The Terror - BBC2 Wednesday

[ExcusesAndAccusations]

Quite excited for this to come to real telly because I am the only person I know who’s ever watched it - it was on AMC which came as part of my BT package a couple of years ago and it’s one of the best things I’ve seen in ages.

It’s about a Victorian naval expedition searching for the North West Passage but has a bit of a horror twist on the real world events - it’s harrowing in parts so you have to be feeling quite strong, but honestly the characterisation and the acting is breathtakingly good - I fell in love with so many of the characters.

Ciaran Hinds, Jared Harris and Tobias Menzies are the senior leads all playing a blinder.

@applespearsbears I thought it was just me - mumble, mumble, mutter - especially when Jared Harris is always pissed!

I've just finished the series on iplayer.
Although I loved the true life recount of the horrendous situation the sailors found themselves in, I found the whole supernatural 'beast' thing a bit ridiculous and unnecessary.
The truth of their voyage was far scarier than an over inflated polar bear.

Watching with subtitles and really enjoying it so far!
Very tense and atmospheric.

I loved it. Watched the first two episodes and looking forward to the next ones. Acting great. Very brave men!

@katy1213 I know what a difference!

I watched episode 7? Ladt night ...
So good I'm rationing two episodes per evening.

I also read up on the story behind them now having actually found the sunken ships.

Apples read Erebus for a more factual account (as far as one of the greatest seafaring mysteries can be factual!)

Yes I think I might thank you

Thank for for the subtitles.

My husband wanted to watch this and I only grudgingly agreed because I thought it would be a bit depressing - however Im rally enjoying it! Well, I guess enjoying might not be the right word - it’s very enthralling anyway. A bit more scary than I expected - I had to hide behind a cushion during the scene under the ice in episode one, but I am a wuss.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

I think the story of their battle with the elements, the lead poisoning leading to severe physical and mental problems, rebellion from within and most of the group's inability to see the eskimoes (the word they all used) as friends rather than foe, would have been enough of a story. The introduction of a monster spoils it a bit for me, it's just unnecessary.

I think they thought it might appeal to an audience who wouldn't watch a historical story maybe? But I agree I think there is enough there without it, not sure there would be enough for 10 episodes though as it does help add in extra story

I think Dan Simmons wrote the book he wanted to write, and because he’s a horror writer he added a quasi-supernatural element, but because he’s a great writer he wrote a great book. And then the producers decided to adapt that book - although they changed a certain amount because of discoveries in the intervening years since publication so they were still as faithful to the known facts as possible.

I tried watching this last night but couldn’t hear any of the dialogue. The sound engineer wants sacking.

This sound always sounds great their end to be fair. It's modern telly : they want us all to get sound bars sot hey are built in by default with bad sound...

I also think it's beards! Obviously this is Victorian and at sea so they would be bearded but so many actors are bearded these days in everything. It muffles sound and prevents us seeing lip shape.

Because half my house are hearing impaired we always have subtitles on except for quizzes. Has the advantage that I never even notice when programmes have fuzzy sound.

@Flaunch

I tried watching this last night but couldn’t hear any of the dialogue. The sound engineer wants sacking.

Subtitles are your friend. I used them for the two 'live' episodes but don't know how to get them on iplayer. I consequently missed some important muttering.

Subtitles definitely available on iPlayer. On my smart TV I just press the subtitle button on the remote, otherwise there’s a little speech bubble up in the top right.

Thanks. We've got one more episode to go so I'll try that.

I had to stop watching on about episode 8. It was just too depressing.

Just discovered this and just binged the first three episodes.

I. Am. Gripped.

Also am normally hard to scare with films or tv but definitely a few chilling/disturbing moments.

We binge watched this and really enjoyed it.

I did think the monster was a bit of a stretch when it first came up but I explainer it in my head as it could have come from them all going mad.

I also always have subtitles on (partly because I don't hear well and partly because everyone always talks so much through programmes in this house - drives me potty).

Has anyone watched the 2nd series?

I've just downloaded the Michael Palin book to read. Thanks to PP for the suggestion

Great series. I did feel it was too cold for much of their behaviour and that they would have died from exposure first but as it's based on fact I must be wrong.

Loved this and also watched with subtitles. I also thought that the beast was a side effect if lead poisoning. Really good tv. May watch again.

Also downloaded the book. M Palin can do no wrong in my eyes anyway.