New Favorite TV Series: Being Human

After a successful pilot that caused enough people in the UK to petition the BBC, Being Human is running a six part series on on BBC Three. In the tradition of Dr.Who and Torchwood, writer and actor, Toby Whithouse (who has written for both Dr.Who and Torchwood) has created a contemporary sci-fi drama that takes a Vampire, a Werewolf and a Ghost and puts them together in a share house.

The twenty-something supernaturals are presented as misfits struggling to come to terms with their true nature, which are experienced more as afflictions, than assets. But, this doesn't simply feel like a British version of Buffy. This is a well scripted, character-driven drama. It explores the esoteric nature of difference and "being human'. As John Mitchell (the Vampire) monologues in the pilot episode:

I've got this friend. He says the human condition, the human nature,
'being human' - is to be cold and alone. Like someone lost in the woods. It's safe to say he's a 'glass-is-half-empty' kind of guy. And I see nature differently. I see the ancient machinery of the world.
Elegant and ferocious, neither good nor bad, it’s full of beautiful things, unspeakable things. The trick is to keep them hidden - until the right moment.

The cinematography, the sets and coloring are all unmistakably British. The special effects are understated and work really well. But, the highlight is the writing. The script really draws you to the characters, so that even with major actor changes from the pilot to episode one, I still felt a real connection with the morally-troubled vampire, werewolf-in-denial and scared ghost.

Not sure about those outside the UK in terms of viewing, maybe email BBC to see whose got the rights in your country. The shows are available on the website though. Do check it out.