Primeval is one of those shows that I don’t hear a lot of talk about, but it’s almost consistently a good watch.
A few years back, when Primeval Season/Series 3 ended, it was thought that although it ended with cliffhangers, it might be the end. My DVD review of “Primeval Volume 2″ was written at that time. Although the show had changed a lot, especially with the departure of the series’ lead character, Cutter, it was still an entertaining view, and as far as people-versus-dinos TV shows go, it’s a heck of a lot more interesting than the much more expensive Terra Nova.
The episodes on DVD set Primeval Volume 3 pick up where those cliffhangers left off. As British TV is set up a bit differently from its American counterparts, some of the actors from Series 3 were not available to return for their roles; one disappears offscreen and the fate of another is left as a mystery for several episodes. Connor and Abby are stuck in the past and have to make it back to the future. The first episode of Primeval Volume 3, despite three seasons existing before, can serve almost as a new pilot, with new characters and situations making their start then and there.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Alexander Siddig plays one of the new characters, a mysterious benefactor to the group whose intentions will keep you guessing. Also keeping you guessing is new character Matt Anderson (Ciarán McMenamin) who harbors a secret that will come out as time goes on. Another addition to the team is Jess, who serves really as ARC’s own personal “Watchtower.”
Volume 3 comprises of the fourth and fifth seasons of Primeval, making for a total of 13 episodes. It’s basically like getting two season arcs, but at the same time, there’s a strong feeling of completion. If this is it for this incarnation of Primeval I am satisfied, though I am happy a Canadian equivalent is on the way.
Extras on the DVD include some webisode prequels bringing the volumes as well as two features about “Bringing Back Primeval.” Those feature interviews with cast and crew and are pretty extensive considering the time constraints.
If I were to have any complaint, it would be the packaging. The interior discs overlap in such a way that I was confused as to how to get them out.
All in all this is a great set and one I will probably find myself rewatching frequently. I definitely like it, and recommend checking Primeval out if you haven’t gotten the chance before. The DVD set is now available in stores and online.
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(If you’d prefer this set in Blu-ray, you can find it here!)
