Take a look at these faces. They did NOT need to be recast in a US version. Syfy’s version of the BBC hit Being Human does not impress me. At all. I won’t even bother to use the Syfy version’s character’s names, so I’ll just make the comparisons based on the far superior original’s characters. You know, the ones that actually show us what being human is all about.
Mitchell is hot. Mitchell is a bit out of time. Mitchell is the heart of the group. New-Mitchell is just a vampire with no personality. Annie is adorable. Annie makes us long for the same things she’s hoping for. Annie introduces us to each of the group and makes us sympathize with them from the moment she starts speaking. New-Annie is not cute, and we don’t care anything about her after the entire first episode. George is a dorky, but well-meaning spaz. In both versions. I give this character a PUSH.
In the original version, the trio has been together for a short time, thus forming their relationships prior to our first look into their lives (or deaths, as the case may be). In this new version, I don’t think these characters are ever going to exhibit the same level of care and respect for each other; the markers just aren’t there. I attribute the failure of the Syfy version primarily to the cast. They just aren’t that good. Their interactions are forced and cold. I get nothing emotional from any of them, and that’s the key to what makes the original so perfect. Within moments, I think Mitchell, Annie, and George had all the viewers cheering them on. I don’t care what happens to these new kids. Fortunately, the BBC Being Human resumes this week, so I can stop even thinking about this unnecessary venture.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the fact that there were NO Arctic Monkeys songs in the Syfy version. WHAT?!?!?
Mood:
Bored
Moody
Anxious