Bonekickers (2008/Acorn Blu-ray)
Picture: B
Sound: B Extras: A Episodes: B-
At the risk over-generalizing, the Brits have consistently
proven that they know how to do great ensemble series television. It’s been born out over many decades and many
different shows. Of late they’ve been
really successful in the sci-fi/adventure realms, scoring big with shows like Doctor
Who, Primeval, and Being Human. Bonekickers marks another
solid entry in to this genre, and while it does not embrace full-on sci-fi
trappings, it does play fast and loose with the more sensational aspects of
history. The stories here surround the
activities of a crack archaeological team from a prestigious university in
England’s town of Bath. Lead by the
tough, but caring Dr. Gillian Magwilde (Julie Graham), the team also consists
of Dr. Ben Ergha (Adrian Lester), Professor Gregory "Dolly" Parton
(Hugh Bonneville), and newly arrived grad assistant Vivienne "Viv"
Davis (Gugu Mbatha-Raw).
The first episode opens with both barrels, launching into
a mystery that involves a group no less sensational than the Knights
Templar. This first story sets the
template for the remainder of the series.
It opens with the historical events that will drive the episode’s
archaeological mystery. A group of
Templar knights suffers an ambush and are slain almost to a man. But why were they travelling in what was to
be Bath in the 1300s? And what amazing
cargo did they carry? Fast forward to
our era, and a construction excavation uncovers evidence of the knights and
their deaths. Enter our heroes, who
slowly uncover a mystery that attracts the unwanted attention of a religious
fanatic, whose agents force the quartet to use all of their wits to survive.
The following seven episodes cover diverse historical
mysteries, and include: the slave trade, ancient Roman arson, stolen Middle
Eastern artifacts, a burned out WWI tank, and perhaps the greatest weapon of
English folklore. All the while Dr.
Magwilde pursues clues to larger mystery that haunted her once brilliant
mother, a great archaeologist in her own right until she tried to take her own
life.
Interactive options allow the viewer to access behind the
scenes segments during certain portions of the episodes, providing extra
details and information.
Although not a show-stopping effort, these cleverly
written tales slyly weave historical and fantastical elements and also allow
the cast to gel and develop thier characters.
Folks who enjoy unconventional mysteries and history will enjoy this
winning combination of each.
- Scott Pyle
