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.

Why, oh why, did this programme end after only one series? It has to be one of the best British productions I have seen in a long time. It's never too late to bring the concept back

This would have been pretty much your average UK spy-thriller drama, but for one main exception.. and her name is Melissa George. Not hugely recognized in the US, she's the real reason this production is a couple notches above ordinary. The story-line and dialogue does not help her one bit.. as a result, it's near impossible for her to get away from the sad-sack frown she displays throughout most of the entire film. But without question she brings the only rays of enjoyment in what would have been otherwise a 2-3 episode-then quit watching enterprise. Had more effort been allotted to writing longer sentences of meaningful dialogue, and improved character development, this had potential to be one of the better examples of the genre. Casting her was the best decision the powers that be made.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I watched all the episodes and found the tension built nicely from episode to episode. One of the things I like about watching BBC shows is it seems they don't guard the main characters like they do in the United States. With U. S. shows you can assume no matter what happens to the main character or characters each episode, they will survive to be around for a second season, even if there isn't one. With shows like Misfits and Being Human, the plot is king and anyone can be killed off at any time. So, when I walk into a show like Hunted, I have no expectations that any of these people will be around next season. This increases a shows tension enormously. For me that makes for a completely different viewing experience than I'm used to and it's very refreshing.