projectcyclops [Cathode Ray Mission 01.02.10] post apocalyptic review



Year: 2009
Directors: Nick Copus
Writers: Patrick Harbinson
IMDB: link
Trailer: link
Reviewed by: projectcyclops
Rating: 5 out of 10

I was a little dubious about the direction that Episode 2 would take, especially given some of the negative comments following my fairly positive review of the first installment of the BBC’s new Triffids mini-series. Part 1 was certainly entertaining, with nifty special effects and a good old end of the world scenario that felt quite agreeable to me. A real lack of chemistry between lead actors Dougray Scott and Joely Richardson, coupled with a way over-the-top performance from villain Eddie Izzard, kept me from embracing this as a truly respectable adaptation of the novel. My concern for the follow-up was that these problems would remain in place, while the gaps in logic, moody atmosphere and wild differentiation from the source material would prevail for another 90 minutes, and oh boy how they did.


We pick-up where we left off, with our hero Dr. Bill Mason (Scott) escaping from a Triffid attack in the forest, fleeing in an army truck with Major Coker - who is inexplicably a good guy in this version, and is played by Jason Priestley of all people. They arrive at an old monastery run by a creepy nun played by Vanessa Redgrave, who is clearly up to no good with her blind parishioners. After deciding to hang-out while Bill recovers from a bullet wound, they quickly start to play detective and figure out why the Triffids are acting so docile in the surrounding woods. Meanwhile back in London the Triffid army is growing and Torrance’s grip on the remaining humans starts to slip, as actor Eddie Izzard lampoons his way through increasingly daft scenes of scenery chewing, hitting on Richardson’s character Jo, and grimacing/barking orders at his assistant Troy. Jo Playfield reluctantly sends out radio messages encouraging survivors to head for London, despite the desperate situation, until she rebels and escapes Torrance’s clutches. The episode basically trundles on from there with occasional bursts of action, but never really finds a firm pace nor manages to convince with these painfully cardboard characters, and as act three began at Brian Cox’s Triffid proof farm, I was checking my watch and pouring another glass of Christmas cheer.

Part 1 was forgivably flawed in that it had the pretty epic task of creating the scenario for Part 2. We needed the introduction of the concept of flesh eating plants that have saved the world from global warming (while keeping a straight face), then we needed the end of civilization itself following a solar flare that caused mass blindness. That it didn’t manage to add believable characterization to that mix, I felt was fair enough; plenty of time for that in Part 2. Unfortunately writer Patrick Harbinson figured that tiring voiceovers and flashbacks by Scott would be a fine way to cover things, while director Nick Copus adds melodramatic strings over any scenes of remote poignancy for effect.

I understand that it’s a huge job to adapt a much treasured novel for a 2 part mini-series, but I honestly felt my intelligence insulted when cliché after cliché is treaded over. Bill rescues two plucky young girls in WWI helmets, Brian Cox has awkward father/son conversations with Scott (“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you son.” etc), and eventually there is a big showdown with Izzard, as Dr. Bill Mason realizes that all his flashbacks throughout the series have lead to one revelatory moment in which he actually… can I write this? He actually communicates telepathically with some Triffids, which kind of become ‘good’ Triffids and lick his face with their little vines. I cringe as I type.

Redgrave and Cox are both terrific actors with the right material, but prove here that they’re both capable of phoning-in a performance if need be, while Scott and Richardson clearly needed better dialogue and more assured direction in just how their characters feel about each other, and why. The hug they share when reunited is so unconvincing, and Scott’s cheery laugh as he looks into Richardson’s eyes was actually more scary than sweet natured.

It’s really not a good sign when you start to seriously root for the Triffids, (get it?) and although production values are consistently high, and there is a solid element of craft to the direction, the writing is too crass and the plot ludicrous even for sci-fi (a Triffid can survive a round of machinegun fire and several shotgun blasts, and yet Jo defeats one with a kitchen knife?). If you really liked Part 1 then approach Part 2 with caution. If you’ve not seen either episode, then skip it and get yourself a copy of the 1981 mini-series on DVD. It may be a hell of a lot more cheaply made, but it still has far more chills, and far better characters.

And where was the goddamn Triffid Gun?!

wa5 (2 years ago) Reply

From the way the plot "developed", I was kinda expecting the Triffids to be hosed down with salt water..... But 'telepathy" is certainly in the same legue.
"Major Coker" Would the origal knockabout Coker... the proffesional protestor ever consider a career in the Forces? Doubtful..
I thought the Scottish(?) eco protestor/terrorist/whatever who broke into the Triff farm and attacked the girl may have been a clever way to introduce Coker...

Felix (2 years ago) Reply

Hm, I'm not convinced it was supposed to be telepathy. I thought the whole 'flashback' thing was irritating, and wasn't best pleased when the concept presented itself at the end. My impression was that the sap of the Triffids, when dropped into the eyes, fooled the triifids into thinking they were one of their own, and when it 'licked' Mason's face, it was actually thinking was he worth eating. Personally, I got what I was after from this adaptation. It's in my top ten PA TV series now anyway. I'm left hoping that series 2 of Survivors can fulfill it's potential, where sadly the first series did not.

Harry Fletcher (2 years ago) Reply

Coker was always a good guy. Idealistic perhaps but well intentioned. He and Bill became allies and friends...... Get the '81 seies and see Coker played superbly by the late Maurice Colbourne. In fact get the '81 series and forget this one.

JackCrow (2 years ago) Reply

"Part 1 was unforgivably flawed in that it was pretty much an epic fail of creation and made the scenario for the failed Part 2".

All said.

donc48 (2 years ago) Reply

Nice Triffids? survives several shot gun and machine gun shot and some woman takes out Mister Triffid with a knife? Ok I need to give some back ground so to understand this rant I’m a creature feature guy add PA, and I’m in hog heaven. Films and books like that are very rare done well are rarer.
What is it about the BBC that needs to make things warm and fuzzy, I saw this with Rex, and so many damn dinosaurs in the Primeval Series, in Doctor Who to many times I can count. What with the plot holes you can sail the QEII though, and plot twists that have you thinking WTF? Day of the Triffids was no brainier, stick with the book or improve the 1981 series, why run of into a field?
I see this so often with the BBC Primeval, and Demons (last night) great premise, and then the execution leaves you scratching your head, now DOT a series I was really looking forward to, then Survivors, (which I am still planning on seeing).

Somebody for the love of God Help the BBC!!!!!

Anonymous (2 years ago) Reply

It lost all credibilty for me when Eddie Izzard survived a plane crash on central London by hiding in a aeroplane loo full of inflated polythene bags. Walking plants is one thing but keep it real!

JohnT (2 years ago) Reply

Two things:

1. Coker was always a good guy; he eventually comes around in the book after causing the sighted to help the blind in London shortly before they all start dying of a mystery illness.

2. Buy the 80s DVD and forget about this horrible remake.

(3. If you fancy continuing the Triffid story in the style of Wyndham then get Night of the Triffids by Simon Clark)

peetar (2 years ago) Reply

Why does there ALWAYS have to be some kind of ham-fisted political agenda in movies?

Global warming? for the love of GOD make it stop.

Anonymous (2 years ago) Reply

Yet another politically correct, multi cultural, diverse and inclusive drama from the BBC, the script could just as easily be used for East Enders or Life on mars. The BBc focused more on ensuring all the politically correct boxes were ticked, Black dude, Gay, Disabled, Single parent, Asian, A child and an old person, but just like Survivors no effort on a de4cent script.
They ruined Terry Nations great SURVIVORS and now they have defiled Wyndhams Triffids. I hope they dont remake No Blade Of Grass

Spanny (2 years ago) Reply

When you spend $15 million on a mini-series at least mak sure the scriptwriter earns his money . I thought the 1962 movie was even better never mind the 1981 teleplay

Macstu (2 years ago) Reply

WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP THE SCREEN WRITER IS A TALENTLESS HACK AVIOD IT LIKE THE PLAGUE.

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