The Fades Series 1 [DVD]

Episode one of this six-part BBC3 series received a lukeawarm reception from the critics, but I stuck with it and I must say it has exceeded all expectations.

Four episodes in and while some people will of course be turned off by the fantasy element of the concept, I think it's quite brilliantly written. At times scary, sometimes genuinely hilarious and always intriguing with plenty of surprises and stand-out moments along the way, this has been a triumph for BBC3 and certainly the only series on that channel that has had me coming back for more.

There's some decent support from Tom Ellis and Daniela Nardini, and the lead in the role of Paul does a great job. But the star of the whole show is his wonderfully geeky friend Mac. The dialogue between the two friends is priceless and delivered superbly.

In terms of the plot, well as with all these things the less you know before viewing the better. So essentially, teenager Paul is having vivid apocalyptic nightmares. He is also seeing creepy beings out and about that no one else seems to be aware of. He discovers that these shadowy figures are in fact "Fades" or dead people that haven't ascended and are trapped on earth, unable to communicate with anyone, touch anything etc. Except certain particularly bitter and malevolent Fades have discovered a way to change this, which threatens the whole of mankind!!

Yes, it sounds totally barking and completely off-putting. I'm not into this kind of fantasy/good v evil stuff at all. But trust me it's done in a way that makes it seem scarily believable and once you buy into the concept you'll be hooked. I have to say I was expecting a show aimed solely at teens but I'm in my 30s and absolutely love it.

I'm quite hard to please with TV dramas and as a horror fan I certainly don't appreciate horror-lite - this however deserves a much wider audience. 10 out of 10.

Due to band commitments all my episodes of The Fades sat in the Sky planner until today. Clocks back, wife in bed, extra hour to play with. I sat through all six episodes back to back and it was a treat. Great writing, well acted, dark, humorous, nice little nods to classic sci-fi and Mork and Mindy. Enjoyed this immensely. The BBC do this kind of thing so well. Quality. The Blu-Ray has to come out sooner than December 26th doesn't it?
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I loved this quirky series from the start. Unlike the all to many series which seem to lack anything this had a quality which shone out. I just hope it does not follow the same spiral to cancellation as other quirky but incredibly enjoyable series such as Hex followed.

Sadly these days audiences seem unable to follow plot lines from one episode to another and the brilliant comedic references by the Mac character to other long lost series will be lost on many which is a shame. A quick search on the Internet would "explain" such references and YouTube.

I would recommend this series (and have) to anyone and hope more will watch and secure at least a second series which it deserves.

Pity British television does not offer more of this kind of programme.