In the coming months BBC Three will be airing six one-hour drama pilots, one of which will go on to become a fully fledged series next year.

First off the block, from Gorillaz creator Jamie Hewlett, is Phoo Action:



The show is set in London, 2012, where the Queen has been hideously slaughtered by a gang of mutant criminals known as The Freebies. Kung-fu cop Terry Phoo and rebellious teen Whitey Action team up to prevent the devious freaks from infecting next in line to the throne, Prince William.

What's Good:

  • Ray Winstone's daughter Jaime is perfectly cast in the role of stroppy teen Whitey Action
  • The dance and fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed
  • What does BBC News look like in 2012? Everything is Fast! Fast! Fast! The on-screen graphics feature a super-quick spinning logo and lightning-speed news ticker, while the main anchor is a sarcastic Scot who trivialises even the most grave of issues
What's Not-So-Good:

  • For a drama about cartoonish mutants, the plot is tough going - and it takes a while to get off the ground
  • The mutants themselves look a bit too ridiculous, making for a very Mighty Boosh affair
  • It's a bit long at an hour; if it goes to series, it would sit much better as a half-hour comedy
Phoo Action airs Tuesday, February 12 at 9pm on BBC Three.

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