I was delighted to hear that Channel 4's reality thriller series 'Hunted' would be returning for a 2nd series. Watching it last year left me fascinated about the psychology of criminals, the way the state can track your every move and made me root for the 'pretend' criminals. Series 2 has failed to disappoint. Only 2 episodes in and already the intensity is high, the pressure in on and the feeling of being trapped and everyone out to get you is real.
The format of the show is quite simple. 10 ordinary people (last year 14) go on the run for 28 days and try to evade capture from the state. They can go by themselves or in pairs and are free to use whatever means they like of not being caught (within the law of course). Before the 28 days are up, the hunted will be given the location of an extraction point, where they could escape, leave the country and, this year win a share of £100,000. Meanwhile, at a secret headquarters in London, 30 of the best ex-detectives will be trying their hardest to find them. They can access all technology belonging to the hunters, research online profiles, track telephone calls and cash withdrawals, view any relevant CCTV and request ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). This year the hunters can send out drones, helicopters and dogs. The stakes are high. While it may look easy to not be caught, (hide in the sewers all month, duh!) the hunted must actively move at least every 3 days. The transport can be any form: public transport, hitchhiking, lorries, their own car even! Cash must be withdrawn at least once a week, automatically alerting the hunters of the last whereabouts. The reasons are simple. Anybody can stay hidden without moving, that is easy. Only those with real skill, deceptiveness and cunning can escape and evade many locations, leaving false trails and getting away. Also moving around makes better TV. I enjoy this series for so many reasons. Getting to know the hunted throughout the 28 days, seeing their ups and downs, watching how they change and develop as a person. Many of these ordinary people go on the run for a change; they want something different from their seemingly mundane and dull lives. It is only when on the run, in a ditch or cold tent, fearing every minute, that they realize the adventure is at home, with the family. Seeing that realization is wonderful. The personalities are always friendly, the people act as though you could get on with them and it never feels like they are just taking part for the money. I'm sure they are far easier ways to win a share of £100,000! Personally, I'm always on the hunted side, to see if they can outsmart the state. Obviously if these people were genuine criminals, I would want a strong state to track them down, but not on this show. The hunters themselves are also fascinating. The 'hunter's den', as I like to call it, is in a cooped, dark office with lots of computers, whiteboards and intelligent, trained people. They really act as if the hunted are real fugitives, showing how much they want to get every person. I enjoy learning about the processes of catching criminals, predicting the way they will act and how every piece of information they have on the hunted will be somewhat useful. It makes me think about one of the most important questions of our time: The balance between security and liberty. Though people need protecting, the state should never try and erode away our civil liberties and take unnecessary information about ourselves. We are all entitled to a private life. The touring around various parts of the UK with the hunted is nice for the views and general atmosphere. So many things in our society are London-centric, meaning the change is welcomed. From the highlands of Scotland, to the valleys of Wales, it is interesting to see which part of the country is best for hiding out. The advantages to the rural lifestyle are no CCTV, and less people. However, in a rural village, everyone knows each other and so newcomers will be spotted instantly. It appears that sometimes the best strategy to win is to have no strategy! Overall, 'Hunted' is a groundbreaking show and new of its kind, combining action adventure with gripping thriller, appealing to many. I hope Hunted won't follow the trend of Big Brother and gradually get worse as series go on, with ''game plans'' featuring and the authenticity disappearing. I have hope however, that Channel 4 will realize what a show they have and not change things too much. Hunted then really will be perfect.
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