Hunted

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.

FantAstic show, cinema-quality experience, fab cast of thankfully non-American actors. Considering that pretty much everything out there on TV is cheap, tortuous class-A crap (and we get an embarrassing # of channels) this is the first series in a loooooong that I've been able to both watch and more than enjoy. Am absolutely bummed that it appears they've only written one season; was this lack of funding? Lack of an audience? (that'd be weird since everyone I know plus their pet LOVES it). Boo. Come on, Hunted Execs....we need another season. Or 6!

Hm it seems I've not written enough lines. Gee how much raving can a girl do? I though less was more. OK I think this is it.

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?

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 for one am a fan of Melissa George, her role in alias as a world class super b--- was impeccable, but it wasn't till I saw A Lonely Place to Die that I became a huge fan, as the movie explodes into graphic violence and tension her performance and looks suck you in.

Hunted is another grand example of taking advantage of her extraordinary screen presence.

As a spy thriller, its originality is mute, its not bad, not at all, but not all that special... but just as a thriller in general its wonderful. The picture quality is grand, and while it may make a few to many cuts, the whole picture put together is spellbinding.

It's plot and characters seem fully developed, just waiting to unfold and each seems psychologically sound to what they are, they don't just make things happen for the characters, it seems like the characters will react as if they should in that situation.

The show keeps tension well, Melissa's uncanny ability to suck you in (not unlike Jodie foster with her eyes) keeps you involved, and when the show bursts into its graphic and brutal violence, its all the better. The handful of action scenes by far outmatch those in the Bourne flicks and the adult plot is refreshing from the childish hollywoodised crap that those movies descended to.

I highly recommend this, just simply if anything for its balance between its violence, plot, and characters, not suffering one for any other like so many shows now days do.

If a show can do all three and do them well, than sacrificing one or both others do do one thing VERY well, well, thats just not good enough, let things happen as they do.

The only issues I have are a sh-- title sequence (very English, not in a good way, makes it seem far more cheeseball than it in no way is), and some spastic cuts on the violence, the camera work isn't shaky, in fact most of it is good, but the some (and i do mean only SOME) of the cuts don't fit together.