How Mad Are You

(Written 11th December 2008)

Though the title calls to mind some sort of sensationalist reality programme - possibly involving straight-jackets and men in white coats - BBC’s How Mad Are You? is surprisingly eye-opening.

The documentary, which aims to ‘explore the fine line that separates the mad from the sane’, challenges a panel of experts to spot the five mentally ill candidates from a group of ten volunteers.

Yes, it was informative and the BBC must be commended for trying to educate people about the realities of mental disorders, but did they have to give the programme that name? It seems to me to be unfair that the volunteers, who are praised for facing their fears, are labelled as 'mad'.

It comes as a gross disappointment that the documentary's creators appear to be conforming to the very mindset that one would have thought they were trying to dispell.

Being Human

A ghost, a vampire and a werewolf sharing a house in Bristol may sound like a dodgy children’s TV series, but Being Human has managed to pull it off.
The BBC programme, created by Toby Whithouse – who has also written for Doctor Who, Torchwood and Hotel Babylon – follows the flatmates Annie, Mitchell and George as they fight to survive in the modern world, whilst keeping their true nature a secret.
Though the first episode was painfully slow to pick up the pace, it has not relented since and darkens further with each episode. I would totally recommend this to any fan of series such as Heroes or Supernatural.