Sea of Souls: Series 1 [DVD] [2004]

I'm actually watching this series the wrong way round, having caught the second series on T.V and then having to rent the first to catch up with the back story. This DVD contains the three two part episodes from this intriguing series set at The Parapsychology department of Clyde University. Douglas Monaghan (Bill Patterson) and his two assistants are out to scientifically prove that the inexplicable can have a paranormal explanation. Naturally he has to referee between his subordinates ( Peter McDonald and Archie Punjabi) who "X Files " style are one sceptic, who thinks not unreasonably for a scientist that all paranormal phenomenon has a logical and scientific base, and one all too willing to accept the existence of supernatural forces.
The three episodes here are excellent, avoiding the clichés normally associated with this genre (Though the second one dabbles in very familiar territory of the vengeful spirit it's skilfully done) and have quality actors, Siobhan Redmond, Peter Capaldi and even Michelle Collins who invest the performances with natural grit and realism. Plus the episodes here, particularly the first refuse to spoon feed the audience the sort of neat happy resolutions which are normally the preserve of T.V produced drama. And if you find it all a bit far fetched there is always the sumptuous Scottish scenery to oggle.
The first episode sees a woman suddenly discover she has a long lost identical twin who is not the benevolent fun loving sibling she first appears. The second raises the conundrum of past existences and could they infiltrate and even drive our actions in the present. The third is a slightly grisly mystery involving voodoo and ritual murder and is the darkest tale of the three both in tone and actuality, as it takes place mainly indoors or in grim city settings.
The endings have a tantalising air of ambiguity but really leave you in little doubt that there is more in this world than we can easily explain, but that maybe one day science will be the path by which we unravel some of these deeper mysteries. Which is something I happen to agree with. Despite the fact it,s very rarely scary or even creepy , it is thoroughly absorbing and intelligently made so all in all I'd say Sea Of Souls is an overlooked, under rated gem.

Such an exciting series! I couldn't wait for the next one. All the plots are very well put together, they just make you want to watch until the very last minute. Believer in the paranormal or not this will not dissapoint!

Sea of Souls is a fantastic drama series - possibly better than any other drama series I've seen. Personally I prefer the first series, but only because of Peter Macdonald. ^^ Incredible Scottish scenery, realistic, and tremendously well-crafted storylines for both series. Excellent actors and well-written. I only wish they'd made a third series, and I have no idea why there isn't one, since there are brilliant reviews and lots of people watched it. But anyway, I'm not the BBC. Wish I was though, and I'd make this happen! Advice for anyone looking to buy: the two series are quite different from each other, and also, whatever side of the paranormal you take, you WILL love this! I only wish I hadn't got addicted to it. :(