Demons: Series 1 [DVD] [2009]

2 Discs, 6 episodes, subtitles, no extras.Spoiler free review.This is a difficult DVD to rate. The first three episodes struggle to find their footing between being semi-serious drama and throwback children's light-entertainment horror but the last three episodes are superb, landing on a darker, grittier overall feel with deeply character-driven stories.Characterisation one expects to build up as a series goes along but some programmes do manage to hit the ground running. That's not the case here. The first three episodes feel as though a (fair quality) 1970's/1980's BBC children's TV series has somehow squeezed through a time-warp into 2008. The main characters begin as wooden and two-dimensional even if they do largely escape the usual cliches - which admittedly makes a refreshing change - however the villains lack all credibility or solid motive and largely feel shoe-horned in to give the show a premise rather than being a central concept. CGI effects are good and well integrated, for which kudos is due but is made up for by creature make-up so poor that the 'demons' are risible rather than threatening. Episode 3 also suffers from a plot hole so large and obvious it should collapse under grativational pressure, although this is offset by the other half of the action reaching an absolute apex of well played tension vs humour.All this changes on the second disc for the last three episodes which take a massive leap up in content, context, character interplay, complexity and special effects. Episode four especially makes this worth buying and watching for a new take on an old theme as the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways and the characters suddenly come to life and flesh out in much more depth, taking this from ho-hum humdrum hokum to really good quality entertainment. By the end I was saddened that a concept that had now found its feet and 'feel' didn't get a second series. If they had continued with writing of the calibre of the last three episodes this could have rivalled some of the more famous offerings in the genre.Worth watching if you don't mind enduring some very dated-feeling initial episodes in order to see some much better ones in the second half.I'm keeping this one in my collection to rewatch and ponder on what could have been if it had been allowed to go on to a second series.

I bought this out of curiosity as it came out a few years before BBCs Merlin, created by the same producers and writers. It is, in comparison, an obvious dry-run. The wit and humour of Merlin is there, but the polish and strength so obvious in the later show is noticeably lacking here. Several of the actors go on to appear in Merlin, most notably Richard Wilson. He plays a zombie priest in this, but the character (the look and the wit) is Gaius.It's an OK series. It's fun - a British rip off of Buffy - but I can understand it only lasting one season

This 2009 supernatural Tv series follows the sudden appearance of Rupert Galvin [Philip Glenister] into the life of London teenager Luke Rutherford, who learns that he is the last descendant of the famous Van Helsing line and is charged with the role of ‘smiting’ the gathering dark forces of the world, aided by a blind vampiric concert pianist and authority on half-lives (i.e., vampires, demons, zombies, and werewolves) Mina Harker [Joe Tapper], and Luke’ wannabe girlfriend Ruby.Atmospheric backing music, quirky title song and a strong start, this then becomes slower and soon shows a feel of Primeval [2007-2011, but demons not dinosaurs] mixed with Torchwood [2006-2011], the whole thing having plenty of dry, wry humour and a general ‘comic book’ feel to it. The first two episodes have an uneven ‘flow’ as they mainly set the characters and background, but overall, the series gets much better as it progresses, although Galvin’ American accent will not prove popular with many.The two discs hold all 6 episodes of the short lived series, each disc loading to play all, subtitles on/off and episode selection. Rated 12, this seems unsure if it wants to appeal to younger teens or go for an older audience, and that’s its main issue, it doesn’t know who to please, so angers many coming across as uneven [Lose a *]. I don’t recall any profanity or nudity, but there are some intense scenes. I found the series entertaining but despite the topics,it lacks enough pull to create a strong fan base. If you like the genre, then give it a try.

It only lasted one season and I was not surprised. At first it was slow to develop and then it grew on me but somehow it made me say , Was that it , seen it all before cut off in its Prime. Good while it lasted

I watched this when it was on TV and my son also enjoyed it. It was good and probably deserved a second series but I did find Philip Glenister's dodgy American accent annoying originally and watching it again it doesn't get better!It was cheap so I purchased this as a stocking filler for my son for Christmas.One thing that has changed - the soudtrack - even my son commented on where is the Kaiser Chief's 'Ruby' and AC/DC's 'Back in Black' - they were in the original but are now missing.Overall good for the price.

Could have done with another series.

Used to love this show.

Not keen on this series. Disappointed as I love the likes of Buffy, Angel, Hex.... Sadly even Philip Glennister didn't save it for me - didn't watch the series through. Recycling via the Charity Shop.