Following the tradition of “Buffy” versus “Twilight,” BBC America is premiering its new show “Being Human” July 25 at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.
The show follows the secret double-lives of three 20-somethings who also happen to be a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Starring Russell Tovey (“Doctor Who,” “The History Boys”) as werewolf George, Lenora Crichlow (“Sugar Rush,” “Doctor Who”) as ghost Annie and Aidan Turner (“The Clinic”) as vampire Mitchell, the threesome must deal with their monstrous selves, unwelcome intruders and the trials and tribulations of being in your mid-20s.
Below are synopses of the first six episodes, spoilers included:
Episode one
As the series begins, the three friends seem to be having a somewhat normal life. Ghost Annie is buoyed by the fact she’s finally starting to be seen by ordinary people, rather than just by her housemates. Vampire Mitchell has sworn off blood, determined to kick the habit. Even the neurotic and anxious George is in relatively good spirits, putting his monthly transformation into a rampaging werewolf to the back of his mind. But it’s not long before their supernatural conditions catch up with them. The vampire world won’t leave Mitchell alone, and George, who considers the house a sanctuary from his affliction promptly tears his new home to shreds on the first full moon. Annie is heart-broken all over again when their landlord, her fiancƒ© Owen, pays a visit and reminds her of everything that she lost by dying.
“Being Human” premieres Saturday, July 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode two
George is shocked when he meets another werewolf, Tully (Dean Lennox Kelly, Shameless). Tully is the opposite of George “" he’s perfectly content being a werewolf. He wants to teach George how to enjoy himself, but George just can’t accept what he’s become and is disgusted by Tully’s attitude. Unfortunately, Tully’s invited to stay at the house by Mitchell “" a failed attempt on his part to embrace the world and be more human. Of course, he soon becomes the housemate from hell.
Episode two premieres Saturday, August 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode three
Annie meets another ghost, Gilbert, a Smiths fan who died in the mid-1980s. He loves being a ghost, and let’s Annie know she’s stuck in limbo because there is something unresolved about her death. Meanwhile, a nurse George works with is clearly interested in being more than friends, but he does not think, considering his situation, that he should be in a relationship. But as the full moon gets closer, and George’s animalistic tendencies take hold, he becomes more impulsive “" and lusty.
Episode three premieres Saturday, August 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode four
Mitchell’s attempts to embrace humanity become even more intense when he befriends a 12-year-old boy, Bernie, and his divorced mom, Fleur, who live on the same street. The relationship reminds him of his own childhood, and what he’s become, and helps him to stay on the wagon. But things turn sour when Bernie is shocked to see a glimpse of Mitchell’s vampire existence. It’s not long before word gets around in the neighborhood, threatening to ruin the housemates’ desire for normality and acceptance. Meanwhile, Annie is traumatized by a shocking revelation about Owen. Her despair turns to anger when she learns Owen will be visiting the house to try and sort out the growing problems with the neighbors. Through her rage she discovers some powerful and uncontrollable skills. When confronted by Owen her fury develops into a lust for revenge.
Episode four premieres Saturday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode five
The end of Mitchell’s friendship with Bernie has pushed him back towards the vampire fold.
He learns that the vampires are starting a mass conversion”"they will only feed from people who want to be vampires themselves. But the truth is much darker than Mitchell could have ever dreamed. Meanwhile, George is trying to hide his identity from his now-girlfriend, and Annie is crumbling in her attempts to avenge Owen, who still has a firm hold on her emotions.
Episode five premieres Saturday, August 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode six
Vampire Mitchell is in the hospital following an almost-fatal attack on his doorstep. Mitchell does not want his friends involved in the inevitable showdown with his lethal attackers, but Annie bravely decides that she cannot just stand by without doing anything. But George is faced with a huge dilemma. Should he try to help Mitchell or should he flee and try to start a normal life with his girlfriend? He has to choose between his friend and his lover. He knows Mitchell will need all the help he can get, but the lure of a normal human life is so strong.
Episode six premieres Saturday, August 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Leave a Reply