Primeval (TV Series) Crocodile Fears (2009) User Reviews

Nick Cutter and the Jurassic Stargate

[igoatabase · 7/10 · 30 March 2009]

The characters we like were back but also some new characters were introduced. Sarah Page, played by Laila Rouass, is a major addition to the cast. But I guess we'll have to wait for her to grow on us because her performance didn't really convince me. Her acting wasn't bad, just average, but I think her script was a bit sketchy, specially its humorous lines. Otherwise she makes a believable Egyptologist as she counts a mixed parentage, Moroccan-Indian. Not that you have to look like Cleopatra to do such a job but I'm sure the writers have planned something special for her… One last word about Connor. I think he should act less clumsy now he's more experienced. In fact I found most of his scenes quite boring, nearly annoying. I don't mean the show should be less funny but it's not interesting anymore when characters don't develop. However I have to admit that Rex still rocks.

About the story, I'm fond of mythology so I think bringing some Ancient Egypt legends into Primeval is a great idea. Some scenes even reminded me of Stargate. The future predator was scary and I'm pretty sure its outdoor scene was inspired by I Am Legend. Also the pristichampsus really looked like an Egyptian god, almost like a living statue. Moreover the writers managed to make us believe in what Sarah said about the sun, gods… These archaeological elements are specially welcome considering they connect the Anomalies to the present. There're also other information to consider like the metal allowing to trap an Anomaly, the hieroglyphs to decrypt, Helen's clones army…

Adventure, love, CGI creatures, science-fiction and now mythology… It's Indiana Jones meeting Jurassic Park. This episode was quite a good way to begin series 3 and I can't wait to learn what will happen next.

An Egyptian 'Crocodile Demon' escapes into London

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 28 November 2017]

This, the opening episode of the third series sees the team investigating an anomaly that has opened in the British Museum. It isn't like other anomalies; it has opened in an ancient Egyptian artefact known as the Sun Cage. Also there is Dr Sarah Page, an expert in Egyptology, who thinks the creature that comes through the anomaly is the Egyptian demon Ammut. The creature escapes from the museum pursued by Cutter, Abbie and Captain Becker, the team's new security chief while Connor stays at the museum with Dr Page; here he learns more about the Sun Cage and fights off further incursions. Meanwhile Arc boss James Lester is called into the Home Office; his meeting with Christine Johnson is cut short and we learn his new boss is involved with forces trying to acquire a mysterious artefact… an item that is now in Helen Cutter's hands.

I really liked how this episode tied the creatures that come through the anomaly with ancient mythology; it is almost surprising that the link wasn't made before… something Cutter actually comments on. The creature is well realised and clearly dangerous without being too scary… the 'future creatures' we see in scenes not involving the Arc team were more frightening. I like the fact that most of the episode was devoted to a standalone story but there were still reminders of the background plot arc involving Helen Cutter and the introduction of possible antagonist Christine Johnson. As well as the returning regular characters there are some interesting additions to the team in the form of Capt. Becker and Dr Page; Ben Mansfield and Laila Rouass do solid jobs in these roles; it will be interesting to see how their characters developing in forthcoming episodes. Overall I thought this was a solid season opener that provides the blend of excitement and humour expected.

Insipid Connor Sickening to Watch

[Johnny_West · 3/10 · 7 July 2020]

Andrew Lee Potts, whose only acting ability is to look like an innocent little boy when he breaks things, gets people killed, betrays confidences, etc. was not killed off at the end of season two. Unfortunately, the much better actor, James Murray, who played Stephen Hart was the character that got killed off.

So we are stuck with more of Andrew Lee Potts knocking priceless artifacts down at the British Museum, where a new anomaly has unleashed a big fat crocodile. Cutter and Abby go off (unarmed) to search for the reptile. The new security guard (played by Ben Mansfield) stands around doing nothing.

This is a pretty boring and pointless episode, except to introduce the security chief and Dr. Sarah Page, played by Laila Rouass. Her acting is average in this episode. She is supposed to be an expert on Egyptian history, but spends most of the episode reacting to the anomaly and the crocodile. Based on her very little contribution, the ARC team decide to offer her a job. Why they would need an expert on Egyptian history is beyond ridiculous. They want someone to do research on ancient myths, and their intern who understands how to use Google was busy doing something else. So now there is another useless member of the ARC team.