of humanity and we view the struggles of a ragtag bunch of survivors. But, despite a few logical lapses, the execution is excellent and the program is exciting to watch. Most of the characters are very well realized and acted, and the plot (episode-by-episode and ongoing too) is much better than one would expect. We look forward to watching the program every week.

They brought Doctor Who back (and we love it). Survivors deserves at least another few seasons -- especially given the miniscule 6-episode British seasons, which are about 1/4 as long as seasons of most American programs!

I never had the chance to see the original, but for the most part I'm really enjoying the acting. Both the detached one dimensional characters and the deeper ones. It's a good cross section for today's society.

I'm curious to see how the story will progress and I'm a sucker for interesting camera shots. The part where they follow the Kuwaiti guy across the city while he's in his Audi R8 is beautifully done.

And yes the Mosque scene is also brilliant. That whole opening sequence of everyone finding out they're the last ones was amazing.

Being a great fan of music, all the tunes used in this story really struck a chord with me. Brilliant music, brilliant visuals, good acting, and an intriguing story; it's everything I'm missing with the crap on American TV.

halfway through third episode but from what I have seen, v. good, and scarily believable,people are quick to trash this show as they look at things from the past with rose-coloured spectacles on, the same with Merlin they probably think Excalibur was the ultimate Merlin film. Anyway, the acting is particularly good esp. Julie Graham Max Beesley and Paterson Joseph-seem to remember him being good in The Beach as well-anyway anyone who hasn't watched this yet, tune in and give it a go, thoroughly recommended, and OK the idea of the characters being on the same road at the same time was far-fetched, but for me, it worked. 10/10