BEING HUMAN is an interesting series that has become extremely popular on the BBC, mixing many horror sub genres into a brilliant mix of horror, drama, and comedy for a very well made series. With the series about to be remade for American audiences on SyFy (still hate that title), you should give the original a shot, as after viewing the first episode of Series Two, I was hooked.

BEING HUMAN tells the story of three (two alive, one dead) people who look to be in their 20s who share an apartment in London. John (Aidan Turner) is a vampire. George (Russell Tovey) is a werewolf. Living with them in the apartment is Annie (Lenora Crichlow), the previous occupant who remains in the place after her murder. The series focuses on their adventures and it respects all three sub genres very well. Series Two is only eight episodes, but it provides a very good arc that makes for great viewing.

Series Two opens on an interesting note as John and George are introduced to a quirky vampire couple named Ivan and Daisy. They show vengeance at George and John for the murder of Herrick, the baddie of the first series, but tell them that because of his death, it may send the vampire clans into turmoil. This is combined with the presence of two men who want to eliminate the three of them when they learn of what they really are and there’s a marvelous werewolf transformation that is edited and performed splendidly. It sets the tone of what is to come, but what really makes the series work is how their personal lives are written. I really appreciate that I’m not hit over the head that it’s a vampire, werewolf, and ghost saga more than it is about three people trying to come to grips with their lives.

The Best (and funniest episode) is the third episode, where John tries to convince the other vampires in his neighborhood not to kill. The methods he goes through in order to prove his point are not only hilarious, but what happens as a result provides the vampire version of “Alcoholics Anonymous.” While it’s been done before, it’s done to great comic effect here.

I was very concerned upon hearing about this series that it would be identical to another series popular for vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, and demons: Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It is refreshing that Being Human is a class all its own, takes the material very seriously, but mixes all genres perfectly. When it’s scary, it really gets scary.

The stars are engaging. Lenora Crichlow is splendid as Annie, happy to be in contact with humans and even has feelings for her roommates. During the series, she loses her ability to be seen by humans and it affects her greatly. Aidan Turner is great as John Mitchell, a bit of a Russell Brand clone and while I was concerned that he would be just another vampire, he makes it all his own and brings such an elegance and sophistication to it that he makes it memorable. Tovey is fine as George but not as good as the other two. Amy Mason is a delight as the flirtatious vampire Daisy, and she lights up the screen every time she appears, especially in her flirtation with George.

Being Human is just good, quality entertainment that horror fans will like. If you like Shaun Of The Dead, this is up your alley. It’s smart, scary, sophisticated, funny, and just very fun. The only complaint I have is that if you are appalled by British television (as it does pace itself slower than most American fare), you may not like it. However, this series is top notch all around and should be viewed.

That and I do wish the vampires didn’t come out in the daylight. That still annoys me.

– Alan G. Richter