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The Living and the Dead BBC1 (or iPlayer)

(84 Posts)
Grannyknot Sun 26-Jun-16 13:12:37

We watched episode 1 of this last night on telly, via iPlayer. iPlayer are now uploading entire series (they did the same with New Blood) on iPlayer prior to release on TV, to provide "box set" type of viewing for those who want it.

It will start on BBC1 on Tuesday.

Anyhow - it is good. It's the young actor who played the main role in Merlin - he's a psychologist who returns to the family farm with his new bride and encounters all sorts. It's a Victorian spook story.

PRINTMISS Wed 06-Jul-16 15:58:42

It is all in the dark AGAIN. I know it is supposed to be ghostly, but it would be good to SEE what is happening ghostily (if there is such a word - probably mis-spelled).

Tegan Sun 24-Jul-16 20:57:44

Well, I'm glad I stuck with this because the end was rather good and I really had no idea what was going to happen. I nearly gave up half way through episode 5 as I was so scared [the S.O. isn't staying over at the moment and some of the lights in my house aren't working], but I pressed stop and watched it in the daytime. Having said that, I do sort of wish I hadn't seen it as it was so melancholy and it's left me feeling a bit down. I keep starting series and then having to see them through to the bitter end. I can see someone making a film of this one. It reminded me of some of del Torros' films.

hildajenniJ Sun 24-Jul-16 22:19:16

I watched them all over a couple of days! I really enjoyed the series, I do like to be spooked occasionally. I hope they make a second series.

Tegan Mon 25-Jul-16 00:23:47

I've still got most of the working lights on throughout the night. I dread to think what I'd do if there was a power cut at the moment shock...

f77ms Mon 25-Jul-16 07:05:54

I really enjoyed it . Very imaginative and well done , but I love British drama , we don`t get enough .

LullyDully Mon 25-Jul-16 12:56:14

Not reading this because we are what watching it week by week. Maybe spoilers on the thread. Enjoying it, exciting and chilling.

PRINTMISS Wed 27-Jul-16 08:29:06

There is so much still happening in the dark, yes I know it is supposed to be dark, but I am finding it more and more difficult to follow the story and enjoy it. I shall continue to watch only because I want to find out what happens, but really, as far as I am concerned it is not GOOD television. I am even finding the acting a little wooden.

Mumsy Wed 27-Jul-16 08:57:17

I watched the box set and thought it was very good, so many twists and turns. There is a series 2 BBC 1 is yet to make a decision on its future.

Beammeupscottie Thu 28-Jul-16 09:22:23

The writer borrowed a lot from novels and cinema;

Far from the Madding Crowd - plucky girl with faithful servant. Saving the harvest.

Don't look now - Red duffle coat and bloke who is a medium but unaware of it.

The Exorcist - spitting, sexual evil of possessed teenager.

Anyone find any more references?

Tegan Thu 28-Jul-16 21:45:23

That photograph on All Hallows Eve reminded me of the Wicker Man. It was The Exorcist bits that freaked me out as I still haven't got over seeing the film. Far From the Madding Crowd; when she said 'I will be the first to rise and the last person to go to bed' was straight from the recent film adaptation.

Tegan Thu 28-Jul-16 21:51:37

I also think Guillermo del Toro was a great influence, mainly The Orphanage and The Devils Backbone.

f77ms Fri 29-Jul-16 06:56:37

I loved it but you do need a good imagination . The main male character was like all the men I went out with before getting hitched , and took me back to the sixties . All that beautiful dark wavy hair and smoldering eyes . The story line was great , I just love a good British drama .

LullyDully Fri 29-Jul-16 08:40:46

The only thing missing was vampires.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 29-Jul-16 09:54:24

You actually went out with men like Colin Morgan fm?! envy

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 29-Jul-16 09:55:40

Sorry. Poster name there was too difficult to remember

merlotgran Fri 29-Jul-16 09:58:02

I took one look at him and thought, He'll do but when's Poldark coming back?

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 29-Jul-16 10:01:06

Yes. His fans were so hopeful that he would get the Poldark role. But, sadly, the physique is slightly hugely lacking! grin

Only so much concerted gym sessions can do. Poor boy. sad

Craftycat Fri 29-Jul-16 10:32:56

I'm with Merlotgran's Grandaughter. Watched first episode & was terrified so didn't watch any more.
Might try again on catch up but it was scarey.

Tegan Fri 29-Jul-16 11:30:06

Craftycat; if you do get scared by things I'd advise you to give it a miss. The exorcism scenes are still troubling me and, good as I thought it was I do wish I hadn't watched it.

missdeke Fri 29-Jul-16 11:58:39

Love it! And Colin Morgan is brilliant in it, I can't help comparing how he looks as a Victorian compared to the Merlin look, so much better with all that romantic hair.

Teetime Fri 29-Jul-16 14:08:28

Its reminiscent of Ghostbusters and Poltergeist-- i.e. spirits are being summoned up by an event or individual - in the first its a mad 17th century noble from his oil painting and in the second its the disturbance of an American Indian burial ground by a building development. This one is because he is a psychologist supposedly stirring up the collective unconscious. I don't like it but we are watching it as DH loves a ghost story.

westieyaya Fri 29-Jul-16 14:11:15

I have to disagree with everyone, I haven't enjoyed this series, though have tried about 3 episodes. Much prefer Colin Morgan in Merlin. With the Living and the Dead there is too much to be frightened of as you know that with each week something even more awful will happen

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 29-Jul-16 14:14:03

I honestly don't understand this being scared by it. Did I miss something? confused

tattynan Fri 29-Jul-16 14:36:37

Reminds me of the film The Others.

tattynan Fri 29-Jul-16 14:42:06

If you really enjoy being scared watch Outcast on Fox Tues at 10.