Being Human: Season One [Blu-ray]

What do you get when you put a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf in the same apartment?

No, there isn't a punchline, because it's not actually a joke (unless you really, really hate urban fantasy). It's the description of "Being Human," a bittersweet little dramedy about a little supernatural gang trying to live their lives in an mundane world -- pretty good acting, a cool concept, and a slow-building plot about some rather ambitious vampires.

A youngish vampire named John Mitchell (Aidan Turner) and his werewolf buddy George (Russell Tovey) move into a nice rented house, and find themselves with a third roommate -- a ghost named Annie (Lenora Crichlow) who becomes almost solid as she hangs around the guys. George and Mitchell work a pair of low-level hospital jobs, and attempt to do normal things like date, go out to pubs, and keep house.

However, the trio still have supernatural problems to deal with: Mitchell is struggling to stay "on the wagon," George is in denial about his beastly transformations, and Annie longs to see her ex-fiance (as well as trying to find out what her earthly tie is). And they have to deal with enraged mobs, more ghosts, homeless werewolves, and the local vampire community (why are they in communities and the wolves are "alone"?), who are planning something major.

"Being Human Season 1" is one of those shows that isn't brilliant, but it IS clever and fun -- especially the whole idea of watching a werewolf, vampire and ghost trying to live "normal" lives ("What is it about us that says 'we need jam'?"). And the writers have some fun mocking the cliches of the urban fantasy genre (where else will you see a "little old lady" vampire?) while also delving into the painful issues of temptation, loss, and what it means to be human.

The first four episodes are a smooth mix of comedy and drama, with some hilarious dialogue ("Who looks in their salad cooler, sees their tomatoes are on the turn and thinks 'Oh no, I'll hang on to those in case some paedos move in opposite'?"). But there's a darker subplot about Vampires Seeking World Domination twined with the one-off plots. And in the fifth episode the storyline suddenly blossoms into a dark, harrowing little plot. Good stuff.

And the main actors do pretty good jobs -- Tovey is quite good as a geeky, mild-mannered werewolf who tormented by his inner beast, and Crichlow is very endearing as a fluttery, brave ghost. Turner is also good as a laddish vampire with a playful side ("The SHIN, George!"), but he doesn't quite have the punky anorexic glamour of Guy Flanigan (the original Mitchell... boy was he sexy!).

There really isn't enough vampire/werewolf stuff on television, and "Being Human Season 1" is a clever little addition to the genre. Not brilliant, but definitely fun.

"So," says the baddie at the end of season one. "A werewolf, a ghost and a vampire decide to live like humans do. They get jobs, a house and a TV license."

But that doesn't mean that it's easy for George, Annie, and Mitchell. Far from it. Not only do they have to go to work every day (except for Annie, who can't leave the house she died in), but they have another full time job.
Making sure that no-one finds out who, or what, they are. And it's hard work. George actually has to leave his old life behind, because he wouldn't be able to hide his true nature from his family.

And that's the sadness of the series, that no-one can know a freak except another freak, and to reveal yourself leaves you open to ridicule or danger (or both). Who couldn't feel for these three, trapped in their own lonely little island in a sea of humanity?

But don't think it's all moping around. The flip side to werewolf George is he's one of the fussiest people around, constantly cleaning and arranging things. Mitchell tries to befriend the entire neighbourhood to stake (pun intended) his claim on humanity, and Annie makes endless cups of tea, leaving them all over the house, as well as being totally useless at haunting.

There are some really really funny lines 'The only reason why I haven't torn your face off yet is because I've just done the hoovering in here.' claims one villain. Or Annie and Mitchell, talking about George. "We've got work and then it's his time of the month." says Mitchell. "Oh I used to hate that." Annie says to George. "Curl up on the sofa, Pride and Prejudice, if anyone spoke to me I'd bite their head off. Of course, that's probably likely for you. The, the biting."

This supernatural series has it all. Good looking cast? Check. Hot accents? Check. Small focus stories? Check. Big picture stories? Check? Heartwarming moments? Check. Triumphant moments? Check.

Check (pun intended again) it out if you love Doctor Who, Sherlock, or Supernatural.

The characters are so human that you don't even realize you are watching a vampire, ghost, and werewolf, until of course Mitchell attacks someone. George's love for Nina is heartbreaking at times and Annie's humour is priceless. Once again the Brits have proved their humour is far superior. The United States has also come out with a remake of Being Human but it is no where even close as enjoyable as the British version.