Bonekickers - BBC 1 Archaeology Drama - TV & Entertainment Forums

Martin · 13th June 2008, 23:46

Sounds a bit like an archaeology version of Torchwood:

Quote:

From the multi-award-winning co-creators of Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes comes a new BBC One drama that is groundbreaking in every sense.

Bonekickers is a highly original six-part series about a dynamic team of archaeologists, led by Professor Gillian Magwilde (Julie Graham) and featuring Dr Ben Ergha (Adrian Lester), Professor Gregory Parton (Hugh Bonneville), Viv Davis (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Professor Daniel Mastiff (Michael Maloney).

Set against the backdrop of Bath, a city steeped in 3,000 years of history, each week the team uncovers a compelling mystery from the past that tells viewers something profound and revelatory about the present. Archaeology has never been so dramatic.

Julie Graham (Dalziel & Pascoe, William And Mary) is Gillian, a feisty Celt who heads up a team of archaeologists, working out of Wessex University.

Adrian Lester (Hustle, Ballet Shoes) is Dr Ben Ergha, a forensic expert who brings an objective understanding to the team, Hugh Bonneville (Miss Austen Regrets, Tsunami, Filth) is the encyclopaedic but terminally louche Professor Gregory Parton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Spooks, Trish Jones in Doctor Who) is the eager, young, post-grad intern, Viv Davis.

As a team their skills combine under a variety of imperatives to extract bodies, books, weapons and all manner of artefacts which lead them into an investigation of the past that will unlock dangers and mysteries in the present.

From the excavation of murdered 18th-century slaves to the possible discovery of the True Cross, each episode is a window on a period of history but, more importantly, a reflection on how we live now.

Running through the series is a greater puzzle that Gillian keeps to herself for fear of ridicule: the hunt for the greatest treasure in the history of Humankind, a hunt that drove her brilliant mother insane and a hunt that pits her wits against her academic nemesis – the arrogant, urbane TV historian, Professor Daniel Mastiff, played by Michael Maloney (The Forsyte Saga, The Jury, Truly Madly Deeply) – and that will culminate at the end of series one in a desperate race for glory which may destroy her in the process.

From Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah (Monastic Productions), the writers and creators of the hit series Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes, and Michele Buck and Damien Timmer of Mammoth Screen, Bonekickers is a thrilling adventure series packed with historical mystery and contemporary relevance.

Based in fact, the series has on board the expertise of Professor Mark Horton, Head of Archaeology at Bristol University, a specialist in the archaeology of historical societies around the world and Bonekickers consultant on the factual evidence and background to the relics featured in each episode.

Polly Hill, BBC Commissioning Editor for Independent Drama, says: "This is an exciting, bold, new series for BBC One, from the wonderful Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharaoh.

"They have created a contemporary show, which brilliantly brings history to life – our archaeologists investigate huge mysteries that may start in the past, but which are very much still alive and dangerous today.

"As you would expect from Matthew and Ashley, this is a challenging unique format, which has attracted a wonderful cast."

Bonekickers is produced by Rhonda Smith (Fairy Tales, Marie Lloyd) and executive produced by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah of Monastic Productions and Michele Buck and Damien Timmer of Mammoth Screen.

The drama is commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.

Never forget ... history is now!
BBC - Press Office - Bonekickers Press Pack: introduction

vickythemaster · 14th June 2008, 00:12

Must say I'm looking forward to this! Even if it is just because it's from the same writers as Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. I'm interested from there alone.

But I like the sound of the concept, good drama with a bit of history thrown in, can't go wrong with that as far as I'm concerned!

Martin · 7th July 2008, 18:46

BUMP! Starts Tuesday 8 July

Martin · 8th July 2008, 22:26

What a pile of poop! Ok, so it it wasn't just another cop/medical drama and Paul Nicholls who is one of my favourite TV totty club guest starred but it was dire .

The lead character was totally unlikable, the writing was humourless which given the premise was just unforgivable and the main male archaeologist seemed like a rip off of the guy (mike?) from Time Team.

But more than all that what really hacked me off was the very typical BBC drama bias against Christians and pro--muslims.

Now, I'm not religious follower, I think some Christians are as mad as they come but I used to be and so know that many are kind, decent people who don't go around lecturing people unlike Dot Cotton, aren't involved in cults (that girl Sarah in EastEnders back when Nicholls played Mad Joe Wicks) and do not go around chopping off people's heads in the belief that they are a Knight Templar.

Of course Nicholl's character fitted with tonight's plot but I wont hold my breath waiting for any like portrayal of Muslims - did anyone notice how virtuous this episode's Muslim characters were? Even when confronted by a sword carrying loon they backed off and then later their group leader just mouthed platitudes.

That reaction just doesn't fit the drama of the moment - consider what you'd do when confronted by pretty Paul and his big chopper. Would you run away? try to tackle him? or just mouth cheap platitudes about universal niceness?

Anyhow, moving on I found it beyond belief that the female lead would willingly burn down the possible true cross of Christ plus a couple of dozen other 2,000 year old crosses.

Utter poo and I can't see myself tuning in next week.

Pesticide Jalopy · 9th July 2008, 08:35

I thought it was a promising plot poorly handled... i'lll tune in next week but I have to agree with you about the lead... completely unlikeable so far... they've tried to hard to make her "hard"

Mr Pointy · 9th July 2008, 09:52

I didn't hate it but I can see myself giving up on it if it doesn't improve. It all seemed very far-fetched and tried too hard...I can't see how the life of a university archaeologist is going to compare with a gritty 70s/80s copper or MI5 spook (unless their surname is Jones, they're played by Harrison Ford and directed by Spielberg

) It also looked like the effects budget had run out half-way through the shoot

I agree with you about the Julie Graham character (strange, as I usually find her very watchable) and I thought the Adrian Lester character seemed under-used. I did like Hugh Bonneville as Prof. Parton though.

Martin · 9th July 2008, 22:55

It's had a real kicking on the BBC boards and news pages.

The 13th Doctor · 9th July 2008, 23:46

Thought it sounded so naff (and v poorly reviewed) that I just didn't even bother to think about watching it.

Martin · 10th July 2008, 00:02

probably the approach most of the 6.8m viewers wished they'd taken!

The 13th Doctor · 10th July 2008, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin

probably the approach most of the 6.8m viewers wished they'd taken!

Ooooh!

Martin · 10th July 2008, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 13th Doctor

Ooooh!

Seriously, it makes Robin Hood look well written and acted!

The 13th Doctor · 10th July 2008, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin

Seriously, it makes Robin Hood look well written and acted!

Now that was just mean!!

I'm one of the people who liked Robin Hood remember!

(Well... my kids do anyway.)

Martin · 10th July 2008, 00:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 13th Doctor

Now that was just mean!!

I'm one of the people who liked Robin Hood remember!

(Well... my kids do anyway.)

I always assumed you liked it in a 'yes it's poorly written tosh with dreadfully unconvincing leads and dire sets which is unworthy to occupy the DW timeslot but at least it's mildly entertaining' way. No? ;-)

Seriously, i know lots of people enjoy it and as harsh as I've been on it RH at least has the excuse that it's a family show and not pretending to be high art. Bonekickers doesn't even have that excuse.

BTW anyone thinking I'm being harsh should read:

BBC - MESSAGE BOARDS - Bonekickers - Episode 1... - Conversation

vickythemaster · 10th July 2008, 00:43

I thought it was okay. Not the best but I am as optimistic as ever that it'll improve.

Although I have to agree with all that was said about the female lead, she isn't likable. It's like the role was originally meant for a man and then they decided to go for a woman instead at the last minute in casting. It doesn't ring true to the sex, if you know what I mean.

I will watch again though, I'm willing to give anything as much of a chance as it needs before I fall completely out of love with it. I suppose it's mildly educational. *shrugs*

Pesticide Jalopy · 10th July 2008, 01:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by vickythemaster

I will watch again though, I'm willing to give anything as much of a chance as it needs before I fall completely out of love with it. I suppose it's mildly educational. *shrugs*

yes i think it deserves that... but im not holding my breath...