Afterlife (I) (2005–2006)
7/10
Great acting, credible content
30 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This show pulled me in with great acting and the credibility of the relationship which develops and deepens between the two main characters. I'm tough on shows, and feel that most of them don't deserve more than two seasons (a series should not just "go on forever", although that's what happens with too many of them - they get milked for more advertising revenue, the stars want more money, and the story line is stretched thin or extended, when really it was just one great story that should have only lasted one or two seasons to begin with). This one, I think, deserves a third season, if only to follow the ongoing challenges of Alison Mundy (Lesley Sharp) after the demise of her antagonist.

The show carries two story levels really well - each episode covers a "ghost" story and background, while we continue the flow of Alison's personal life, made difficult by her psychic gift of being able to see and communicate with people who have "passed over" from life to a form of purgatory. As a highly-intellectual sceptic, Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln) is a wonderful foil for her drama, and a brilliant way to showcase the eternal battle between science and esoteric mysticism. Lesley Sharp can go from calm and angelic to screaming and hysterical within seconds; her acting is award-worthy in my humble opinion.

I thought she very accurately portrayed someone who has been doubted, bullied, scorned and made fun of her entire life. Would have loved to have found out more about the wedding ring she's shown wearing when she has her tragic train accident! There's never any mention of an engagement or a husband in her life. I highly recommend this show for those of us who want to believe in ghosts, but can't quite wrap our heads around it.
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