It is a horrendous show, badly written, badly acted, and with no cohesion. The writing is particularly bad making most scenes implausible or ridiculous. It is not the supernatural aspect that is implausible, but the characters, what they say, how they say, and how the story develops. It takes a while for the show to actually develop more of an overarching story that is not limited to the single episodes. Throughout the stereotypical and ignorant portrayal of science and mediums are repeated. I have no idea why they decided to have a psychologist as main character when the writers clearly do not anything about psychology and religion. This muddle continues right through the series. The acting is atrocious. Most of the actors simply yell and shout to be dramatic. The writing does not help them. They all sound hysterical at best. Andrew Lincoln is the only one who is spared. It seems the writer thinks women in particular are hysterical and over the top. The setting, for its worth, is OK.

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 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.

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.