Saturday, January 01, 2011

Primeval Series 4 Episode 1

Well, I'm glad I watched the short pre-episodes on the web before this first full episode of season 4 of the resurrected Primeval - ITVs dino sci-fi show. Because this episode started with the new ARC - and new characters - already in place. Those mini-eps certainly add something.

As per the end of the last series, Abby and Conner have been stuck in the Cretaceous period for a year now with, it seems, no hope of getting back. Until they happen across Helen's damaged anomaly-opening device. Unfortunately they have to get past a giant spinosaurus and a raptor first.

Meanwhile, back at the ARC, after dealing with a small dino breakout, a new anomaly is detected. The military-based team, armed with new electro guns, head out to investigate and meet up with two old friends - plus one large dino!

As always, the effects with the dinos and the anomalies are very good. The acting is great and the new characters seem pretty good. Matt Anderson (Ciaran McMenamin) is cool and seems to be secretly in league with a mysterious old man in a garden. Who is this and who are they looking out for? Jess Parker (Ruth Kearney) is perky and great fun - plus very geekily attractive. A pity we didn't see more of Philip Burton (Alexander Siddig), the private investor in the new ARC and something of an inventive genius according to Connor.

With some nice little humourous bits - like S Club 7 playing when Abby tries to distract the spinosaurus - and plenty of drama make for a great (re)start to this series. Although it seemed a little disjointed at times and over far too quickly. The surface of any kind of ongoing story line was barely scratched. Thankfully there's only a day to wait for the next episode. BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop

1 comment:

Tim Knight said...

There was a lot to cram in to get everyone back in one place, but they did it well in the time.

Thought it was quite amusing that Connor and Abby had been stuck in the Cretaceous period, surviving on their wits, for a year but their clothes looked pristine ;)

Had to laugh at the wonderful S Club in-joke as well!

From this first episode it looks like there's a strong team on the show both behind and in front of the camera. Looking forward to tomorrow's episode to see what antics that brings!