Customer Reviews

Hex - Season One [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This series is not, as it has been billed, a British "Buffy" which was more comedic, comic-bookish, and all-around entertaining. However, "Hex" is a fine series in it's own right and it's about darn time we got it in the US. For those of us with region-free DVD players and/or BBC on their cable service, this series has been quite a treat. It is smart, funny, creepy, mysterious, and pushed the envelope quite a bit, farther then what's normally considered acceptable on basic cable. In that respect, it definitely helped that this show flew in way under the radar, but it shouldn't have because it's a great series. The characters are all nicely fleshed out and endearing in their own way and believe me, this show is not afraid of shaking things up. The second season is among the most earth-shattering and bold runs of television I've ever seen; unfortunately it also features one of the most disappointing endings imaginable. But let's focus on what's on the table right now, shall we? Season one is a fantastic, if slow-paced, introduction and set up for a show that is more than worth your time. If you're into shows like "Angel", "Supernatural", and (naturally) "Buffy" than this series will scratch your itch in a big way. Cassie is our tragic (not to mention impossibly beautiful) heroine whose future is forever in suspense after she catches the eye of a devilish man named Azazeal. Azazeal is your typical emissary of the ultimate evil kind of guy; supernaturally smooth, charming, and ruthless as hell. Cassie's lesbian friend Thelma is among the most loveable and funny characters on any television series and a great example of how a "sidekick" can take over a show with sheer charm. There are plenty of suprises, scares, revelations, and shockers over the course of this series that will keep you guessing from the edge of your seat and watitng for what comes next. Give it a try and then wonder to yourself why this kind of quality television took years to make it's way to our shores.

There's been a lot of discussion as to whether the Episodes on the the Region 1 discs are censored like the airings on BBC America.

I am happy to report that the content (on an episode by episode basis) is EXACTLY the same as the Region 2 Discs. They even retained the opening credits song "#1 Fan" that was not used in the BBC airings.

The only difference is that they are packaged according to BBC America's seasons, not as originally aired in the UK.

On the UK Discs = Season 1: 6 Episodes / Season 2: 13 Episodes
On the US Discs = Season 1: 10 Episodes / Season 2: 8 Episodes (I assume)

I would have given this set 4 stars if it were shown as they were originally made. But these are not.

Be warned that this set does not contain the original episodes as aired in the UK. These are the BBC America versions of the episodes. This means they are cut down to 42 minutes (about 10 minutes removed from each episode!) and some content has been censored for language and nudity.

I'll be the first one to tell you--I'm sophisticated and classy. You know why? I watch BBCAmerica, and the Brits--they are the leaders of urbane and upscale entertainment. If you need any convincing, just watch an episode of "Footballer's Wives," "Mile High," or "Bad Girls." Of course, I'm kidding. These shows are brassy, bawdy, and loaded with bad behavior! But, you know what, they are also filled with life. They embrace their nastiness wholeheartedly and make no apologies for being pure popcorn entertainment. With language and nudity not permitted by American networks, it seems as if the genre of nighttime soaps has been revitalized by Britain. But that's not all BBCAmerica has to offer, they are just the shows that helped the network grow in popularity. Some other intriguing entries that recently aired in the US are on their way to DVD--there is a new hip take on "Robin Hood," the supernatural "Hex," and the complex crime story "Conviction." So beware! The British are coming, the British are coming--and it's a good thing!

"Hex" revolves around the story of a boarding school misfit named Cassie, played by Christina Cole. With mysterious family ties to the estate, Cassie begins to unearth the truth about who (or what) she is. On accident, she discovers that she has supernatural powers--she is, in fact, a witch. Coming to terms with her ancestry, dealing with present dangers, and trying to cope with her new powers--Cassie tries to balance it all with being a regular student who just wants to be accepted and loved. It doesn't help matters that she is inextricably linked with a fallen angel named Azazeal (who is both a threat and a possible romantic interest) and her best friend is a libidinous lesbian spirit named Thelma. It seems as if Cassie's fate has been preordained by powers outside of her control.

Those expecting a rollicking adventure might be disappointed by the methodical pacing (especially in the beginning). There is a surprising amount of time spent on character development--we stay with Cassie as she slowly starts to understand what is happening. Cole plays the role nicely, her transformation is all the more special because it is understated. Michael Fassbinder brings an ambiguous intensity to the part of Azazeal--it's hard to gage his true intent and that adds appreciated complexity. And Jemima Rooper, as Thelma, is fresh and funny. As the obvious comedic relief, she is refreshingly sardonic and almost predatory in her sexuality. But as nicely as these three embody their roles, there is a large supporting cast at the school that remain rather vaguely defined.

While "Hex" is definitely an enjoyable show, there always seems to be some element that keeps it from attaining greatness. I will say that Cassie's evolution and character growth is exceedingly well done--it's appropriately dark when necessary and has real emotional resonance. The show, however, has a complicated mythology that is never particularly well developed. I wanted to get caught up in this world and yet that happened only sporadically. "Hex" is at its best when dealing with the primary characters--and the three provide some riveting moments. At its worst, it is diverting enough--but school bullies and classroom hijinks don't compare to life and death. Recommended--but enter with an open mind, this is not action oriented like "Buffy." The show moves in that direction, though--but at first, it's about characters. KGHarris, 04/07.

Hex is an amazing, though underrated, show that wasn't a chance to flourish. Fortunately for us, it is out on DVD and is well worth the purchase. Billed as the UK's answer to Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it is so much more than that. It has a mythology and premise all its own, which separate it from its American counterparts. At its core, it is the story of fallen angels who plot to take over the world, but it is also a story about love - between a man (or is that angel) and a woman, and a man and his child. There are many interesting twists and turns, special effects, and a great cast led by the incredible Michael Fassbender. Definitely worth the price of admission.

Let us see, my taste: I like My So Called Life, Six Feet Under, Gilmore Girls, The Simpsons -- anything hip, funny, and intelligent that ends up changing culture for the better. Among stuff of this type, I've enjoyed Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Battlestar Galactica, and I really don't like Charmed at all. This Brit series belongs in such exalted company as the other series I've mentioned -- the upper echelon. Yanks -- try it out!

I liked this series a lot, despite some flaws. I loved the plot and the amazing camera work that set a fairly scary mood. There were scenes that were downright spooky.

This series worked for a few reasons: (1) great character development; (2) great acting; (3) even though the plot was fantastic (fallen angels and witches), they set up a mythology that made it all work; and (4) great dialogue. The main characters of Cassie with her demure shyness and Thelma with her brass (fill-in-the-blank) are a perfect pairing. Azazeal is the requisite brooding dark male with loads of sex appeal. These three have some of the best dialogues I've heard in a while. The supporting cast is really good too. Leon (resident jerk), Troy (greek god on campus) and the Headmaster are stellar. Also, the whole mythology was well crafted and they stayed true throughout. Lastly, the dialogue contained within these six episodes are almost Whedon-like (although not a Buffy clone and should not be compared - two very different animals) in their beauty. Characeters provided great lines that never get tired (especially Thelma).

I subtracted one star for two reasons. A huge problem I had with this dvd set is that this version has been cut and edited for American tv and sometimes it did effect the show's arc. I treasure my Region 2 version straight from the UK. Also, I had an issue with "possession" as in one case it was physically painful (random guy in bar who flirts w/Cassie) and in the other was so peaceful it happened while asleep (Troy). This did not detract from the overall experience.

As for extras, this set contains deleted scenes (very interesting), commentary by director Brian Grant for the 1st & 2nd episodes and a behind the scenes look. I highly recommend this series. It is very entertaining and stands up well under repeated viewings. I cannot wait for the second season although the creepy ending leaves me with some dread over how the series will progress......

Cassie, a slightly withdrawn, teenage girl begins to have a series of nightmares after finding an odd shaped urn in the basement of her British prep school Medenham Hall. She also begins to develop odd powers allowing her to move things with her mind and to make matters worst she seems to have attracted a mysterious stranger who may have a serious connection to both the urn and her dreams. So begins the first two episodes of "Hex", a U.K. import that has recently run here in the states on BBC America. The show seems inspired by the American Buffy and Angel series, but Hex takes itself far more seriously than the fun and campy Joss Whedon shows, and that's a bad thing.

It's slightly unfair to compare the Buffy shows to Hex. Hex desperately tries to carve out it's own notch in the televised genre of the dark arts and in reality it feels more like "Dark Shadows" than "Vampire Slayer", but more humor and more reason wouldn't have hurt this show in the long run. For instance, as the death toll rises at Medenham Hall there seems to be little logic in how the characters respond. No one seems to think that it's a serious problem that students are found stabbed, attacked by giant creatures or simply go missing. When Cassie speaks to a ghost no one else can see or hear she does so in the classroom or while walking down a hallway filled with students, again no one seems to notice. The series tries to be smart but with giant holes of credibility that go unanswered it's hard to fall under it's spell. The show does have some very good twists and turns that prevents me from going into great detail about the plot beyond episode two without ruining what fun there is for the viewer that might be willing to give this series a chance; but be forwarned, the packaging of this show is confusing.

Series 1 of Hex was only six episoes, and it's a sloggish six episodes at best. With episode 7 the show began it's second season and it's obvious to see an infusion of creativity and enhanced production. Credible special effects are added, plots move along faster, and more attempts at humor are made. However the changes are also quite jarring, new characters arrive while others simply vanish with not a word of their whereabouts, also a certain characters's hair and clothes changes quite dramaticlly, which isn't impossible unless your this particular character (again I can't go into detail with spoiling the best parts of the show, sorry). This first set of Hex ends up containing 10 episodes from season 1 and 2. The second set should contain the remaining 9. It makes sense that Sony would package it this way, you get an even amount of shows per set and it helps to spice up a weaker first season. The irony here is that one of the best things about season one was strong character development, espically with Cassie (thought she does make some god awful choices). Season two seemingly gives up that development for the sake of an ampped up story line. Had the producers found a better way to merge the two, they might have made it to Season 3.

People. People. Stop trying to compare this to Buffy. It's like comparing Buffy the series to Dark Shadows or Footballers Wives to Desperate Housewives. Hex is a great show in it's own right. It uses more biblical iconography and lore (the Book of Enoch) than Charmed or Buffy (US shows are afraid to mix biblical lore into network shows (even though Charmed did try in its later seasons). The characters aren't black and white in their morality or motives, they are gray and complex and I love it. Yes, I love popcorn shows, but Hex is like those American CABLE shows that allows to align ourselves with anti-heroes and hate to love them characters (you're actually asking yourself if you would allow a fallen angel to seduce you). You have to pay attention. There's character development. It takes risks with it's characters and it works more often that not. It's a shame there are only two series/seasons of this show. Then again, several BBC shows have returned after being canceled to do another series or a special to wrap up loose ends (like Ab Fab and Footballers Wives), why not Hex?

I've been utterly disappointed that you cannot get season 2 of Hex in America, but decided that season one was better than no season at all. That being said, this set is all season one and episodes 1-4 of Season 2, so you get an idea of what happens to Cassie, but then it leaves you hanging with what happens to Ella.

I was excited, though, that I could at least get some sense of closure at storylines, and it just doesn't drop off at the Christmas episode, where Season 1 really ends. I cannot wait until season 2 (ALL of it!) comes out to America.