Bitten (2014–2016) User Reviews

Somewhat good, somewhat not.

[kitellis-98121 · 6/10 · 9 July 2018]

Another in a long line of overwrought fantasies penned by sexually frustrated female novelists targeting an audience of vapid teenaged girls.

After a somewhat limp and bargain-basement pilot, featuring truly awful CGI wolves, the first season found its feet within three or four episodes and actually became quite good (for someone in the mood for this sort of show).

What kept me watching was the unique lack of teenagers in the cast, making the whole thing more grown-up and less of the mindless angst-fest that one is generally obliged to endure. The plot wasn't all about teenage melodrama either, and for the most part the supernatural elements were kept to a minimum, allowing for a more interesting story about the politics of werewolf culture. Despite an obviously restrictive budget it was really quite watchable.

Then season two arrived, and for reasons presumably book-based (I haven't read them), it abandoned the grown-up storytelling of the first season and plunged headfirst into a poor imitation of The Vampire Diaries, complete with teenagers (the annoying, pouty, petulant kind) and worse, witches, (and all the irritating chanting and writhing around in trances that modern depictions seem to demand).

The narrative, when not bogged down with prophecies (yawn), dream-sequences (yuck), dead-eyed cultists (mega-yawn), and, of course, objects floating around (oh, boy!), was all but abandoned in favour of teenaged girls writhing, grunting and whining through endless mind-numbing minutes, sometimes with white contact lenses (how original!)

Season three, by comparison, was a welcome relief, returning to less arcane storytelling. Focusing on politics, revenge, and mostly werewolf-based material (apart from a few lingering witchy threads), this was almost a good season. However, after the insults of season two I was unable to forgive the truly appalling writing and endless scenes of moronic expositional dialogue, and was very glad when it finally ended.

Why can't she just talk normally

[katrinalines · 6/10 · 6 November 2018]

I enjoy this program but Elena's character alsways speaking in hushed tones or whispers is done right annoying, I mean come on who constantly speaks like that she should start her own ASMR channel

Better than Expected

[kitekat2807 · 8/10 · 2 June 2014]

When I first realized that they had made Elena's story into a TV show I was sceptical, as very rarely the show can match with the Books. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised, there were a few things that I am personally a little critical off, as I don't believe the actors portray the description, but again that is just personal opinion. However they have managed to keep the story line well on track, and I will continue watching and keeping an eye out for future series on this set of books. Well done, well made and all around very pleasant viewing. Not recommended for under 13-15s though. All in all, not Child friendly, but aimed at young adults, which is why i rated it at a 8/10

Impressed with the transition from book to series

[vsgviper · 12 January 2014]

I originally read the Kelley Armstrong Book "Bitten - Otherworld 1" about 5 years ago and was impressed with the way the characters unfolded in the book.

And as with anyone who reads a good book you try to visualize what you read, and because of this you tend to be disappointed with the transition between book and screen.

To my great surprise this first episode has followed and brought to life the original work,and moreover has kept true to the written word unlike many other book to TV attempts in the past.

I look forward to watching this series unfold and hope that i can say the same of the future episodes.

I would caution parents as some of the future content if it follows the book may need to be viewed before allowing children to see it first.

But above all any lover of very well written stories this is a must view and i can only recommend that you accompany the series with the original book.

Bitten

[tarasensei · 10/10 · 25 January 2014]

I'm a fan of the book series and 2 episodes in to this new series, I am a ban of the TV show. (Clay Danvers is hot, hot, hot!) So far the writers are sticking close to the book "Bitten" written by Kelley Armstrong. My only complaint as a fan of the books is, since I already know what happened from the book, it's moving a little slow for me, but ignoring the book, the show is doing a great job of setting up all the characters and plot.

This is one show that I'm looking forward to watching this show as the season progresses and season after season. :-) Here's to season 2! (Fingers crossed!)

Terrible, and yet worth a watch

[AngelHonesty · 6/10 · 24 February 2021]

The only reason this show made it as long as it did was because of Laura Vandervoort, she was the only good actor on the entire series. I love werewolf/vampire shows, so this one drew me right in. The first season was great, it moved at a reasonable speed, had lots of character development moments and you got to know the actors and their stories somewhat. It also had lots of wolf action.

For season two and three, there was way too much going on! Good storylines, but too much crammed into two seasons. It was non stop action, go, go go. Not just little plot lines, but really big ones with people dying left, right and centre all the time. It was too much too fast. They needed to slow the series down and have more personal moment or character building moments. And it was really annoying that the main actors would be these fierce warriors one moment, then getting their butts kicked the next. It needed more consistency to the show.

The biggest thing that annoyed me the most was that they hardly ever turned into a werewolf during the series! The first season was great because they were constantly changing, then season two and three came and there was next to no changing. I thought the series was supposed to be about being a werewolf? Why not use the power of being a wolf to your advantage. Instead they always stayed in their human form and only in the last resort changed. They also made the hype of Elena too big, you knew she was special, but the majority of the time she is getting her butt kicked and your left thinking, "okay, are you going to kill them already or what? I thought you were skilled". But then other times she was all of a sudden this great warrior that could do anything. The series needed more of a lead up to her abilities (such as training or circumstances that made her strong). Then once she had those fierce skills, the show should have had her use them more often and not be defeated all the time by enemies in combat.

The series had lots of potential, but was slaughtered by the writers. Still worth the watch, but not the best series. The sex scenes are great and there's lots of them. Laura Vandervoort is fantastic with her role, as her acting brings the show to life, the other actors not so much, but the series does introduce some better actors as the series goes on. I was disappointed that the show ended so early. I think if it would have continued it might have gotten better, especially with how it ended. It left potential.

Love it!

[maryl115 · 10/10 · 2 February 2014]

I love this show. I think it is well done and it's nice to see a werewolf show. I like the actors and hope to see many more episodes. I'm already addicted and have watched the first three episodes more than three times. And last but not least. The sexual tension between Clay and Elena is very evident when there in the same room. I also think it is nice to see a Canadian show and to know it was filmed in Canada. I have not read the books and since I'm an avid reader I don't know if I will read the books regarding this show. I don't always read books relating to a show if I'm intrigued enough with the show. And this is the case with this one. Keep up the great work!!

Over All

[IreneKings · 7/10 · 19 April 2015]

The New Witch/witchcraft in S2 was all very realistic... Scary! Over all I liked the storyline direction. :)

I would've liked to see more of the transitional part of the wolves, and just the wolves themselves. I would've liked to see more of the wolf dynamic of senses presented In a more supernatural way & or more Significantly presented.

Nevertheless the plot was strong & the martial art action through out was cool & intense! The witchcraft was luring to watch & gripping- scary! The witchcraft effects were in keeping to what you would imagine what witchcraft does & is.

The acting was great by everyone! The chemistry between the cast comes off screen, You can tell everyone is close.

awesome

[mariaduvalzd · 10/10 · 4 January 2019]

Dont watch much TV but this series was awesome. Too bad they cancelled it, would have been nice to see how the story would play out living amongst the humans. Why always the good shows and all those crappy reality tv is still going. This is why I cancelled cable.

Refreshing take on Werewolves!

[cherishdofcourse · 10/10 · 11 February 2014]

With Series like Teen wolf, Vampire Diaries, Originals, Etc. It's refreshing to see a series that isn't awash with teen fever. This has a mature feel to it and with every episode leaves you wanting to know more. As someone who loves all things Supernatural, I feel many people have failed to do a series strictly about werewolves, right. I was quickly bored with Teen Wolf, feeling like the situations were reaching too high too fast. That feeling of them trying too hard to have interest. Plus most things MTV are fails, for me.

However in regards to Bitten, I was a bit apprehensive to watch the series, due to reading some bad reviews. I have not read the book series. After the first episode I felt excited! The actress playing Elaina, is so refreshing and of course it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous. In most shows, they have some young curvaceous thing. I feel the casting in this show was so spot on that I'm actually counting hours for the next episodes.

It's not entirely a show you'd expect to be on sci-fy. Most shows they tend to play are seemingly low budget, but the precision on this show is amazing. The storyline, believable and the chemistry between the characters is so strong.

My conclusion is WATCH THIS SERIES! It is definitely quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Potential unrealized

[sweber3303-590-815866 · 7/10 · 2 January 2022]

Good concept. Actually seemed well cast.

It's pretty standard for a werewolf show, except that the werewolves are very fragile. They have superior strength, but have avg healing ability. Which really comes into play, as characters start dying off.

Nothing special.

[the_number-evil_d · 3/10 · 25 February 2014]

First, let me say that I never read any of the books this series was based on. I didn't even know it was based on a book until I read some of the reviews. And I only watched the first three episodes. That was all I could stand to watch.

Laura Vandervoort was the draw to watch the show. I liked her in Smallville and a few other things I have seen her in. I think she is a likable and decent actress. She was also the only recognizable actor in the cast and might have what it takes to carry a series. Watching Bitten was proof to me that no one can carry a crap script. All of the characters are poorly written. Everyone except for the lead( who I consider to be two dimensional ) is very one dimensional or are trying way too hard to be "Cool". Nobody seems genuine. The show is no better than a daytime soap opera.

So much melodrama. Such generic story telling. If you watch much supernatural movies or television, you will see exactly were this story is going. Most key character motivation is so vague that nothing makes sense. Not even any good nudity thanks to it being aired on Syfy, not that it would review any better. But, better writing and some extra star power could turn this show around.

Wasn't worth the time.

Smitten by Bitten

[twemoran · 9/10 · 12 January 2014]

The acting was good although I had trouble with the enunciation of some of the minor characters. The sets and location shots are wonderful particularly the Toronto interiors, the family estate and the village street scenes. The attention to detail - NY plates on the cars, American flags flying, newspaper racks on the sidewalks & individualistic costuming all add to the sense of authenticity. Usually I can spot a Canadian production pretending to be in an American location very rapidly - this one had no "tells". As our heroine was morphing into her lupine alter ego she somehow reminded me of Ann Coulter - that would have been real horror! The family values espoused seem closer to Don Corleone's than Ward Cleaver's which adds another layer to the plot(s). The Horror genre isn't usually my thing, but I love a good gangster flick. When the Godfather's henchmen grow real fangs, what's not to like! Terry

Great Story-Line

[Peanut7139 · 8/10 · 25 November 2018]

I did enjoyed this show and it had an ending. It didn't leave me out there wondering. I could have more if it ever started back. I didn't enjoy the over the top sex senses. It could have been left out and it still would be a very good show. I enjoyed the family togetherness and the fighting together. I love the leader of the pack and knowing how to hold it down, keep everybody together. The lead girl I wasn't familiar with and I didn't know this was a book either until I read some of the reviews. I'm sure the books were good if the show was this good. I would come back for more if there ever is more. Good show and worth the watch. This story-line will keep you watching.

It is an ok show. Nothing less, nothing more

[czombosistvan · 7/10 · 26 April 2019]

Nowadays we can be thankful if a supernatural show has adult characters in it, and I am. The demonstration of werewolves is refreshing, I liked it, and its always good to see a strong ass kicking female lead character. The story at many point is really stupid, but I think its more up to the poor writers and directors of the show. The music is nice, the actors are fine. It is really an ok show, if you do not expect much, you will enjoy it. And screw you bookworms, stop complaining please, it is an adaptation, based on a book, not the book itself. I really do hate reading reviews of films full of crying about book contents. If you are interested in books, just read.

The writing ruined this series.

[jjportia5 · 7/10 · 22 March 2022]

I'm a sucker for most Witch/Werewolf/Vampire shows. I started out watching this and liking it. Not riveting from the start but decent. There's a bit of traditional, a touch of more modern supernatural lore and some okay story lines. That was season one, then season two strayed a bit. I just got through watching the season finale for season two and was totally let down by this episode! By far the worst episode of the series, I don't want to give away anything but it sure did take a LONG TIME to get to what they needed to accomplish before dawn! I'll see if I continue to watch season three after the next episode.

How do you make a show about werewolves boring?

[lothos-370-690020 · 3/10 · 14 April 2014]

How do you make a show about werewolves boring, apparently the answer is to combine Jersey Shores with Days of our lives. Serously, what was the idea behind this? I really tried to give this pile of wolf crap a chance but the characters are as uninteresting as they are expendable.

The main actors were chosen for their physical attributes over their acting ability and the plot goes nowhere. After 7 episodes, you could start watching and not have missed anything. The plot from each episode never progresses or changes, and from what I can tell there is no plan for it to.

Save yourself from the disappointment of yet another attempt to turn a horror genre into love triangle based bullshit.

not bad

[glynisgreven-756-947390 · 6/10 · 13 February 2015]

I have read almost all of the books and stories by Armstrong written in the Otherworld and I am a big fan, so when I found out there was going to be a TV series I was super excited. After seeing the first episode I was not disappointed, I quite liked it, even though there were some changes, but after some episodes I got really frustrated because they changed so much that, for me, it didn't make any sense anymore. People died who shouldn't have died and there were characters in the first season that you don't even get to know in the tenth book. I was really angry and told my friends that they shouldn't watch the series before reading the books first. (Somewhere around the eighth episode I submitted a review, which I deleted, because it was just on big rant) I did keep watching eventually, because I was still really curious to what the writers decided to make of it and there were some changes I did like. After watching the whole first season I decided I should write down what I ACTUALLY thought of the series itself and shouldn't compare the series to the books, since it's an adaption. The series itself isn't too bad, which is why I would give it seven stars, but I don't really understand WHY they had to change so much. The books have a very good storyline. I also don't understand why they had to change the characteristics of for example Clay and Jeremy. (Clay is not a sadist, damn it!) So that is the reason I only gave it six stars, the alteration of the story is not bad, but in my opinion definitely totally not necessary.

Whats with all the negative BS?

[foxxy234 · 21 January 2014]

First of all I didn't know this show existed until about 2 hrs ago. And I must say I found it to be pretty entertaining,with an abundance of supernatural shows on the market I didn't expect much and was pleasantly surprised. I can see the potential of greatness that the show sets up for in the first 2 episodes and can't wait to see what it morphs into. Glancing over the book series it seems like there is an interesting plot line for the show to follow if it chooses to do so and hopefully they will. It is safe to say that the Elena and Clay romance will drive the show to success above all else, I find them believable and engaging. There are things that can be improved sure, but I'm focusing on the positive. Bitten is a promising show, with an equally promising future....and with shows like Trublood about to end I'm glad there is another supernatural TV-MA to attempt to fill the void.

Tragically entertaining.

[Shopaholic35 · 6/10 · 23 November 2015]

I don't mind this show. I tend to get a Twilight Soap Opera vibe from it but it's still pretty good to watch. There is so much drama and angst oozing from the characters, plenty of forlorn pained expressions and unrequited love. It's sappy and predictable but strangely appealing.

I would appreciate a little more plot development though. So far they've only focused on one aspect that probably doesn't need to be explored more. It just needs some new plot twists to keep me engaged.

Can we also just take a minute to talk about all the butts in this show. I mean every now and then is fine but I'm starting to get butt boredom from seeing them flashed across the screen every five minutes. Enough already.

Amazing show, I LOVE it!

[hanluvs_nature · 10/10 · 26 May 2014]

Please keep making more seasons, I cannot get enough!

The book was amazing, and I love following along with the show! Some characters could have been chosen better but they all play their part really well! Keep it up, I love it! I can't wait to see what's next, I am anticipating another thrilling and nail biting season. Please make more, it's hard to find good shows and thus is definitely a gem. I first read the books and I was hooked. When I heard there was going to be a TV show I freaked! Definitely one if my favorite series book wise and TV show. Great ideas, don't let criticism stop you from continuing an amazing creation. I literally think about getting home to watch this show all day. I need it.

the lady wolf

[RavenGlamDVDCollector · 7/10 · 6 September 2017]

I'm currently up to the fourth episode, watching on DVD. Yes, I'm more about Laura Vandervoort than the concept of this show. Two things, (1) very beautiful lead actress, (2) totally poxy wolves. They're as dorky as the heroine is pretty. Animations would have been better. At best, they look like roadkill come alive, or obviously robotic. Other times they're so silly they look like total sissies. Counts against the show. And the producers should also remember that whatever is seen in full daylight is often rather ridiculous than scary.

The frequent nudity adds to the appeal, even if there's increasingly less of Laura. Oh, and characters morphing next to their discarded clothes... What are the chances the clothes would still be lying there after owner's been running around as a wolf? Especially's Elena's fancy stuff?

The chemistry, the sexual tension, between Elena and Clay is electrifying, and makes up for other shortcomings. Where I'm at, it's also clear that the supporting cast might not survive, keeping things unpredictable.

Worth watching

[kimbermc-53446 · 8/10 · 11 May 2016]

If you like supernatural werewolf type fiction....this show is great. There are loads of interesting characters, the actors are pretty decent and the story line is always changing. If you miss an episode you might get lost.....so I recommend keeping up. Also this show doesn't center around teenagers......a plus in my book. There are a few far fetched scenes....however, it is a sci-fi show so I don't expect 100% believability. The action is fast paced enough that my husband will watch along with me. I like that the show deviates from the book somewhat so that those who have read the books are still entertained. Definitely worth a look if you like this genre of fiction.

Nice show shame about the APPLEs

[truthsee · 7/10 · 16 March 2014]

This show is great. Filmed nicely and the story is paced well. Just a shame that every time I see an Apple logo thrust into my face I feel irked to the point where I want to turn it off.

The product placement in this show is so sickening that it will probably make people remember it for being so pathetic due to it.

Going so hardcore with the product placement can actually make people lose love for the story and the direction. Its as if if I enjoy the series I must like Apple. Nothing could be further from the truth. iPads, ipods, iphones, Mac Book Pros.... I've had enough.

My above review may be the way your feeling after watching this series too. 50% Werewolf 50% product placement.

Oh heres a minor spoiler alert. Why do these upper class Werewolves have professors in their pack yet when they get injured - they don't have access to a trusted medical doctor in their pack or another trusted pack? They cant go to hospitals because they are werewolves... boo hoo. Must just die then. This is a rubbish plot gaff.

Wast of time

[svetoslav_jan · 1/10 · 17 July 2022]

The series go like this...

Blah blah mutts......blah blah the pack......blah blah Elena.......blah blah Jeremy......blah blah mutts......blah blah the pack.

Really there is nothing more to it. There is not a single likeable character and plenty of those you can not stand.