Afterlife (I) (2005–2006) User Reviews

Magnificent

[Davo-CC · 10/10 · 13 September 2005]

This is really outstanding - one could perhaps compare it somewhat to "Medium" however it's darker and perhaps with a sadder tone; very well put together with superb, believable performances that you probably feel more than just see.

The characters reach out to you rather than just appear on the screen; it explores the notion of the "unwanted special gift" well and explore ridicule, disbelief and skepticism without falling for the normal clichés that we so often expect in this kind of feature.

The stories have original structure and the ongoing component is wholly necessary and not trivial; I was impressed.

The worst part is that there are only five episodes – fortunately I feel the ending was wide enough open to easily permit a 2nd season to come along, I really hope they do this as it has at least the promise that Medium has and perhaps a bit more in some ways.

Easily 5 stars out of 5 for me – if you get the chance to see it do so, very rewarding viewing.

One of the great supernatural series

[galensaysyes · 10/10 · 26 October 2008]

This is one of the great supernatural TV series--which may not be such a distinction, with so few to choose from. But this program is good enough to hold its own against any number of comers. I don't know how it went over in England, and I don't know that it's ever played in the U.S., but it should be better known than it is.

It's about a woman who can communicate with the dead: Ghost Whisperer, in other words. But this one is done in the more disturbing vein of British suspense, intercrossed with the more sober vein of British proletarian drama. In the latter line, the show makes a real effort to imagine what a person who was always hearing from dead people would be like in real life: i.e. screwed up; but not screwed up all the time; and the less so the more integrated her personality became. To the people who can't see what she can, she sounds crazy; when, driven by what she's seen, she tells them what not to do, she's so desperate she looks crazy. When we first see her, we think the same of her; then we get to know her better and see she isn't.

The UK have a way of coming up with shows that require unusual personalities, and then finding unusual actors who have them. Lesley Sharp is a perfect choice for this role: she can look both nutty and wise, ragged and hierophantic, at the same time.

I imagine some people would prefer Ghost Whisperer to this because it isn't a horror show. For myself, I prefer my ghost stories scary.

My only quibble is with Andrew Lincoln, the male lead. I wish he weren't quite so like a matinée idol. I can see that the show, lacking a conventional romantic relationship, wanted to provide something of a substitute, and chose an actor who could make his relationship with the leading character seem romantic-and-yet-not. He succeeds in that, and is sympathetic in the role (yet at the same time almost unsympathetic, as he should be), but he seems just a bit shallow.

When the British do them right, their thrillers have a way of involving the audience that no others can match. I'm not sure why. I have a feeling it may spring from the peculiarly British form of neurosis, which, I have no doubt, springs in turn from their highly mannered society. Tne enforcement of mannerly behavior can't help but lead to neurosis in some cases, I would think (I'm sure it would in mine). You can't say what you feel, so you mutter; you can't move freely, so you twitch. That's probably why the British are best at ghost stories, too: ghosts are the ultimate products of neurosis, both in themselves and to those who see them, the genteelly screwed-up. Afterlife is on to that, I think.

Excellent

[fiona_r_lamb · 8/10 · 17 February 2016]

Afterlife is currently being aired on Canadian TV (February 2016) and I had no idea it was over 10 years old until I came on here to check it out. However, better late than never. Really enjoying this show even if it is a bit creepy and usually I dislike horror/ghost stories.

The reviews on here have compared it with Medium but I don't think it's anything like it. First of all, Alison in Medium has a happy married life with kids and seems OK with her gift; this Alison is the complete opposite.

I am a huge fan of Lesley Sharp, last seen in Scott and Bailey. I just think she is very versatile and talented. Andrew Lincoln is now a huge star in USA with Walking Dead and it's strange to see him on this show.

However, even tho' I've only watched four episodes so far I like how each episode in completely different from another. I particularly liked how in the nursing home episode, the haunted character turned out to be a good guy (nurse) - went against the stereotype.

Looking forward to the rest. Hope PBS shows series II as well.

All I can say is "wow"

[kbowmer92 · 10/10 · 22 February 2007]

Is it me or has the series afterlife really shone out from all previous and present television shows? it has an special effect on you where you are diving behind the sofa at one point, and crying your heart out the next. What A brilliant combination.

Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also shows an inside view at both medium-ship and scepticism. Before, we thought all that mediums did was perform Ouija boards, but not in this series. The beautiful performance by the wonderful Lesley Sharp as messed up and confused medium Alison mundy really did bring the series to life, and the outstanding Andrew Lincoln matched that as the un-believing sceptic Robert Bridge. These two characters were portrayed every week perfect, and yet it did not seem to bore you with the same two faces. the story lines were just as gripping, showing every day members of the public dealing with death in modern life. This was quite entertaining. well done everyone who worked on the show, it was magnificent!

Brilliant in every way

[BrunoLawrence · 11 October 2005]

This series has it all: excellent writing that is witty, terse, dramatic and thrilling. The direction is excellent too - edgy, scary, gripping with cinema-esquire cinematography. The acting is first class too - ordinary people dealing with affliction, emotion, death etc - much better than the US series full of models and glamour - in contrast this is earthy and realistic.

The story lines are similar to The Sixth Sense and are clearly derived from that concept, but each one is expertly handled. One of the best of the series involves a hoax supernatural experience - just wait for the ending! Top notch, hair-raising stuff.

"Must see" is not strong enough a phrase

[missericacourt · 10/10 · 13 November 2009]

Despite writing this a few years after the show's release, I feel compelled to write a review after re-watching some clips.

The premise is simple. A medium, a sceptic, and a lot of paranormal activity. What sets this apart from other, similarly plotted shows and films is the incredible atmosphere and suspense built throughout each episode, and the fantastic performance of Lesley Sharp, whose depiction of depressed medium Alison is utterly compelling, powerful and, most impressive, very believable.

Never before had I seen such a moving, emotional, tense and creepy TV show, and never have I been more disappointed that a show has been stopped. That being said, the two series were beautifully wrapped up, with a neat story arc and a final episode that was quite simply perfect. After watching it, I sat there in shock for a good while, barely believing how beautifully written and presented it was.

I won't reveal the ending, but let's just say you may need a box of tissues on hand - I was sobbing! And for a few episodes, maybe a cushion to hide behind!

Afterlife

[peaslyz · 10/10 · 4 September 2007]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series from start to end..

At first i thought this was going to be just like all the other shows about mediums and things that go bump in the night.. i'm so glad i'm wrong..

Lesley Sharp is the clairvoyant Alison Mundy who sees and tries to help dead people. Alison feels isolated by her 'gift', which is so brilliantly orchestrated by Lesley..

Alison forms a relationship with parapsychology lecturer Dr. Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln), who is convinced her ghosts have an explanation rooted in the unconscious. He becomes her biographer in the hope to discover more..

As the series continues the relationship between Alison and Robert grows stronger adding to the last episodes brilliant conclusion..

There are no fancy effects like you see in for example Heroes, Medium or The 4400 and its as if the story could be taking place in your street or to the woman next door..

The most gripping aspect of 'Afterlife' is that Alison's ghosts are actually scary. Not sweet ones with messages for their loved ones, but disturbed and sometimes evil forces..

Each episode treats a particular haunting, Alison is called in to help. The ghosts appear as they did at the moment of death which is sometimes gruesome. This adds to the realism of the whole series..

Series 1 focuses on Robert's dead son and the tragedy behind his marital breakdown. Alison tries to break down his defences and get him to face his own grief. This climaxes in a seance episode that's amazing, thrilling and emotionally cathartic..

Series 2 focuses on Alison's troubled relationship with her mentally-ill mother who now seems to be haunting her.. Also Robert starts to come to terms with his terminal illness..

The final two episodes are beautiful, tearful and so emotionally intense that i was completely overwhelmed..

I love this program, i was totally moved by it.. and still am.. Absolutely fantastic..

Superb British Drama

[wozzasfc · 21 October 2005]

What a refreshing new drama Afterlife has turned out to be! I have watched many programmes and films of this genre and they tend to blend into one another with nothing new to offer.

Afterlife focuses on the unwanted "gift" possessed by medium Alison Mundy (played superbly by Lesley Sharp). She has a message from the dead son of psychologist Robert Bridge who is not willing to listen. Believing in the afterlife would completely go against the values and ethics of his work.

So to sum it up you have a medium who doesn't necessarily want the "gift", and you have a psychologist who tells her she is disillusioned, yet he secretly believes in her ability.

Many times it has been stated "Why can't we make quality drama in the UK?" Well we have in Afterlife, and I think the US audiences would warm to this as they have in Australia and NZ. This drama has everything about it. It is chilling, moving, shocking and even funny in parts. Very watchable, and has spiced up Saturday night viewing in the UK. A second series is a must.

Season 1 I'm sorry daddy

[nogodnomasters · 10/10 · 12 April 2020]

Alison Mundy is a reluctant medium who would love nothing more to live a normal life. She talks to dead people and sees them too. Dr. Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln) is a skeptic who follows her around so he can write a book on her and mediums in general. Alison is talking to his dead son, which Robert does not believe.

The six episodes are diverse and not just copy-cat scripts with different characters. Interesting and well done.

Guide: No F-words. Nudity (Cara Horgan)

A series of un-realised potential

[willthind · 9 November 2005]

Afterlife is a series of un-realised potential. I watched two episodes and both adhered to the same odd mix: excellent set-up, surprisingly complex characterisation, but absolutely no time whatsoever to develop plot. Watching both episodes made me think that they must have been edited down from something much longer and more worthwhile.

What makes Afterlife worth grabbing, whatever its faults, is a remarkable performance from Lesley Sharp. The writer has given her a fantastic role - a medium who teeters on the edge of mental health - and Sharp fills the part with quite extraordinary humanity. It's a shame that Andrew Lincoln turns in such an unconvincing performance as a psychology lecturer. He seems to struggle to convince that he would even get into university, let alone be able to teach.

Brilliant show

[Stockard · 2 October 2005]

How great is this show! I think ITV are on to a winner with this one, i seriously hope they treat it properly and not like so many of their other dramas which they push around the schedules or axe completely, if they feel it isn't doing well enough ratings wise.

We are on episode 2 in the UK now, i know Australia has seen all the episodes - lucky! I really can't wait to see them all, and i hope we can all look forward to another series because it would be such a shame to stop after just one, and to let such talented actors as Lesley and Andrew go! There seems to be quite a few fans of Alison and Robert's relationship - glad to know i'm not the only one! x

Simply amazing

[xoxchelc-leighxox · 10/10 · 22 July 2010]

Two words - Lesley Sharp. How has she slipped under the radar of most of the British public for so long, clearly true fans of drama have already noticed her but it just goes to show that it really is all about looks and a celebrities personal life... anyway,anyway,anyway. What people want from a drama series is exactly that - drama! Many programmes rely on a romance or comedy to keep the storyline going but Afterlife doesn't, every episode provides a new and original situation in which many people may have faced. My favourite episode is probably 'Things Forgotten', not only is there the main storyline of sexual abuse but the underlying message of 'what if this is all there is?' and after all the drama of life has disappeared is it true that we just become ordinary? The sheer brilliance of Lesley Sharp comes through in the episode where her father returns and she finally faces up to her past. Many actors would've overplayed this completely but I was kept in awe of Lesley when she broke down and was utterly vulnerable,her performance was and always is so naturalistic that she isn't just a character on television, she IS that person... The final episode had me absolutely shaking with tears because what I had been watching for the past year or so had become like reality to me, I had grown to know and love Alison and Robert and for the series to end was distressing for me. 5 years later I still cannot believe that this series was cut. Ridiculous. Anyway there's my rant over, I hope you enjoyed Afterlife as much as I have.

afterlife

[rattius · 10/10 · 4 November 2006]

afterlife is simply the best TV series to ever have been shown on itv. lesley sharp and andrew lincolin star in a horror drama that has spanned for two series and constantly produced the goods.alison (sharp) is a medium who helps spirits complete there unfinished business who befriends psychologist robert (lincolin) who in turn begins to write a book about alisons experiences this leads us to episode after episode of fantastic British scares, dialogue and acting.each episode has its own spirit from aborted children to perverted murderers each having a story to tell along the way making you grip to the arm of the person sitting next to you. and if scary spirits isn't your thing there's plenty of drama and brilliant acting to keep you watching. its clever quirky and the vision of the directing is amazing, a must watch British drama. fantastic

Afterlife, my view on this great series!

[michellebooker21 · 19 September 2005]

Afterlife:- Sometimes we would like to believe that our loved one's are looking over us, our curiosity grows and we are left thinking of ghosts, spirits or entities, could they possibly exist? sometimes we need closure to a lost loved one and would do anything to have that, if there were a way. The unknown, it's interesting, frightening, hopeful and leaves you searching for answers, that's why I watched Afterlife, this was a great series, I really enjoyed it! I wasn't aware that there were only five episodes and felt very disappointed when it was all over. I can't say the ending came to much of a climax for me and I felt it was left open, possibly for another series? It would be great if they could manage to do another 5 episodes as I thought it was enjoyable different and entertaining and would definitely watch more episodes to come. Michelle

Spookily thrilling... amazing

[katiehedley · 7 October 2005]

Although I wouldn't class it as terrifying, this certainly isn't one for the faint-hearted. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and I can never wait until the next episode. I can't believe there will only be six episodes! The first episode, about the girl and her lavender-scented mother, was predictable but still chilling and a good watch. The second, about the drowned girl, was fear-inducing, and made you think a lot. I really like the way it was done. Watch it if you can manage catch it - most of us have busy schedules nowadays! - but don't let your kids watch it, especially if they get nightmares easily. Overall, it's a spooky, fascinating take on a subject never really addressed or looked at in much detail, so I assume most people will find it quite unique and VERY different; I did, and I'm the world's biggest critic (well, sort of.)

This is one of the best of all.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 18 April 2023]

Professor Robert Bridge begins a professional relationship with Medium Alison Mundy, writing a biography on her, he watches her at work, often helping, albeit with a sceptical eye.

I don't give many shows 10 star reviews, no other score would apply to this amazing show. Afterlife is engaging, thrilling, moving, it scares, it entertains, it intrigues, this show offers more than most. When I'm asked what show I'd most love to see return, this is it.

Think back to 2005, TV was away with crime thrillers and gritty mystery shows, anything remotely sci fi or occult based was very limited, I can think of Sea of Souls and one or two others, Afterlife was by far the best.

What a shame this incredible show lasted just two series, there should have been more, this show had a lot more mileage. They'd argue it ended on a major high.

Series one is terrific, series two is even better, the penultimate episode and finale are two of the best things I've ever seen, I sobbed.

The acting is incredible, Lesley Sharp is phenomenal, Andrea Lincoln is equally as good. Memorable guest performances from David Threlfall, Liam Cunningham and Natalia Tena, but there are many more.

10/10.

AFTERLIFE (excellent)

[mosthaunted_nofan · 14 February 2006]

This was truly the best drama of 2005. i was a huge fan of afterlife and i am extremely please that clerkenwell films have been commissioned to complete a second series, this time running for 8 shows instead of the previous 6. Lesley Sharp and Andrew Lincoln seem to have that perfect on screen chemistry which made the tension and shock factor a perfect combination. I would give this show 10 / 10. The show producers and writers etc, should be recognised for there work. Every episode had you hooked which was truly great and especially seems they answered the storyline on the same episode. perfect viewing recommend 100%. Excellent mixture of a paranormal show.

Really good series!: Afterlife(no spoilers)

[Thunderwoman · 9/10 · 3 October 2007]

I just finished watching most of the Afterlife made for TV series, season 1&2. The series had me from the first show and I wanted to say thank you. I wasn't sure what to expect from the title, "Afterlife." There has been only a few good drama/phenomenon series that I can recall that has the same good mix of characters like this; One being X-Files and the other Medium.

Did this UK TV series make it over to Canada or is it in syndication? It's too bad that there is only 2 seasons of the show. Maybe, the producers can make the sets available in CD box set here in Canada?

It would be a good addition to the Drama or phenomenon collection.

Sublime

[Aroura64 · 10/10 · 9 June 2019]

I first became aware of Afterlife, when I saw the last episode on terestrial television. I was so impressed, that I watched the series on Youtube. I was compelled to purchase the box set after that. Over the last week I have been watching the series again. Once again, I've been blown away by the fantastic acting and story telling. Most of the episodes will send shivers down yor spine, and will have you engrossed in the lives of these complicated, tortured characters. If only they had made a third series, as it is Afterlife is masterpiece, that you want to watch over and over again.

Brilliant mini-series!

[ritalein · 13 September 2005]

The final 2 hours of Afterlife aired here in Adelaide last night (9.30 - 11.30 pm!), and I was riveted throughout the entire screening (even though it ended well past my usual bed-time!.) No dozing off in the last hour of this! Gotta say that Lesley Sharp's performance in this 'mini-series' (and yes, I too thought this was meant to be a "series" and hope it will be) was/is simply stunning, totally believable, and in the final hours....breath taking! I think she is right up there for me now as a "favourite actor", and I've only ever noticed her in 'The Second Coming' before. Andrew Lincoln's performance as the learned, skeptical "ghostbuster" was outstanding also.

I loved the USA's "Medium", but, in comparison, found this series to be a much darker, grittier, warts-and-all portrayal of what it's like to be "blessed" with a psychic ability. (Is there something in the name "Alison" too?? Hmm!) Bravo Lesley and Andrew on some of the BEST TV viewing I have seen all year! (Took my mind off the Brits winning the Ashes yesterday too! LOL!) 5***** from me also!

Enjoyable and intelligent

[rocknrelics · 9/10 · 5 April 2021]

It was good when it first aired, but time has been very kind to this series, and it is actually even better the second time around.

Very rare to get a sympathetic take on the subject of mediums, but that's what happens here and it works.

Of course the doubting side is taken care of via a great performance from Andrew Lincoln, but it is Lesley Sharp who really shines here.

If you've not seen it and have an interest in the subject, I highly recommend it.

U.K. Potential Goes Under the Radar

[jmbwithcats · 8/10 · 29 January 2008]

I think what really lingers after watching "Afterlife"'s first episode is how realistic it is. That life cannot be summed up so simply that the dead seek either to help or be helped. In this we find sometimes the areas of gray go against what we believe is ethically in our own moral sense of responsibility.

But, that does not make them any less real. In fact it makes us look out from beyond a sense of comfort and safety, to seek a deeper understanding of what we have experienced, and discover what is real.

Episode one really hit me, like a ton of bricks and look forward to seeing episode two and the inner puzzles it gives me to unravel and decipher in this discovery of Spirit.

Afterlife really feels a sense of spirit, and though I like the American show Medium, this show seems to really have it's finger on the pulse of this issue in a way that gratifies a sense of exploration more so then the latter.

Great acting, credible content

[lorriebeauchamp · 7/10 · 30 September 2014]

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.

This is a hidden jewel

[smallrage1 · 10/10 · 31 July 2009]

I have been catching up on old British shows this year and for the most part are extremely well written and acted, such as The Unit, Hustle, Merlin and spooks just to name a few. What they have in common is that they all have been canceled but for Merlin but it's in it's first season plenty of time to disappoint TV viewers.

No offense to the British and their taste to TV shows but why this got canceled after 2 seasons 11 episodes in all I just can't fathom because this is a gem that sparked brightly. The only rational conclusion I can come up with is this was way too much show for the British mind . I say that because ghost whisperer which is yet to hit the UK stands a better chance than Afterlife only because it's basically the Disney version of Afterlife.

This show need your full attention span where as Ghost whisperer you can talk and still get what it about Afterlife you miss a second and your lost. This is why I say its to much show for the attention span of the English, their used to soaps and comedies, sure so shows do well but they surely are as deep thinking as afterlife. To me this show is a 15 out of 10 and not 10 out of 10 as it is extremely well written. If people don't like this show it's only because they don't understand it and should stick to shows like Paris Hilton my new BFF

I give this a 20!!

[ennor · 10/10 · 2 August 2010]

I saw the first series way back when, and found it amazing. I have only just revisited series 1 on DVD, and it was then that the true value of this show truly hit home.

Lesley Sharp!!! Everything she does is excellent, but in this series, as reluctant medium Alison Mundy, she is truly breathtaking. Her clear blue eyes mesmerize, and her pain is palpable. There are a large number of unsung English actors, and she is one of them. Well supported by Andrew Lincoln (of "Teachers" and "Love Actually") this is Sharp's show. I could not take my eyes from her whenever she was on screen. And comparing this show with Ghost Whisperer is like comparing lobster with chicken nuggets.

The story lines are gripping, engaging and even believable. Andrew Lincoln's character is drawn into the world of the medium with reluctance and skepticism. I liked both characters, but often was disappointed with them also. But I was never, ever bored, not even for a minute.

Some British TV is very good - some is awful, I'm sure - but "Afterlife" is so outstanding it takes your breath away.