Review of Being Human ‘The Graveyard Shift’

SPOILERS: Do not read this if you have not seen Being Human ‘The Graveyard Shift’

And then there were three… this week saw the formation of a new friendship between a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost, with the focus on Tom and Hal.

Unlike George and Mitchell, whose relationship was already established when ‘Being Human’ began, Tom and Hal are starting from scratch. This is part of the reinvention of ‘Being Human’ and is reminder that it is unusual for vampires and werewolves to get on without trying to kill one another. There was initially no love lost between the pair and the mutual distrust was evident. However, the unlikely duo managed to bond over a copy of ‘Nuts’ magazine but not in the way that one might expect.

Both Tom and Hal are worlds apart from their predecessors, particularly when it comes to the fairer sex and it turns out that they are as equally useless as each other when trying to talk to women. George may initially have been shy but he gradually gained confidence while Mitchell was always somewhat of a Lothario. In contrast, Tom and Hal are more gentlemanly and less laddish. Despite their different backgrounds, both of them are quite old-fashioned and there is a sense that they are probably quite chivalrous. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that by the end of the episode they choose to watch a TV programme about antiques rather than ‘The Real Hustle’, a perennial favourite with Mitchell and George. It was a little touch but it illustrated perfectly how the series has changed.

All television programmes have to progress and develop if they are to retain their appeal. Aside from the arrival of new characters and a new premise, another difference is the style of the storytelling. Rather than the previously frenetic additions to make each episode exciting and action-packed, this series is about building the momentum slowly to a strong climax. The show as a whole has grown, there was only so long that supernatural beings could stay under the radar and try to integrate. Die-hard fans have to accept that the story of Mitchell and George has been told and that this series is a new chapter of ‘Being Human’.

The only downside to ‘The Graveyard Shift’ was the character of Michaela (Laura Patch), the goth lady with terrible taste in tights. Yes, her character was a source of comedy and a plot device to help Hal and Tom’s friendship along but it was all just embarrassing to watch. Everything about her was awful from the poetry in lieu of money to the skull cup drawing. Never was the phrase ‘facepalm’ more apt. Michaela was a vapid caricature who spouted inane nonsense that was supposed to be hilariously funny but it just wasn’t. In fact, it took some of the edge off the usually sharp humour and diluted it. It would not be surprising if Regus (Mark Williams) did end up staking her in the not-so-distant future for being so irritating.

One story thread left out this week was the woman from the future who is trying to kill Eve by sending messages from the other side. But perhaps there will be more of this next week when a mysterious ghost pays a visit to the Honolulu Heights. He supposedly has a message from Nina. But who is he and can he really be trusted? Or is he working for the woman from the future?

For more information about the series, click here

Image credit: BBC

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