Being Human (US) - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Me Killing You"

     It's going to be hard to write a review based solely on this episode after so recently watching all three series of the British version. Comparisons are easy to make, such as that the American Being Human on Syfy goes a little more for the humor than its counterpart. Look at the episode titles, and it's apparent. So perhaps a little look at the differences before the real reviewing of the episode's own merits begins?

     Despite packing in plot from much of the first two series, Syfy's chose to end differently. In the British, George (who is the equivalent of Sam Huntington's Josh) went through with his plan to tear Herrick (Bishop (Mark Pellegrino)) to pieces. Mitchell (who is like Sam Witwer's Aidan) didn't get the chance to fight the foe. In the American finale, Aidan beheads Bishop, sparing Josh the feelings that will come with killing. Also, no surprise resurrection of the dead vampire leader at the end, so no idea if Bishop will ever be seen again.

     It's not clear if the American ending is more satisfying, but it certainly explores a different avenue that could have been taken. In the British, Herrick is scarier, and so it seems doubtful that Mitchell would have had the ability to take him down. Herrick was never shown to have a human girlfriend, which makes Bishop more sympathetic. That being said, Aidan still needs a distraction to finish the job, so it's not Bishop is fangless.

    One other major difference is that George and Nina (think Kristen Hager's Nora) got pregnant in the third series, after having intercourse as wolves. As such, it is perfectly reasonable to think that the baby is going to be different, and aging rapidly isn't out of the question. In the American, Nora is still one hundred percent human, and Josh hasn't even changed yet when she gets pregnant. This is an inferior choice, with the biology not making as much sense. Also, Josh and Nora have not had as much time to grow as close and understand each other as George and Nina did, so it's likely to be a whole different situation. While the change with Bishop is neither better or worse, this difference is not as good as the original.

     Because of these shakeups, both pretty large in overal effects, it looks unlikely a second season of the Syfy show will continue to recycle the British series's plot, as is mostly done during season one. From this point on, the two shows will likely diverge into entirely their own enterprises. Which, while not complaining about SyFy's freshmen year, will be better for fans on both sides of the pond.

     Syfy's Being Human has been a fun ride thus far. With many supporting characters coming in and out, the finale really refocuses on the central trio. Josh (Sam Huntington) and Aidan (Sam Witwer) both face down a serious fear, and both are willing to stand up to their enemy when the going gets very tough. Josh, especially, is maturing into a braver, more stable man, possibly at least partially owing to the fact that he is expecting child, and is already thinking like a father.

     Aidan's time spent dealing with Bishop (Mark Pellegrino) and his vampire cronies is at an end. He has taken down his own maker, his friend, in a way, and now is put in charge of Boston's vampire population. Aidan has never seemed completely comfortable with the other vampires, except in flashbacks set prior to the series's beginning, so he likely will not embrace the mantle willingly or enthusiastically. Will he set the coven free to take care of themselves? Or will he actually commit himself and try to change them? Either option could set up a good second season.

     Josh looks primed to reconnect with his family. While they flitted in and out, especially his sister, during the first season, it appears he may be ready to make a serious go at reconnection, especially now that he is starting his own family. Expect to see more of Josh's kin when the series returns.

     Sally (Meaghan Rath) discovers she has more power than she first imagined. Now that she can interact with physical objects and make herself seen when she really wants to, she can do more than stand around and bemoan her fate, as has been her main purpose thus far. This sets her up to be far more integral and interesting in season two.

     Sally really gets the shaft in season one. Her revenge plot is fascinating, watching what evil acts will turn such a sweet girl into, but she is mostly annoying and incapable of improving her situation. That is going to change, and Sally should at least become equal to the other two. As to what her range of powers are, and what she will be able to do, and why she is still on earth, all of that is still anyone's guess. 

     Being Human has already been renewed for a second season on Syfy, being a ratings and creative winner. If you missed it, it's time to check it out.

Article first published as TV Review: Being Human (US) - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Me Killing You" on Blogcritics.

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