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Category:    Home > Reviews > Action > Adventure > Mystery > Archeology > British TV > Bonekickers (2008/Acorn Blu-ray)

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


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