Primeval

So Primeval finally started tonight. ITVs big new Saturday night drama that could pave the way for the demise of a Doctor Who that's gone from freshly revived, to dull, repetetive and over sentimental. So who's in it? What's it about? And why should you watch it?

Firstly, this series has no excuse for not succeeding. Its lead-in and lead-out shows are 2 of ITV's biggest. Dancing On Ice on the one side and its immediately followed by Ant and Dec's superquiz Pokerface. Now the characters.

1) Nick Cutter (Douglas Henshall)
Nick is a professor of evolution at Central Metropolitan University. His wife disappeared 7 years ago without any explaination. He's exactly what The Doctor should be, with the emotional baggage driving him but not dragging him down. Don't be surprised to see Henshall take on the TARDIS sometime in the future. His role in the Primeval crew is the captain.

2) Stephen Hart (James Murray)
Stephen is the tracker of the crew and Cutter's lab technician. He's the monster killer of the crew.

3) Abby Maitland (Hannah Spearitt)
Hannah Spearitt. Think about it, does that name mean anything to you? Hannah is following in Billie Piper's shoes as a popstar going into big time acting. The second of the S-Club 7 to reappear on our screens this year plays a zookeeper who specialises in lizards. Will probably end up in a romantic relationship with either Stephen or Connor.

4) Connor Temple (Andrew Lee-Potts)
A daft and clumsy student who has created a database of non-extinct animals. A supergeek who wants to be abducted by aliens.

5) Claudia Brown (Lucy Brown)
A Home Office employee assigned to investigate the issue. Has an asshole boss who may or may not be the ultimate villain.

Primeval is a fast and exciting show which should go for much more than 6 episodes. But this is ITV and only when they recommission this will I regain my faith in them.

Primeval is on next Saturday at 7:20pm.