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Being Human: Daddy Ghoul

George Senior: “I came back from the dead for you, Ruth. How many men can manage that?"

Tonight's episode saw George and Nina take a break from the increasingly bizarre goings on at Honolulu Heights, and take a road trip back home. This was essentially George's "coming out" episode. Not that anyone noticed. After meeting George's parents, it's easy to see why he is the way he is. Yet, his family's prosaism is what makes them so special. It also probably explains why he left.

James Fleet was a joy to watch as the passive George Senior. George and his father had made similar choices in life. Both had dealt with personal trauma by running away. With George Senior, it was a decision born of impotency and frustration. With George, it was more the result of necessity. He'd become a ticking time bomb. How do you tell your parents you're a werewolf? Evidently, by coming right out with it. George's "I'm a werewolf" revelation barely caused a ripple. It simply reinforced Ruth and George Senior's preconceived notion that he'd had some kind of a mental breakdown. In hindsight, maybe faking amnesia would have been the better option.

Despite enjoying Fleet's performance, I was a little underwhelmed by George's reunion with his mother. True, it introduced us to the irritating Marcus -- which, in turn, spawned some hilarious dialogue. But it just didn't resonate on an emotional level. George reuniting with his family should have been a big deal. Instead, it felt superfluous. The meat of tonight's episode was the appearance of DC Reid and Herrick's growing self-awareness. Alongside this, the Sands' soap-opera seemed kind of tame. Maybe it should have been part of an earlier episode.

Back in Barry, the bafflingly inappropriate DC Reid is now aware of Mitchell's secret scrapbook. Which isn't enough to incriminate him. But it's enough to point the finger of suspicion firmly in his direction. Herrick may not remember who he is, but he's doing a fine job of manipulating everyone. The question is: will Nancy live long enough to catch her man? Now Herrick's got her scent, I wouldn't bet on it.

In fact, she was lucky to leave Honolulu Heights alive. Herrick almost exsanguinated her. Mitchell, likewise, looked ready to do her harm. Maybe not there on the doorstep. But I can't shake the feeling that, given the right motivation, Mitchell could easily murder again. Aidan Turner has a killer frown. (Pun unintended.) You could see Nancy visibly wilt under the intensity of his gaze. How much is Nancy willing to risk to solve the case? Tonight she almost lost everything. Let's just hope her ambition isn't undone by a lack of common sense.

The episode started with a brief flashback to Paris, 1933, which introduced us to the concept of vampires choosing a protégé. How it's done, we're still none the wiser. That's something Mitchell still has to coax out of Herrick. But, what we do know is that by choosing an heir, a vampire can come back from the dead. I'm not sure whether the “and so much more” part was to open up future storylines, or will prove crucial come the season finale. Either way, Mitchell now has hope. Perhaps he can't prevent his own death. But maybe he can influence what happens next.

But, if Mitchell's known all along that naming a protégé would save him from death, then why did he try to kill Herrick back in episode four? Does he truly not believe in destiny? Perhaps it took time to digest the significance of Herrick's return. Either way, Mitchell now needs Herrick alive. Which I'm totally on board with. Firstly, because it means we'll be seeing more of the magnificent Jason Watkins. Secondly, because with Herrick alive, even if Mitchell is killed, there's at least a way back. With The Hobbit currently in production (and Aidan playing Kili the dwarf), this may well be Aidan's last season. Let's hope Mitchell finds a way to beat death. Being Human without Mitchell would be unthinkable.

Mitchell's really in an impossible situation. He can either kill Herrick, and risk dying himself... or opt to let Herrick live and hope that, in time, he'll give up the secret of his resurrection. Either option has potential pitfalls. If Herrick survives, it seems unlikely he'll forgive George for eating him. And killing George would likely set off a chain reaction of revenge and recriminations, resulting in losses all round. Mitchell's strong, but is he strong enough to take out a vampire at the peak of his powers? Realistically, he should kill Herrick now. But his promise to George won't allow it.

Yet with each passing day, Herrick's regaining his memory. Even his aversion to drinking blood is waning as his natural impulses grow stronger. Those scenes of Nancy in the bathroom with Herrick had me on the edge of my seat. Watkins' facial expressions are worth a thousand words. Luckily for Nancy, Herrick's humanity is still warring with his dark side, and in this instance, won over. But now the munchies have started, it must only be a matter of time before Herrick starts killing again.

Annie, had another mixed week. Her character vacillates from warm and lovely to ditzy and shallow with worrying regularity. Just when I find myself liking her, she has a week like this, and I go off in a huff again. Her attempts at helping Mitchell are causing him all manner of trouble. It would be better for both of them if he just came clean. Annie's a bit dim, but she must be aware that Mitchell's holding something back. You don't need to be a psychologist to read his body language. It's screaming out "guilty!"

Bits and Pieces:

-- Is Titanic seriously something everyone needs to watch before dying? I think I may be in Hell. Save me Jack!

-- Who'd have thought eating a bag of crisps could ever be so revealing? James Fleet's dance moves haven't improved much since Four Wedding and a Funeral. He still has two left feet.

-- Hannigan Spiteri? A mix of Alyson and Sharleen, perhaps? I'm guessing not Lisa.

-- Herrick sucking on Nancy's bloody tissues was disgusting.

-- I loved George Senior laying out Marcus. Danny Webb excels at playing characters you just love to hate. I laughed out loud at Nina hissing "Of rounders!" at him.

-- Why didn't Mitchell just burn that damn scrapbook!

-- W.H. Auden' "Stop All the Clocks" and Cheryl Cole's "Fight For This Love"? Now there's a Glee mash-up I don't ever want to hear. I'm guessing the inclusion of the Auden's poem was a second tip of the hat to Four Weddings and a Funeral.

-- I thought George was Jewish? George Senior's funeral seemed pretty Christian to me. Maybe he's Jewish on his mum's side.

-- Where do George's parents live? It didn't take Nina long to get there. Surely they don't live in Wales?

-- I liked that, despite George's father being woefully ordinary, George eventually came to realise how wonderful he was.

-- The cult of Earth, Wind and Fire? Where do I sign up?

Quotes:

Nina: “No, no... you're a bit rapey now.”

George Senior: “This is my house, that is my wife. And you, Sir... are nothing but a prick.”
Nina: "Ohh, get in!"

Nancy: “This place will be the death of me.”

Marcus: "Isn't that the plot of Shawshank Redemption?"
Nina: "Well, that's where we got the, frankly ludicrous, idea from."

George Senior: "I'm going to fly, Jack. I'm going to fly!"

Nina: “Did your dad just misquote Titanic?”
George: “Yeah, just don’t ask.”

Marcus: "If you don't get the basics right, well, they are going to be screwed up, aren't they?"
Nina: "You sound like an expert, Marcus."
Marcus: "I'm a teacher."
Nina: "Of rounders!"

George: "Oh, my God! You're not dead."
George Senior: "I can explain."

Marcus: “You're a bunch of weirdos. The lot of you!”
George: “Ha-ha-ha... you don't know the half of it.”
---
Also posted at The Time Meddler.

12 comments:

  1. It was not my favourite episode but it was a nice breather though.

    Love Nancy. I really want her to stay on the series. Great stuff with her, Mitchell and Herrick.

    Annie's getting closer, that's good.

    Liked the George/Nina stuff with the former's parents.

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  2. Tonight's episode felt a bit like the calm before the storm. I had no idea Turner was in The Hobbit. Christ! Let's hope he doesn't die :(

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  3. Dude, How long does it take to write your reviews? There up within 12 Hours on Den of Geek, Billies Lost reviews were up within 24 Hours, at the most 48. Up your game man, ya slacking!

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  4. Anonymous, I think it's actually sort of cool that you're anxious for Paul to post a review. I bet it makes him feel wanted. :) But hey, yes, my Lost reviews were usually up within a day or two, but I'm no fount of reviewing virtue. I posted my most recent review four days after the episode aired. and last week's Smallville was posted six days afterward, although I'm proud that I indeed got it posted before the next episode aired.

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  5. Hey anonymous. In answer to your question, it takes as long as it takes. But, to put you in the picture, I was supposed to be doing retro reviews over the summer. I never intended to post them as the show aired (due to working commitments, me moving house, and other personal nonsense you don't want to hear about). However, somehow I've found time during the week to review the show and, rather than having them sitting on my computer, I decided to post them. If you'd rather I left the last two episodes altogether, and posted them over the summer, then let me know. I don't want to give you an ulcer.

    So, no I won't be posting anything within 24 hours. But, I'll endeavour to get something up as soon as is humanly possible. I know it's not ideal, but it's either that or nothing at all. Sorry.

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  6. Hello, me again Mr.Anonymous, did i touch a nerve Mr.Kelly, a rather biting response to what was ment as a playful jibe, although i find it amusing that you responded within a couple of hours..... not that busy then eh? :)

    And Billie, like it or not, your the Don!

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  7. Oh and the reason im so anxious to read the review for the next show, Herrick...... Jason Watkins is just superb.

    As im sure you'll agree when you get you arse in gear....lol

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  8. I'm the don? What does that mean? I hope it's good.

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  9. Mr Kelly? You sound like my bank manager....lol. A "biting response"? Really? I thought I'd just apologised, sympathised and explained why I'm always a little slow? You do realise that it takes but a second to respond to a comment, yet takes hours of rewatching, thinking and writing, to write a review, yes?

    As it happens, I do agree with you re: Watkins. He was marvellous. But the longer you spend complaining, the longer it's going to take for me to get my arse into gear ;o)

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  10. I just thought Paul would be a bit familiar....lol. But fair play i dangled the hook and once again you bit....lol.....so....any chance of slipping the clutch?, cuz you definatley aint automatic :)

    And Billie, The Don, It was a compliment, as in Don Corleone, the leader, the head of the family, the one they all look to for guidance and leadership.

    But then you knew that, you were just fishing for compliments ;o)

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  11. BBC America finally aired this episode and it was okay, but it didn't thrill me. George's parents were annoying, and I'm frustrated with Annie and the way she's inadvertently working against Mitchell. The tissue scene made me gag.

    And just for the record, I wasn't fishing for compliments, Anonymous. I've seen The Godfather but I don't think of myself as a Don and I've never really used that term. I lean more towards the title of Queen of the Site.

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  12. (She demands that we writers call her Empress Billie, Ruler of All and Equal of None. Since it's accurate, we don't mind.)

    ReplyDelete

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