Hex reviews

http://scifigeeks.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/ode-to-hex/

Ode to Hex
Posted on June 25, 2010 by graylinfox

There are a lot of paranormal television shows out there. Most of the new ones have vampires and werewolves. I want to remind lovers of this genre about Hex (http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/120/index.jsp). I LOVED this show and miss it regularly.

Cassie’s family has a history with the school she attends. Her best friend is a ghost (Thelma), not intially but soon, with snark and attitude. Her lover is Azazeal. Yeah, that one. The fallen angel from Hell guy. Hot and sexy, played by Michael Fassbender, he’s a minion that makes you melt. I mean, how bad can Hell be with him by your side. Oh yeah, he does turn into an ugly creature and kill people. So, maybe not.

Cassie gets pregnant by Azazeal and we get the “very important to the future” child. We also get Ella Dee. Kick ass witch, smart ass, can see the snarky ghost, and can kill demons from Hell. And she is 500 years old. Her life gets complicated when baby Malachi grows up faster than those on american sitcoms, and Wow! is he smokin’.

This series was great. I miss it when I see Supernatural, True Blood, or any of the rest. The series ended with the school on fire and our heroine in distress. I wish BBC America would bring it back!

GF

http://www.suite101.com/content/ten-best-fantasy-television-shows-of-all-time-a305328

Ten Best Fantasy Television Shows of All Time

Nov 6, 2010 Steve Rogerson

From vampires to ghosts and from werewolves to witches, fantasy television has always been popular, but what are the ten best fantasy shows of all time?

Television viewers love being charmed and spellbound by fantasy shows, but trying to pick the best, or even ten of the best, is no easy task. The selection below ranges from the innocent and comical Bewitched to the dark and anything but innocent True Blood.

Classics such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Xena: Warrior Princess do battle with modern shows such as Being Human, Medium and Life on Mars. Some fans will agree with this list and others will disagree; that’s fine, and for those who disagree please feel free to use the comments box at the end for your own suggestions

Being Human (2008)

Following a successful pilot in 2008, there have been two seasons of this quirky but dark story of three unlikely housemates – a werewolf, vampire and ghost – with a third series planned for 2011. The pilot was so popular that fans started an online petition to continue the show and the BBC obliged. Out of the three main characters, only actor Russell Tovey survived the pilot to become George the werewolf in the series. Aidan Turner replaced Guy Flannigan as Mitchell the vampire and Lenora Critchlow replaced Andrea Risborough as Annie the ghost. The Syfy channel is making a US version due to be broadcast in 2011.

Bewitched (1964)

This was a contender for the top ten comedy TV shows list, but finds itself deservedly in the fantasy category. The story is about young witch Samantha who falls in love with and marries mortal Darrin Stephens. She agrees not to use her powers and be a normal housewife but her witch family and the pressures of life continually force her to deploy witchcraft surreptitiously. Elizabeth Montgomery played Samantha for all 254 episodes though other cast members often changed.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

This was a follow-on from an unsuccessful 1992 film of the same name but quickly became one of the best, if not the best, fantasy TV shows of all time, thanks mainly to the brilliant writing and directing of Joss Whedon. Teenager Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Geller) is the slayer, the chosen one for killing vampires and other nasties. She is guided by her watcher Rupert Giles (played by Anthony Stewart Head) and helped by Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan). Life is slightly confused when she falls in love with a vampire – Angel (David Boreanaz). The show never ducks difficult subjects including the death of Buffy’s mother and addiction, as we see with Willow in later series. It is a simultaneously dark, funny and thought provoking show that will take some beating.

Children of the Stones (1977)

Straddling the boundary between fantasy and science fiction, Children of the Stones follows the tale of astrophysicist Adam Brake (played by Gareth Thomas) and his son Matthew (played by Peter Demin) who travel to the village of Milbury to study its ancient stone circle. The villagers seem to be gripped by what can only be described as a happy trance. Tapping into Pagan mythology, the supernatural story is told over seven episodes.

Hex (2004)

Unfairly billed as Britain’s answer to Buffy, the two seasons of Hex were set in an English public school that has a history steeped in witchcraft. This is tapped into by pupil Cassie Hughes (played by Christina Cole), who is a direct descendant of the witches that were executed on the site in the eighteenth century. Also in the mix are Azazeal (played by Michael Fassbender), a fallen angel who seduces Cassie, and Thelma Bates (played by Jemima Rooper), the ghost of Cassie’s former roommate.

Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes (2006)

When policeman Sam Tyler (played by John Simm) finds himself back in 1973, he asks the question whether he has travelled back in time, is in a coma or mad. The truth is discovered at the end of the Life on Mars follow-on Ashes to Ashes and it is that ending that puts this show in the fantasy list. As an aside, the US did make its own version of Life on Mars that ended in such a way that would classify it as science fiction rather than fantasy, but the US show was just not good enough to be considered for either list.

Medium (2005)

Now in its seventh season, Medium is based on the real-life so-called medium Alison DuBois who worked with law enforcement agencies in the USA. In the TV series, Alison is played by Patricia Arquette and works as a consultant for the district attorney’s office in Phoenix. Her husband Joe is played by Jake Weber and she has three daughters who all display psychic powers. Each episode starts with one of Alison’s dreams, which she must then interpret to solve or stop a crime.

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969)

It is the original series that earns its place here rather than the 2000 remake. Jeff Randall (played by Mike Pratt) and Marty Hopkirk (played by Kenneth Cope) run a detective agency with a difference. Marty is dead and his ghost can only be seen by Jeff. The two use Marty’s abilities to help solve crimes. The show also starred Annette Andre as Marty’s widow Jeannie, who works as the office secretary.

True Blood (2008)

With three season under its belt and a fourth season due for 2011, True Blood is set in small town Louisiana where vampires and humans coexist though not always in harmony. The lead is Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), a waitress with telepathic powers who is in a relationship with a vampire, Bill Compton played by Stephen Moyer. It has already won numerous awards including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995)

Though this was a spin-off from another fantasy show – Hercules: The Legendary Journeys – it was much better. This was the story of two women – Xena played by Lucy Lawless and Gabrielle played by Renée O’Connor. Xena was once an evil warrior princess but is trying to seek redemption for her former sins by using her abilities for good. Gabrielle’s story almost goes in the opposite direction as she transforms in the six seasons from an innocent and naïve young woman into a warrior herself. Much of the action concentrates on the relationship between the two women. Fans in the early seasons believed this to be a sexual, even though this wasn’t stated, but the writers played on this in later seasons to make it more clear that this really was part of their relationship.

The Best Fantasy Television Show of All Time

Charmed was enjoyable, but not quite good enough for this list. Buffy spin-off Angel was also considered, and though it had some tremendous episodes was just not consistent enough for the all-time list, a shame given that out of the above list Buffy itself is the only real choice for the number one spot. Science fiction fans might also like to see the ten best SF TV shows of all time list.

http://ithinkthereforeireview.blogspot.com/2010/11/hex-seasons-1-and-2.html

HEX, Seasons 1 and 2

HEX a Bizarre Mixed Bag of Lost Potential
By Kristin Battestella

I don’t recall how I came to the 2005 British series HEX, but it is a conundrum of a little series, I’ll tell you that. Over the course of two brief seasons, HEX establishes a fine premise, intriguing characters, and some budding paranormal fun. Unfortunately, too many changes and growing pains prematurely damaged the show into merely what could have been.

Hex - The Complete First SeasonCassandra ‘Cassie’ (Christina Cole) and her roommate Thelma Bates (Jemima Rooper) don’t exactly fit in with handsome Troy (Joseph Morgan) and popular Roxanne (Amber Sainsbury) at the posh country school Medenham Hall. Cassie explores the abandoned buildings on the grounds, discovering more and more about Rachel McBain (Jessica Oyelowo, Mayo) and the estate’s torrid history of witches, persecutions, torture, and ghosts. Soon, she sees the frightening and mysterious Azazeal (Michael Fassbender) stalking her. The leader of the fallen Nephilim angels, Azazeal proves his might to Cassie by sacrificing Thelma, thus making her a ghost only Cassie and others supernaturally inclined can see. Azazeal uses his fully regained powers to possess and seduce Cassie. Now that Cassie is carrying Azazeal’s child, 500-year-old anointed witch Ella Dee (Laura Pyper) enrolls at Medenham so she can kill their fast growing, half-demon child Malachi (Joseph Beattie). Unfortunately, Malachi’s charm and fallen angel arsenal make the task difficult for Ella. After centuries of fighting the forces of evil, she finally has a chance at a normal life with fellow student Leon (Jamie Davis). However, as Malachi matures, the fabric between worlds breaks down, allowing more Nephilim, demons, and ghosts to cross over, jeopardizing everyone at Medenham and beyond.

Wow, this was a tough show to summarize! The witchy premise and demonic storylines are intriguing at the start, but we get too much too soon and yet not enough by the series’ premature end. As a result of significant cast departures and changes, HEX never adheres to its potential. We open as linear story, creating longer and longer previouslies introducing each episode- we think we have something good in place. Sadly, the revolving cast door leaves HEX without firm footing; plots meanders too much, and the storylines grows obvious and repetitive. When foreshadowing gives away more than it should, it just isn’t foreshadowing anymore, is it? Though I applaud the frank teen pregnancy issues and abortion debates, these heavy subjects are dealt with a little too casually- and the end of the world is at stake, to boot! There are the usual questions of statutory affairs and pedophilic immortals and witches getting it on with teenagers as well, but all that is lost while HEX tries to find its path by exploring the histories, comings, and goings of its players. Perhaps all these issues, characters, and more could have become something coherent in time? By the final episodes, however, all the floundering leaves the audience wondering why we should even care.

HEX also errs a little too much on the lesbian angles. While it’s lovely to have a nice, realistic, and frank portrayal, frequent director Brian Grant (As If, She Wolf of London) and oft writer Lucy Watkins (Sugar Rush, Demons) quickly fall into the safe stereotypes. The unabashed lesbian dies and becomes a ghost for goodness sake; unable to have a real relationship with the living heterosexual roommate she loves. It’s a little hypocritical to have the occasional dreamy girl on girl make outs for the flair but then say its not true romance compared to the demonic possession shenanigans. A lesbian ghost always gawking at the uninterested also perpetuates the myth that every gay person has the hots for the nearest straight person. The same sex motifs should have been handled much better or left alone. Having someone say she’s a ‘lesbian ghost’ doesn’t make one gay, does it? When the wonderful Thelma finally does get other magically convenient lesbian ghosts to play with, it’s just too contrived for the audience to care. I’ve gone on this subject for a while, simply because the production team put the topic at the forefront of the show. That in itself is not erroneous television, but hinging the show on their faulty lesbian visions is a mistake. Mature, lesbian relationships can be done wonderfully, look at Buffy. I don’t want to be stereotypical myself, but perhaps producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps just can’t write for chicks, as in my main complaint with the handling of their female characters in Merlin.

Despite some of these faults, the players in HEX keep things fun and juicy for the most part. Their styles and dialogue may be too Brit to some, but Christina Cole (What a Girl Wants) and Jemima Rooper (Lost in Austen) are sassy and worthwhile. Thelma’s ghostly ways can be irritating at times, but Rooper’s charm keeps Thelma’s unique situation real. It’s so nice to see the second lead in a television show not be the traditional blonde, super thin, totally hip hottie. Thelma’s quirky view and tough choices are a breath of fresh air, and when the character is sometimes reduced to a ‘freaky, fat dyke’ for the humor; it’s a little unfair to Rooper’s hard work. It’s also a little amusing that Cassie can talk to ghost Thelma is public and no one notices! The writing inconsistencies and teeny bopper girlie logic is annoying, and HEX becomes more frustrating as it loses its aim. Laura Pyper (Emma) comes into an awkward situation of replacing the departing Cole, and again the fickle writing decisions- dumbing down a 500 year old witch into said annoying lusty teen-doesn’t do Pyper justice. Wasn’t this show about Cassie, anyway? It’s as if the first 10 episodes and the back 9 shows of the series are from two different television programs. The cast are all adults, but some of the sexual scenes, vices, and abuses also seem a bit much for the ladies, too. It’s tough to discern how old they are, exactly what type of school Medenham is, and let’s not forget the touch of pedophilish relationships. Amber Sainsbury’s (30 Days of Night) resident hooch Roxanne has a fine arc with all this juiciness, but she’s pushed to the backburner while the changing over leads battle for the spotlight.

Alright, I confess it, so you must forgive me the pun. I’ve been on a bit of a bender recently over Michael Fassbender. His somehow sweet, sexy, and alluring but no less evil and ruthless turn here has Azazeal has converted my indifference to his Stelios in 300. I had to reread my commentaries on 300 to compare- but I didn’t even mention him! That’s an ouch and a whoops on my part. While I’m kicking myself for not fully realizing this talented actor sooner, this chameleon style also creates more applause. How deceptive the devil is, isn’t he? Azazeal is supposed to be the bad of the bads, yet there is an air of ambiguity, a sense of tragic love lost over the millennia. He’s slick, intelligent, predatory, ancient and evil- yet almost sympathetic in his own way. By far Azazeal is the best thing about HEX. Not because of the latent swoonability of Mr. Fassbender, but because his role is the best written and delivered part of the show. He took his time with the part and is somehow completely subtle while giving a nothing to lose kinetic energy and over the top style in Azazeal’s every move. The period piece ruthlessness blended with the modern edginess seals the deal on his ensnarement. I don’t know if it was a planned departure or Fassbender chose to leave the series, but it is tough watching HEX’s final episodes without him- particularly after the fine episode 10 “Ella’s Burning.”

Sadly, I am not as fond of the other gentleman on HEX. Joseph Morgan‘s (Ben-Hur, Doc Martin) Troy is nothing but a plot element, to be manipulated by Cassie or Azazeal as needed. Jamie Davis (Footballer’s Wives) matures and adds depth to Leon for Series 2, but he also ends up as romantic fodder for Ella. Joseph Beattie (Mansfield Park) also comes in secondary- simply because he comes across as a poor girl’s Fassbender. Didn’t we just see the storyline involving a demon trying to seduce a witch? Why are we wasting time on this again? More coming and going cast members also aren’t treated to full potential, like the very cool Headmaster Colin Salmon (Die Another Day, Dinotopia) and Anna Wilson-Jones (Afterlife) as the kind but eventually seriously misguided teacher Jo Watkins. So many fine supporting players come and go in HEX, its tough to discern who’s important, who isn’t, or who will even be around for more than two episodes. Again, it seems like someone was playing eenie meenie miney mo with the cast and characters without regard to the goldmine of talent to be had. Some of that was no one’s fault- actors come and go, storylines start and finish as needed, but as this rotating company increases, it makes HEX very frustrating to watch.

I’m not a British teenager, obviously, but my goodness the fashion sense here is horrible! These girls look like 30-year-old streetwalkers! If that was the Brit style then, or if that’s how teens really dress nowadays, oiy. What is with all the odd hair lengths and one off earrings? It’s not cool, just distracting- and everyone seems to wear the same few things all the time. Don’t these rich kids have enough money to buy a decent wardrobe? Maybe the Nuevo grunge but steampunk trash all at the same time is just some European thing, but hinging HEX on such an eclectic looks and music makes the show very dated only five years later. While the Colonial and Puritan-esque period piece looks are wonderful and the Englefield filming location is dynamite, these aren’t used to their full potential. The aforementioned casting changes and meandering on who the true lead of the series was also gives an uneven, incomplete, or rushed and poor production feeling. What little special effects there are aren’t that good, either. Usually I’m all for a relatively no-effects show winning on its cast and writing laurels, but there should be more spooky things in HEX than there are. We’re just kind of in between- a teen drama that has haunting elements or an all-gothic show that has serious drama. In a first season, shows are entitled to these growing pains, but as this is all the HEX we have, it doesn’t work in the brief series’ favor. Too many inconsistencies hamper our disbelief. Where are all the damn cell phones and laptops? Aren’t there any real school schedules, security, or rules? Some of the basics are treated too willy-nilly, putting another nail in HEX’s coffin.

Hex - Season Two [Region 2 Import- Non USA Format] [Region 2]Naturally, the DVD presentation of HEX is totally screwy. The first 6 episodes of Season 1 and the first 4 episodes of Season 2 comprise the ‘Season 1’ Region 1 release, and the final 9 episodes of Season 2 have not been released in North America. Well that’s a big “Huh?” isn’t it? The features for both seasons are mingled across the Season 1 discs, revealing spoilers for the entire series, too. And, to top it off, there are no effing subtitles! American audiences, it seems, have been screwed (or should I say hexed?) all around. Fans of the cast or paranormal television can try rental or online options or fully invest in the complete Region 2 releases, but the naughty language, British lingo, nudity, and other raunchy goodness are not for prudes or the super young set.

HEX simply is what it is. Would it have been better if the series continued for a third season, magically finding its path amid such complete cast turnaround? Perhaps. Was the damage of such a shaky start and constant upheavals already done? Probably. All these character movements and nice progression developments would have been fine had they happened naturally through the course of a longstanding show, but too many changes and inconsistencies happen over HEX’s measly 19 episodes. The show seems to have been flying blind- I mean, outside of its literal definition, what the heck does the title have to do with anything, anyway? Take the good of HEX, but be prepared to let the potential go. Don’t dwell, just drool, indulge, and yell at the TV.

Posted by Kristin Snouffer at 3:07 AM

http://giandujakiss.dreamwidth.org/579358.html

Michael Fassbender is wearing eyeliner.
Aug. 29th, 2011 07:46 pm
sleeping methos

Your argument is invalid.

So I've finished the first season of Hex, and -



My biggest reaction to the pregnancy plot was amusement at how they put the pro-life speech in the mouth of the devil.

Beyond that, though, I'm mostly annoyed at the whole season, because Cassie's entire relationship with Azazeal - pregnancy included - was so awful and it didn't have to be. The problem was that Cassie had no agency, or anything, really, so that when suddenly it turned out - oh, she actually does love him and want his baby! - you're like, "Wait, what?" But if they'd spent any time at all on Cassie's character development, it could have been interesting.

I thought after the first episode, actually, that they were going to go in a direction where Cassie is constantly on the verge of going darkside with her powers, and that Thelma is there to act as a sort of conscience. And in that context, Cassie being interested in Azazeal would make a lot of sense. And that could have been fascinating, with the central storyline being about how Cassie is being pulled in two different directions.

But no. After the pilot, she just sort of ambers along, gets roofied and raped by Azazeal, but then hey! It turns out she loves him even though he's a demon and there's been literally no relationship development.

Maybe it was the eyeliner.