by Hizreen kamal
hizreen@nst.com.my
THERE has been quite a buzz surrounding ntv7’s latest offering, Crossings. However, I missed its debut a fortnight ago.
So, last Friday, I made a point to catch the second of this 13-episode TV series.
Tagged dark comedy, Crossings revolves around Bob (played by writer-producer turned actor Zakizamani Osman) who finds he can see ghosts after a freak accident. When he looks at his reflection in the mirror, he can see spirits. To put his ability to good use, he helps the dead who still have unsettled issues with the living seek closure.
Sounds familiar? A little of Ghost Whisperer (American TV series) perhaps? But the main character Bob in Crossings is far removed from the graceful Melinda Gordon played by Jennifer Love Hewit in Ghost Whisperer.
Bob is a copywriter who is constantly made the butt of jokes by his colleagues. So, helping the dead to cross over in peace makes him feel like a hero.
In the second episode, Bob felt the presence of the murdered Cheryl. Digging further, he felt she wanted to seek forgiveness from her ex-boyfriends but even after this was done, Cheryl didn’t leave... Then, he realised that Cheryl wanted to apologise to her best friend whom she had hurt while she was still alive. Helping Bob in his endeavour are his newfound friends — a tough filmmaker Katie (TV/stage actress Dira Abu Zahar) and an amateur inventor Danny (Hansen Lee).
Crossings is a refreshing change from the usual television offerings of full-on horror complete with gore, predictable romantic comedy or some heavy drama that leaves you drained. While Crossings is categorised dark comedy, this was not translated in the episode that I caught.
It lacks that element of suspense, especially when the series deals with ghosts and spirits. In the scene where the spirit made her presence felt via Bob’s reflection, I initially thought he was visualising an old flame in the mirror! Perhaps it will be more believable if sound and visual effects are used so that audience can differentiate between the ghost and the living.
In terms of comedy, there was probably some witty banter between the characters, but somehow, the punchlines either fell flat or did not come across and by the time I realised it, the moment had passed.
While the main cast members pulled off a good job in their respective characters, it was Nina Sharil Khan’s character as Bob’s demanding female boss Ms Merlin that was memorable. She reminded me of the character Wilhelmina Slater (played by singer/actress Vanessa Williams) in the American series, Ugly Betty.
Stage actor Xavier Fong who plays office receptionist Anthony, was a little over the top as the effeminate office queen. He should tone it down a notch if he wants to make his character more realistic.
What made it entertaining was ironically, the credit roll where bloopers from the episode were shown. I have never laughed so hard. Perhaps these cut scenes should be inserted into their respective episodes. Comedy at its best. They sure tickled me silly.
All in all, Crossings is light entertainment that will appeal to the family. If you are looking at winding down after a hectic day at work, this series is right down your alley.
Crossings airs on ntv7 every Friday at 8.30pm.
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