I’ve always been fascinated by Melissa George. Ever since she starred as the duplicitous Lauren Reed on Alias‘ controversial third season, I’ve found her to be a strangely compelling presence (even though the backlash towards her character said otherwise). Yes she’s not the greatest actor around but her face exudes a mysterious aura and coupled with a high-concept spy show (my favorite kind), I knew I had to give Hunted a shot. Now that I have, I’m not entirely sure what to make of this BBC production.
The pilot wastes no time in throwing us into the thick of things. In fact, the first 20 minutes are pretty sparse on dialogue, instead relying on a couple of double-crosses and brutal action sequences. I can’t say I wasn’t immediately hooked as Melissa George more than proved herself with the show’s fight scenes. Acting wise, she didn’t get much to do with the material besides pout and sink into her little flashback corner (because this little badass spy doesn’t sleep like the rest of us mere mortals). The few glimpses we saw of her past hinted at a potential long-running arc with her mother’s mysterious death but it didn’t really reel me in as much it as should have (we’ve seen this kind of story before).
I also don’t know what to make of Sam’s current mission infiltrating a crime-lord’s house as a nanny. This could be ripe with suspense but I need to be more invested in Sam to care. It doesn’t help that the manor’s big villain is nothing more than a mustache-twirling rich dude so I’m going to need some depth soon. Thankfully, the episode’s final moments ushered in a new threat as the man hunting Sam down arrives at the house (with another identity no less).
Apparently Hunted‘s first season comprises only 8 episodes which is not a long investment thankfully. Although there are a lot of great shows at the moment, I’ll try my best to commit to this and see how the rest of the season plays out. I really want it to succeed as I’m always on the lookout for new kickass heroines on TV. While Hunted will probably never reach Alias levels, it has the potential to be pretty engrossing.
Finally, I must mention that the cinematography in the pilot is astounding. With gorgeous locales and impressive production values, Hunted looks like a big-budget feature so that’s a real plus.
Conclusion
While this pilot wasn’t particularly thrilling or gripping, I’m hoping Hunted improves with its second outing.
Nad Rating
C-
Allo, Nadim.
Just finished watching the pilot.
My curiousity was ticked, actually.
A new kick-ass heroine, indeed.
Reserving my judgment in the next two eps.
Have a nice day!
Allo, Nadim.
After the 2nd and 3rd eps of this series, i' ve decided to hook myself in this spy show. 🙂
This series though does not play too well with emotions and morality issues.
Sam Hunter's mission, first and foremost is to find out who betrayed her.
As the series unfold, there are a lot of possible suspects; but the twist and turns
of events made me react like > what's that? what happened? huh?
It's like an elaborate puzzle.
Melissa George, with her eternal pout, delivers a kick-ass no nonsense heroine
who'll say, “i don't trust you” in your face.
At times though, seeing how burly her enemies are (whom she fights in close contact), I can’t help but wonder: she must have very good combat training. hahaha.
Anyways, the fight scenes are somewhat “street smart” and downright dirty. 🙂
The series does not dwell on morality issues and life is just like a grain of salt.
Like The Professionals of the 70s, (I so miss Cowley, Doyle and Bodie) this British production is fast paced and does not hold any punches.
But while The Professionals work for a government agency, Sam Hunter and her group
are for hire security team/mercenaries.
They have no qualms in killing even their own personnel if they become security risks.
(SD-6, Alias, anyone? )
The flashbacks regarding Sam’s mother is intriguing and yes, because of her trust issues,
she do not sleep in bed but prefers to curl up in the corner for the night.
The assassin though, is very creepy. Dead eyes, man, dead eyes. Real creepy.
This show had mixed reviews but I’m sticking with it.
Have a nice day!
Hey platinum. after you're done with season one, please report back and let me know if it's worth finishing! i'm not excited to watch past episode two unless you REALLY recommend it since we have the same views! 🙂