Is 'Primeval' back with a bang?

After two years of mediocrity, Primeval is back on our screens with a new addition to the cast and various anomaly-hopping beasties in tow. Yet there's very little in the third season premiere to suggest that the ITV show will be anything other than disposable, if watchable, pap.

A lacklustre pre-credits sequence kicks off proceedings with a whimper, as a prehistoric monster pokes its head through an anomaly in a deserted museum, then promptly scoots off again. Perhaps it took a look at the script? It's a real wasted opportunity, as the opening couple of minutes need to instil a sense of jeopardy and excitement instead of a general response of 'meh'.

Thus ensues the usual, predictable runaround as Nick Cutter and his team pursue the Mega Croc around London before coaxing it back home. It quickly becomes frustrating that the monster will always spend ages roaring at one of the key protagonists, allowing them to concoct some kind of escape plan, yet will move straight in for the kill on any random extra. Still, extra brownie points for the quick dispatch of a traffic warden, plus Cutter's inventive use of a fire hose to lure the Croc off a balcony.

As Sarah, Laila Rouass is seamlessly inducted into the Cutter crew, with the actress exuding an impressive air of sensuality and vulnerability. Far from the usual damsel in distress, she can even raise the blood pressure of the average bloke while discussing embalming and demon goddesses ripping out your heart. It's too early to tell whether Lester's new foil, government bod Christine, will prove to be a success, although she could well prove to be a good foil.

Attempts to elevate Nick Cutter's character from a dour block of wood fall flat, with his emoting over the deceased Stephen proving rather nauseous. Such attempts to give a layer of emotional depth are painfully shoehorned into the action, especially when Abby quips "Stephen would have known what to do." Cue Cutter grinding to a halt, putting his hand over his face before Abby issues a quiet apology. It's all too painfully obvious.

As ever, Ben Miller tackles the role of Lester with relish and soaks up the bulk of the (rare) good lines. Let's hope he hits the front line again very soon, as his dino-blasting at the end of the last season was pure escapist pleasure.

Slick direction helps to compensate for the stale and overly formulaic writing to an extent, with some swift editing ensuring that the pace rattles along nicely. One particular sequence is a tour de force of family-friendly action, involving a flashback to the government soldiers' doomed attempts to retrieve an artifact from the clutches of a rather sinister bunch of vampirical monsters.

The visual feel of the episode, including various bits of London iconography and the CGI beastie, is generally of an impressive standard too. Furthermore, the aesthetic qualities of the lead characters are also well developed and make them look distinguished and individual, as Abby's new streamlined look complements Connor's attempts at bohemian chic and Cutter's bedraggled state.

Sadly, the episode ends as it begins - in a very shoddy manner. In a blatant bid to kick off a story arc that will simmer until the inevitable season finale face-off, Cutter's ex Helen returns to the scene and we're treated to a flashback of her nabbing the artefact. Who cares? We have no idea what her motivations or plans are, or who is at risk, so it's an ineffective end to a patchy beginning to the third season. Will Primeval ever hit its stride?


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