In the final episode of Being Human‘s fourth series this weekend, the Old Ones have arrived and are intent on taking over the world by force.

Cutler has other plans, but when they go awry he plots revenge on his own kind. Meanwhile, Tom and Hal have their own plan to destroy the vampires and Annie realises she has been tasked with making the most difficult decision in order to save the world.

Series 4 Episode 8 airs at 9pm on Sunday 25th March on BBC Three.

CultBox caught up with the show’s Second Assistant Director, Derek Ritchie, to find out more…

 

Since you began working on Being Human‘s original pilot, the show has filmed four series, revamped its cast and spawned a US remake. Did you know back in 2008 that Being Human was going to be something special?

“Absolutely! I remember vividly reading the script for the pilot on a plane back from holiday and just knowing it would be a hit. As we were shooting the pilot, there was much optimistic chat amongst cast and crew alike that this was something crazily original, and that we would be back for more.

“As with any show, you have to have a strong script and creative team behind it if it’s going to have any future, and with Toby Whithouse showrunning it seemed like a dead cert!

“I certainly was willing it into commissioning – even if I wasn’t employed for the series I wanted this cult show to exist in the universe. It was too good and I wanted to see the rest of it!

“There was always the feeling it was going to be big, and when it wasn’t initially commissioned everyone was a bit gobsmacked. Particularly since the audience reaction had been so overwhelmingly positive. But thanks to that audience and a truly genius format, the series is still going from strength to strength to this day!”

 

Have you been watching the US remake and what do you think?

“I have to say, to my shame, I haven’t seen any of the US series apart from a few clips. That’s not because I don’t want to (I’m kind of waiting for a boxset!) but it messed with my head seeing so much of the UK show transplanted and reinvented in a different context!

“Even down to the colour palette used in some of the set design, and the casting of the leads. But I do keep an eye on what the show’s doing, and they seem to have completely embraced their own world, with completely original stories, characters and narrative directions that set it apart from the UK show.

“I’m really keen to see it, once I get over the weirdness!”

 

What have been the highlights of your time on Being Human?

“Every day’s a highlight on Being Human! Honestly, a great Production to be on and I’ve loved every minute of it! It’s a very open, proactive environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute creatively, and the crew are the best in the business!

“And that being the case, the highlight for me is seeing walk-ons you’ve cast or ideas you’ve suggested ending up in the show. Casting vampires is glorious fun – particularly our vicious crowd for the Series 3 dog-fights where I found some fantastic performers who did us proud, and were able to take part in coordinated fight sequences to great effect.

“And our white-haired brother vampires from the opening sequence of Series 4 were also a tough find, but were great performers who did an excellent job. We’ve also been spoilt with some incredible guest cast (not that the main cast are anything other than incredible!), and having the chance to work with people whose performances you’ve enjoyed over the years is a joy.

“To have classic and new Who stalwart Louis Mahoney and the legend that is Mark Gatiss with us this year was an absolute pleasure!”

 

As Series 4 comes to a close, can you give us any hints about what’s coming up in the finale?

“All I’ll say is that Episode 8 is the closest we’ve ever gotten to doing Hollywood scale on a BBC Three budget!

“Big scary things happen, as you’d expect in Being Human, and none of our characters get out unscathed. And we show what happens when somebody goes somewhere they really shouldn’t, with consequences grosser than anyone might’ve imagined!

“Jaws will drop, and then close quickly again as every viewer fights to keep their stomach contents intact! And Mitchell comes back from Middle Earth, obviously. (Joking, joking, I’m totally joking!!!)”

 

Do you hope to be involved in Series 5 if that goes ahead?

“Of course! Fingers are crossed. In the current climate with BBC Three slashing its levels of drama commissioning there’s no guarantee of there being another series, but Toby has a lot more stories to tell and there would be a great injustice done to audiences everywhere if he doesn’t get the chance to tell them!

“And there’s a very cryptic clue on the final piece of vampire parchment which will set up some madness in Series 5 – so Being Human better be back! But yes, if it goes ahead I’d again be privileged to be involved.”

 

Have you enjoyed Series 4? Let us know below…