Primeval (TV series)

Primeval is a British science fiction television series produced by Impossible Pictures. It follows a team of scientists tasked with investigating and dealing with the appearance of temporal anomalies – rips in space and time – through which prehistoric and futuristic creatures enter the present day. The series originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom.

Premise:

Anomalies begin appearing across Britain, allowing creatures from the distant past and future to enter the present. A team led by paleontologist Professor Nick Cutter (played by Douglas Henshall in series 1-3) is assembled to investigate these anomalies and contain the creatures before they cause widespread chaos. The team consists of Cutter's former student and love interest, Claudia Brown (later replaced by Jenny Lewis, played by Lucy Brown); zoologist Stephen Hart (James Murray); and technician Connor Temple (Andrew-Lee Potts), who is also a science enthusiast. Throughout the series, new members join and leave the team, and the overarching narrative explores not only the immediate threat posed by the creatures but also the larger implications of time travel and the potential consequences of tampering with the natural order.

Main Characters:

• Professor Nick Cutter: A paleontologist and the initial leader of the anomaly research team.

• Stephen Hart: A zoologist and a skilled tracker, providing invaluable assistance in containing the creatures.

• Connor Temple: A science student and enthusiast, providing technical support and often offering insightful observations.

• Claudia Brown/Jenny Lewis: A public relations officer originally assigned to the team, later replaced by a similar character with a different history due to timeline alterations.

• Abby Maitland: A reptile expert who joins the team to assist in dealing with prehistoric creatures. (Series 2 onwards)

• Captain Hilary Becker: A military officer assigned to provide security and tactical support to the team. (Series 3 onwards)

• Danny Quinn: A former police officer who joins the team after Cutter's disappearance. (Series 4 and 5)

• Matt Anderson: A mysterious character from the future with a secret agenda. (Series 4 and 5)

• Emily Merchant: A woman from the past who becomes entangled with the team. (Series 4 and 5)

Format and Production:

Primeval employed a creature-of-the-week format, with each episode typically featuring a new anomaly and a different prehistoric or futuristic creature. The series was known for its CGI effects in bringing these creatures to life. The initial three series were broadcast on ITV1, while series 4 and 5 were co-produced with Watch (now W) and broadcast on both channels. The series was cancelled after its fifth series.

Spin-offs:

A Canadian spin-off, Primeval: New World, was produced but only lasted for one season.

Themes:

Primeval explores themes of scientific discovery, the responsibility that comes with advanced technology, the potential dangers of tampering with the timeline, and the ethical dilemmas involved in dealing with extinct and potentially dangerous creatures. The series also features interpersonal drama among the team members as they cope with the stress and dangers of their mission.