Scribble Creatures Spotlight: Angel

It was Buffy the Vampire Slayer's 19th birthday the other day. To celebrate, our Spotlight series continues as we look at that show's often underappreciated spin-off...

 

Top Five Immortal Characters

Immortality has always been a popular trope in all forms of fiction, as it's a perenially fascinating topic. As such there are many great fictional characters who never shuffled off this mortal coil - and here are some of my favourites. 
To keep things interesting I've banned myself from putting any Doctor Who characters on this list (really, I could fill the whole lot up with Who folks - The Doctor, Captain Jack, the Master, the Cybermen...). So read on for a who's-who-and-also-not-in-Who of immortal characters. Hurry up, before we all die of old age...  

 Vampires

Fiction is full of vampires tortured by their immortality, so I've bundled them all into one for the sake of variety (and to represent them I've chosen one of the world's more underappreciated vampires; the Count from Sesame Street. Not enough evil undead give their eternal lives to teach young children arithmatic). They come in different groups. Many like to spend eternity causing bloodshed - Dracula. Some like to spend it righting wrongs - Genevieve Dieudonne who fights the aforementioned Prince of Darkness in Anno Dracula. And others like to switch between both - such as TV vampires Hal York and Spike. Whatever the type, though, you can rely on a vampire to spark an interesting discussion on the nature of immortality. 

The Hempstock Women

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is really the story of two ancient forces battling each other with a small ordinary boy caught in the middle. While the terrifying Ursula is vehemently on the side of the bad, the Hempstock women serve as the boy's saviours and prove that immortality doesn't have to make you tortured - it can just make you wise. The three Hempstocks (almost personifying the stereotypical three witches) and the nature of their long shelflife is well dealt with; we know they were around at the time of the Domesday Book and beyond but we never really find out who or what they are. The Hempstocks tell us that, yes, we don't understand all the mysteries of the universe but sometimes it's better not to. 

 Peter Pan 

It is an oft-discussed notion if one would choose immortality. Certainly, most of the characters on this list would call it a curse. But Peter Pan, the Boy Who Never Grew Up, chooses to be immortal rather than face the terrors of adulthood. At first, just as Peter does, many of us would love to be carefree children forever but there's tragedy in Peter's decision, as ably presented in the surprisingly good 2003 film and messed about with in Steven Spielberg's Hook, as he cannot do such grown-up things as reciprocate his feelings for Wendy. Ultimately, though, it's up to you whether Peter's life is a blessing or a curse, making him one of the most interesting immortal characters around. 

Edward Scissorhands

I was going to put Frankenstein's monster on this list but then remembered that immortality is not really an attribute of Mary Shelley's original creation, more of the films that it spawned. So instead Frankie's gothic cousin Eddie takes his spot on this list. A cross between the monster, the Beast and Tim Burton himself, Edward is an innocent who, just like the monster, is corrupted by the outside world. Unlike Frankie, he's also one half of a doomed romance, partly made impossible by his immortality. Edward serves as a warning that it's no fun to be different. 

Tithonus 

 While others on this list might not have enjoyed their immortality, they at least had the comfort of being frozen in time, never ageing. Unfortunately, Tithonus, one of the unluckiest figures in Greek Mythology, learnt the hard way that your should always check the fine print when wishing for eternal life. After falling in love with this lowly mortal, the goddess Aurora pleaded with Zeus to make him immortal - unfortunately, she forgot to ask for everlasting youth. Thus, Tithonus grows into a withered husk of a man - who his immortal lover eventually grows tired of. Tithonus is the epitome of all immortal fictional characters as he embodies the idea at the heart of all of them; we might all wish for longer lives but you have to be careful what you wish for. 

The Best of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I was something of a latecomer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, having only started watching it a few years ago, but I learnt to love it just as many longer-running fans have done. Buffy has the features of all the great shows - wit, heart and loveable characters - but I admire it most of all for being the mother of largely every genre show made since. Torchwood, Being Human, Merlin, 21st century Doctor Who and more all owe Buffy a huge debt. Russell T Davies has gone on record saying how Buffy 'raised the bar' of television in general. From the way it mixes all the elements so well, it's hard to disagree. 

This week Buffy turned 18 years old so, in celebration, I'm going to talk you through my favourite episodes of the show. And I'll begin right about... now. 

'Hush', (Season 4, Episode 10)

The 'Blink' of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Inspired by how critics only seemed to praise the show's dialogue, creator Joss Whedon crafted this episode to be almost entirely silent - as the residents of Sunnydale have their voices stolen. The thieves are the grinning, murderous Gentlemen who I'd wager are the scariest band of TV monsters outside of Doctor Who. 'Hush' is so wonderfully creepy it makes you wish Buffy had thought to be properly scary more often but then this episode is so successful that there was probably no point in attempting to top it.

'Restless', (Season 4, Episode 22)

Dreams are an oft-used device on TV and film but rarely, if ever, are they portrayed as realistically as here. Unlike, say, Inception which simply uses dreams to play with the laws of physics, 'Restless' embraces the random-yet-possibly-meaningful nature of dreams to take a glimpse at the psyche of the four main characters. What's more, it's a novel approach to the series finale, acting as more of a coda than a climax. Quite possibly one of the surrealist - and bravest - episodes of mainstream telly ever.

'The Body', (Season 5, Episode 16)

A little like 'Restless' embraces everything about dreams, 'The Body' portrays the grief process with stark reality, particularly that on the very day that one loses a loved one. Inspired by the loss of Whedon's own mother, this episode looks at how Buffy, her sister Dawn and their freinds react to the sudden death of Joyce. Not from a vampire attack, but an aneurysm. It is the perfect example of how Buffy transcended the expectation of what genre shows could do. This is something that other series have continued since yet none of them have delivered an episode as truly devastating as 'The Body.'

'Once More With Feeling', (Season 6, Episode 7)

But on the other hand, Buffy can be, and usually is, lots of fun. And this musical episode is surely the most gloriously enjoyable Buffy of them all. I'm not a particularly massive fan of musicals, but the way in which the character drama and plot development of a normal Buffy episode is done through song is sublime... and also they're just really good tunes. This episode teaches a lesson a lot of TV shows could learn from Buffy as a whole - with just a bit more dedication and care, you can turn average television into something really special.


Fancy some more of my favourite Buffy episodes? Then you can read my, more sweeping, look at the show's finest hours over on Whatculture here.

Monthly Mini-Reviews: March

March has been a busy month - what with the final episode of one of my favourite series, Being Human and the first episode in a new series of Doctor Who! Aside from them, I've consumed a fair few number of entertaining fictions over the past few weeks. Here's a handful...

 Oz the Great and Powerful

In this partial sequel to the 1939 classic, James Franco is Oscar Diggs, a talented magician who dreams of greatness but is trapped in a travelling circus - until he is caught in a twister and taken to the jolly old land of Oz.
The film, directed by Spider-Man's Sam Raimi, seems to have divided people but I fall into the category of people who enjoyed it. Its flaws - such as pacing issues and  dodgy character development - are obvious and it certainly does pale in comparison to Wizard. However, viewed on its own terms, it's an enjoyable enough, visually-gorgeous way to spend a couple of hours.

Neverwhere Radio Series

I've been highly anticipating this one for a while; a radio adaptation of Neil Gaiman's fantastic urban fantasy novel featuring a top-flight cast including James MacAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sophie Okenedo, Bernard Cribbins - and Christopher Lee! Thankfully, the series delivered, being an funny, touching and fast-paced version of the story terrifically played by the cast. Special kudos goes to MacAvoy for playing everyman protagonist Richard Mayhew with such realism and likeability and, of course, Cumberbatch for imbuing the Angel Islington with a chilling edge. If I did such a thing - which I seem to be here - it would be my pick of the month!

Gaslight Arcanum: Uncanny Tales of Sherlock Holmes 

The best Holmes pastiches, I find, are the ones that pitch the highly-rational detective against the forces of darkness - so I obviously found this anthology of supernatural-tinged Holmes stories a treat. Including tales concerning the devil's footprints, an ancient Egyptian curse and an encounter with Count Dracula, the writing styles vary but invariably capture Conan Doyle's timeless creations throughout. Oddly, my favourite of the bunch may be the least 'uncanny'; the anthology's opening story which details a young Holmes loosing his first love. It's a twisting-turning story that packs a real emotional punch as it aims to get at the steely heart of our Holmes.

                                               
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season Six

I've been working my way through Joss Whedon's seminal genre series on-and-off for many months now - and have finally arrived at its sombre, penultimate series. Following on from the climax of Season Five, this series begins as Buffy's friends bring her back from the dead to continue fighting the force of evil in their hometown of Sunnydale. It's a bit of a mixed bag, this one, with several good quality episode alongside some mediocre ones. Downsides include less Anthony Head as his character Giles leaves the main cast but a positive is more of Alyson Hannigan's Willow as her dependence on magic leads to some dire consequences over the course of the series. It's not the best of seasons but it's also not the worst - sorry, Season Four - and has lots to offer. Particularly the musical episode 'Once More with Feeling' which everyone should watch!

Review: Being Human Final Episode - The Last Broadcast

For five years, thirty five hours, Being Human had entertained us with its wonderful mix of the domestic and the supernatural, great drama and hilarious comedy and overall, at the show’s core, its fantastic characters. We had seen vampire Mitchell (Aiden Turner), werewolves George and Nina (Russell Tovey and Sinead Keenan) and ghost Annie struggle to keep being human in face of their afflictions, with sadness and laughs along the way, until they all met their heart-breaking ends – bets are out on which is the saddest. On Sunday, the story of the show’s current heroes, bloodsucker Hal, lycanthrope Tom and spook Alex, and that of the entire series, came to a close. The show has been reliably good at climaxes from Herrick’s plans for revolution in Series One, Mitchell’s fall from grace in Series Three to last year’s the Old Ones and their prophecy for humanity’s end (remember Mark Gatiss’ delicious turn as Mr Snow?). However, could the show’s creator Toby Whithouse pull off the big one; the finale episode, the last broadcast of Being Human?

As you may have worked out during this over-long, melodramatic introduction, it bloody well did.

The writing is excellent, finding time for both reflection on all three main characters as well as the traditional ‘end-of-the-world’ action that finales have. The episode starts with the trinity in surely the worse positions they can possibly be; Hal seemingly having abandoned humanity and killing again, Tom ready to murder his best friend and Alex trapped in her own grave. It’s hard to believe that things can deteriorate for them even more. And then we find out the Devil has gone walkabout and plans to bring about the apocalypse. Some days are just like that, aren’t they?

When the dream sequences kick in is really when the episode gets into the meatier, more uniquely Being Human fare as our heroes are shown an ideal world they long for, by that sod of a Devil. Each gets to the heart of the characters as well as the show itself; three supernaturals fighting to lead mundane, boring, wonderful human lives. Whithouse has clearly had at least a rough idea of this episode in his head for a while and it really shows as events head to an ending that, although I never saw it coming, makes perfect sense. Either one you pick.

It’s not just the writing that sparkles in this episode with all major cast members playing a belter. Phil Davis relishes playing the biggest villain of them all, forming every word with audible malice and nuanced guile. He gets some fantastic lines over the hour, both ones that will make you chuckle or send a shiver down your spine. Really, though, the stars of this finale are Kate Bracken, Michael Socha and Damien Molony, each completely nailing their characters while also moving them on somewhat. We get to see a slightly more vulnerable side to Alex, a brave, responsible one from Tom and a Hal – once split between good and evil – who slowly comes together as a person. Each approaches the ending stronger and more human, accepting of what is to come.

On the whole, ‘The Last Broadcast’ – possessing a terrific title, by the way – is a truly fitting end to the entire series; one that’s well-written, well-performed, heartfelt yet bravely ambiguous. Toby Whithouse’s denouement should keep fans debating the fates of his characters for many years which I imagine is precisely what he wanted. All I know is that Being Human has been a series consistently terrific throughout its run, delivering everything from jokes about the quality of Black Swan to showing the Earth on the brink of Armageddon – on several occasions. Come early next year when the series would usually be on, I shall miss it but it is comforting to know that this was a show with the courageous conceit of being about being human and completely succeeded. And for that, everyone who worked on the show should be extremely proud.

P.S. This review is 666 words long. Just thought you might like to know…

A blog post for 'Buffy'

I realise I'm about ten years behind the rest of the world when I say this but I'll go ahead with it anyway..I've only just started watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I literally hadn't seen an episode before last month.
It's strange that I haven't before now since some of my favourite shows are series that mix the extraordinary with the ordinary e.g. Doctor Who, Torchwood, Being Human, even Sherlock, I'd say. I also knew of the impact Buffy had on those shows - Russel T Davies is a huge Buffy fan and now having seen it I can see the influence on his Doctor Who and in particular Torchwood - yet I just had never got round to sitting down and watching it. However, over the Christmas break, I caught an episode on SyFy, the one where there's no dialogue (Buffy fans among you may know the title) and decided it looked like a quirky, fun series and made a note to myself: 'you know, I should watch more of these.'
And I did. Since then I've watched Season One and I've nearly completed Season Two and I have to say I'm having a whale of a time.
Season One is a little ropey and inconsistent, I'll admit, but it significantly held my interest and liked the lead characters straight away. Sarah Michelle Gellar is of course great in the lead while I really like Alyson Hannigan's Willow and Nicholas Brendan as Xander. Oh, and Anthony Head as Giles is fun too. Even Angel's not too bad even if even if I do keep thinking 'Ah, so that's who Edward Cullen's based on.'
Season Two is a whole lot better though, I feel. The momentum is cranked up and the main cast has swelled - in a good way (there must be about ten lead charcters by mid season two). Spike and Drusilla I'm fond of as the Big Bads (I believe that's the term) plus it gets even better when Angel goes bad, giving David Boreanez a chance to do some evil.
I realise I've got a long way to go til the end of the series and probably a few months of viewing but I'm enjoying mysefl doing so. With the lack of any Doctor Who on TV over the spring and summer, it's nice to have a great show to look forward to watching.

Being Human is Brilliant!

No, this isn't going to be an oddly reflective piece on the highlights of humanity - sorry, philosophy students- but a post on BBC3's excellent drama Being Human.

The series follows the lives of a Vampire, a Werewolf and a Ghost who share a house. Unfortunately, this sounds like the set-up to a bad joke which does the series a serious injustice. It's really about the main character's dogged attempts to work themselves back into ordinary society and lead normal lives. Sometimes this leads to humourous escapades but more often then not, to a heartbreak for one of our terrific trio.

Talking of terrific trios - the strength of the cast  is one of the show's great assets. Let's take a look shall we?

Lenora Crichlow is Annie, the sweet young girl who fell down the stairs of her house and has since haunted the place due to 'unfinished business'.
She is seen by no-one until fellow supernaturals George and Mitchell come to live in her house.
One of Annie's most endearing aspects is here insistence on making her friends endless amounts of tea- even though she cannot drink them herself.

Aidan Turner is tortured vampire Mitchell. Over a hundred years old, Mitchell has slaughtered millions due to his 'addiction' to blood. However, he is determined to go cold Turkey and give up his blood-sucking ways. Although, this is easier said then done.

Poor Mitchell always seems to have the worst luck of all our heroes. Be it given life-changing prophecies, made a reluctant 'king of the vampires' or - oh, yes- an endless addiction to human blood - it's certainly not a lark being Mitchell.

 

And, last but certainly not least, is Russel Tovey who plays the geeky but loveable George who was attacked by a werewolf on holiday in Scotland and now transforms into a werewolf every full-moon.

George first met Mitchell when the valiant vampire saved him from a group of viscious fellow blood-suckers. They soon became the best of friends and soon moved into a certain haunted house in Bristol...

But its not only the acting which is tremendous about this show. The writing is excellent; each episode and the overall story arc equally engaging. It also helps that each series (of which there have now been three) have had a different story to tell.

Series 1 as well as introducing the characters deals with the mystery of Annie's death and, more prominently, the sadistic Vampire boss Herrick's attempt at world domination.

Series 2 sees the thret come from humanity itself when the gang is tracked down by the shady Professor Jagget's organisation which claims to be able to cure supernaturals...

Again, this sounds like silly stuff but its all done with the right balance of comedy and drama so you really care for the characters when their world is repeatedly put at risk. 

And Mitchell, George and Annie's world is never more threatened than in the recent series 3. Dealing with the forces of a resurrected Herrick, the Police and that of Hell itself, surely not all of our heroes can survive to fight another day...

So, if this little introduction to one of the best programmes on telly has whet your appetite, please check out series 3 on Iplayer now.

 

'Fangs' for listening.