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'Demons' S01E04: 'Suckers'

Published Saturday, Jan 24 2009, 20:44 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 11 comments

Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the television again, Demons is back for another tedious, muddled, extremely unexciting episode.

A dreadfully flat pre-credits sequence kicked off the story in suitable non-style, with the Quincey plot failing to kick in for a long while afterwards. For the most part, we were treated to execrable dialogue, particularly hammy lines from Galvin like "Ruby, nobody likes a smart ass". Given the dodgy accent, it ain't pretty on the ear.

The characterisation of Ruby strips her of any appeal, as she taunts Mina over her blindness, slyly commenting "You mean you can't hear it?" when a vampire hair is produced. As for her telling Quincey that "chicken don't have feelings" when probed about her meat eating, how much of a dumb, detestable bint is she? It's a shame, because Holly Grainger is a very decent actress with the right material, as proven by her impressive guest turn in Merlin.

It's quite fun scouring through Demons for risible writing. Perhaps nothing can quite top Mina's attempt to finally induce some kind of interest in the episode. "He's not my lover... he's my son!" she reveals. Such melodramatic moments reek of desperation.

Still, let us dwell on the positives. Firstly, the soundtrack has some cracking tunes. Secondly, at least our licence fee isn't paying for this spuff.

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Adaddinsane, the Scribosphere, on February 1st, 2009
This episode was the best one so far, but then that's not really saying much. Plot holes you could drive the Titanic through. (Okay: How did Luke know where the final showdown was supposed to take place? Because Mina didn't tell him, she sent him to the wrong place, remember?) This show is even more of a nightmare because it *could* have been so good. But instead they get a rubbish writer from Hex, and a completely inexperienced Director who's done a few shorts and one TV drama.

Mark, on January 29th, 2009
I actually though this episode was ok. I love Mina and its great to learn more about her, she is easily the most interesting character in the show. It just seems like DS hates this show and doesn't look at anything good about it. Yes some of the writing is pretty bad, and there are not enough action scenes, but 1 star?!?!

Dora, Brighton, on January 28th, 2009
I must say I always enjoyed the previous episodes even if they never really caught me but this was plain dull. The programmes main problem seems to be that they don't know who their audience is- it doesn't seem to be aimed at anyone in particular or saying anything about a teenagers etc. life. I must say I think your assessment of Ruby is unfair- she seems to be the only one with any kind of character in my opinion- and while yes her taunts to Mina are cruel, Mina's behaviour is as equally pathetic without having the excuse of being an insecure teenager.

andrew, cardiff, on January 27th, 2009
for god sake what does it take to please you. once you've made up your mind you just refuse to change it. this was the best episode yet and why cant you see that after a bad start its gaining speed. the episodes are making sense now. the two vampires were awesome villains, played really well. and we get it, you dont like his accent, lve with it.

Granny, London, on January 26th, 2009
I've given up now. It's just stitched together from bits of better shows and books 'the kids' are reading these days. It's a cynical way of manufacturing a Saturday teatime 'hit'. Or not.

Ian Mackay, The Vale of Glamorgan, on January 26th, 2009
This show has such good potential but it is written so badly. The acting is good from most of the cast and the idea for the show is good but it just seems ITV can't do the sci-fi/fantasy genre, I mean look at Primeval.

Al, Yorkshire, on January 25th, 2009
Admittedly the writers have only 6 episodes to play with but the scripts don't do the cast any favours. Pretty limp viewing fare although Holliday Grainger does her best with what little there is (Ruby's surname is a mystery we'll never know). A one series wonder unless ITV ignore the ratings.

Alledal, on January 25th, 2009
the only way to improve the ratings for this dross is for Christain Cooke to take more showers

Tim, London, on January 25th, 2009
Review is spot on. Spot on. One or two good ideas buried in a blanket of crap....

Rob, London, on January 25th, 2009
It's just not working is it? Shame to see so much potential squandered. Some good and clever ideas, but it seriously needs some polish on the scripts. Thought the references to the Dracula novel were quite fun though (Ruby's critique was full and fair, I thought). Mind you I'm amazed if people even get beyond the title (surely "the Last van Helsing" was a better title than what it ended up with) and lousy theme tune.

Phil, Sheffield, on January 25th, 2009
Okay, you've been a bit harsh in the past, but this was a cracking episode at long last, with very good lines, a fresh and interesting plot, smooth character development (and Ruby's character, while grating at times, is vastly improving each week) and very good plot twists. Admittedly, it's still suffering some confusion, by simultaneously being more for children than Doctor Who while trying to be darker and more gothic. It would make much more sense at 6 o'clock than quarter to 8, but it's turning into a cracking family drama with good performances from the whole team. And I HAVE to disagree with the choice of music: the entire soundtrack sounds like it was picked by flicking through four channels on any Sunday night. The entire selection smacks of laziness, where the script put "Something like ***" and someone along the line said "Stuff it, use ***". But the villain was quite excellent (although the drop about Gene, sorry, Galvin's dark secret was a bit of a ballsup) and Mina is proving a fantastic character.

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