Hex: Season 1 [DVD] [2004]

This review contains no spoilers.To compare this series with Buffy is, I suppose, inevitable, but can be misleading unless the clear differences are expressed. Apart from both series being occult drama set in and around a school, they have little else in common. Unlike Buffy, Hex treats its viewers like adults and assumes that they possess an attention span of more than a few seconds, as opposed to reducing them to a mere profile in a ratings demographic. Despite being a fan of Joss Whedon, I regard the screenplay of Hex as superior. It tries, at least, to take itself more seriously - with varying degrees of success. Its approach to the subject is certainly more mature, it is generally more intelligent, and it is noticeably less focussed on the superficial or merely sensational. The fact that it is a serial as distinct from a series enables the story to develop at a slower and more deliberate pace, and while this may not be to everyone's taste, it does offer the opportunity for more subtlety in plot development. Unfortunately, this is not always used to its maximum advantage, and while it initially appears to adhere more closely to the traditional mythology of the supernatural this aspect tends to become somewhat ideosyncratic during the middle of the series. Nevertheless, the emphasis tends to revolve around the human component and endeavours to favour psychological realism over sheer modernist fantasy. You will find no demons trapped inside computers here. Indeed the whole atmosphere of Hex is more cerebral, and while its quality is patchy - acting, dialogue and plot development tending to inconsistency at times - the direction is good and the cinematography is generally of high standard, aided by attractive settings, elegant interiors and some striking architecture.For a genre which is noticeably lacking in outstanding works, it is competent and enjoyable, however it lacks real mystery, vitality and suspense, along with that elusive quality of arcane fascination which might have made it great. Perhaps its major weakness is that the plot development is poorly timed, rather too frequently building the tension almost to a crescendo only to suddenly undermine it by unexpected digression for a few scenes. Not unnaturally it is difficult for any type of tension to be sustained when it is left hanging unresolved in this kind of dramatic limbo. This innapropriate timing also reduces the effectiveness of rather too many of the attempts to create atmosphere or introduce aesthetic innovation. However, the fact that it tries is a point in its favour, and indeed there are many things to like about this series - not least of which is the final episode which possesses an internal coherence and a strength sufficient to banish meditation upon previous weaknesses. I would be inclined to rate it at 70%, but as I am unable to do that, and taking into account the quality of the rest of the field, I have rounded it up to four stars.

Have to say that I found this to be better than I expected. Not a brilliant show, but don't think it's a bad as what people make out.The story centres on Cassie Hughes, played by Christina Cole, a shy college girl who finds a strange vase which leads to strange things happening, including her best friend Thelma, played by Jemima Rooper, being sacrificed to Azazeal, played by Michael Fassbender, who's the show's main antagonist.Cassie and Thelma (now roaming around as a ghost) are left alone to fight off Azazeal and prevent evil from coming into our world. Well, that's the idea that they try to get across, but most of the time it's about Cassie trying to stop herself from jumping into bed with Azazeal. Which she fails at.As a protagonist, Cassie is not the most interesting character. She's a beautiful young girl, and isn't totally convincing as a shy, average 'Jane Eyre' type. On the other hand, Thelma brings comic relief to the show, with Rooper often outshining Hughes, coming across as a very likable character who does her best to keep Cassie away from Azazeal. Which she also fails at.Fassbender does a good job as the villainous and smoldering Azazeal, though doesn't do much other than seducing Cassie in order to impregnate her with his demon-child. Yes, there is a reason why he's after Cassie! He wants her to have his child, who will bring the destruction of mankind. Will Cassie get pregnant or will she be able to stop the end of the world, eliminating Azazeal's plans? This is where the series ends, setting up an intriguing cliff hanger for the second series.Behind the camera, the crew do a good job, with witty one-liners, making you like the minor characters who seem more interesting than the main protagonist herself.All in all, not great but watchable. If you are willing to forgive the show's flaws then 'Hex' is a fun and enjoyable series, a cult show with likable characters and good dialogue. More a guilty pleasure, definitely not the British 'Buffy'.