Bonekickers
Bonekickers was a BBC drama about a team of archaeologists, set at the fictional Wessex University. It made its début on 8 July 2008 and ran for one series. It was written by Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah. It was produced by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer of Mammoth Screen Ltd and co-produced with Monastic Productions. Archaeologist and Bristol University academic Mark Horton acted as the series' archaeological consultant. Adrian Lester has described the programme as "CSI meets Indiana Jones [...] There's an element of the crime procedural show, there's science, conspiracy theories – and there's a big underlying mystery that goes through the whole six-episode series." Much of the series was filmed in the City of Bath, Somerset, with locations including the University of Bath campus. Additional locations included Brean Down Fort and Kings Weston House, Chavenage House for episodes 5 & 6 and Sheldon Manor. On 21 November 2008 Broadcast magazine revealed the show would not be returning for a second series.
Insights
Plot Summary
Bonekickers follows a team of archaeologists as they uncover ancient secrets and solve historical mysteries, often involving religious and mythological elements. The series blends historical investigation with personal drama and a touch of the supernatural. Each episode presents a new archaeological puzzle that the team races against time to solve, frequently putting themselves in danger.
Critical Reception
Bonekickers received a generally negative reception from critics, who often cited its dramatic and sometimes outlandish plotlines, perceived historical inaccuracies, and over-the-top acting. Despite its ambitious premise, the show struggled to find critical acclaim and was often criticized for its sensationalism. Audience reception was also mixed, with some enjoying the adventurous aspects while others were put off by the more implausible elements.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its adventurous spirit and intriguing historical mysteries.
- Criticized for its often far-fetched plots and historical liberties.
- The acting and dramatic interpretations were frequently seen as overblown.
Google audience: Audience reviews were divided, with some appreciating the show's adventurous themes and historical puzzles, while others found the storylines too unbelievable and the historical context questionable.
Fun Fact
The series was noted for its ambitious use of special effects to depict historical reconstructions and ancient artifacts, aiming for a visually engaging experience despite budget constraints.
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