Hotel Babylon: Season 3 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I closed my review of Season Two with, "I can't wait for Season Three to reach the States." Sadly, I think I have to take those words back.
There's nothing inherently wrong with this 3rd season. It's just that, it's nothing that you didn't experience from Seasons 1 & 2. Simply put, the plots (as breezy and energetic as they are) aren't interesting enough to pull me through. Worse though is the cast changes that occur mid-season.
The performances are fine, with each actor giving their all (although Emma Pearson's Anna can be really tough to sit through sometimes). But they have nothing interesting to do? The romantic relationships get a bit more complicated, but it doesn't feel natural. I always worry when TV shows spice things up this way, because it always feels like the writers don't trust their product. I mean, among all the craziness in this 5-star hotel, why must I watch the series regulars flirt around?
Season Three is going to be notorious among series' fans for when two favorite cast members left the show. I won't say who leaves, and I won't speculate to the real-life reasons for this. All I'll say is that while it's handled relatively well, it definitely left an unforunate mark for the last few episodes. The new additions to the cast are decent enough, particularly with Alexandra Moen's Emily being introduced in a mysterious fashion. But once two lead actors leave the show, the remaining beloved characters can only do so much.
I suppose the cast changes weren't going to be the only problems with this 3rd season, as a couple of ideas from previous seasons are repeated, most notably a wedding scenario and a violent hostage situation. And as much as I love plot twists and surprises, it'd be nice if "Hotel Babylon" would try letting stories progress naturally, without the need to spice up everything. I know I'm contradicting what I loved so much about Season 1 & 2, but this show needs to try slowing down once in a while.
Season Three isn't a bad season, but there's no reason that you should go out of your way to watch it. It's more of the same, which is great news for diehard fans, and sad news for viewers who've tired of the constant escapism. I recommend renting it or using Netflix (which currently has the UK-exclusive Season Four) rather than buying this one. Sorry fans, but my stay at the "Hotel Babylon" this time wasn't my fondest memory.

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Indulge yourself at Hotel Babylon, a place where you can have whatever you want - for the right price. From a grand prix victory celebration to the perfect venue from which to launch a new fashion range, the staff at Hotel Babylon work tirelessly to meet the demands of the glamorous, image obsessed customers. This series also sees Charlie as the new manager and the arrival of Emily - the gorgeous, upper class English rose and new public relations expert for the hotel. But will Charlie and the team welcome her arrival? Especially when she's already had the opportunity to study their work methods in secret. And when the hotel gets poor reviews, could it spell disaster for the future - for both hotel and staff? But when Emily manages to secure the society event of the year - the wedding of a multimillionaire's daughter - could it get any better?

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Hotel Babylon: Season 2 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)HOTEL BABYLON: SEASON TWO is an interesting 8 episodes to tackle. Rather than continue existing storylines --- which there weren't many to begin with --- "Series Two", as they call it in UK, ups the ante in almost every way. If you were unsure about whether HOTEL BABYLON was a comedy or a drama, you'll find out very quickly.
To me, the 1st Season was a fairly realistic portrayal of the insanity of luxury hotel work. Believe me, I work in a hotel, and there is no glamour in it whatsoever. But in true TV fashion, HOTEL BABYLON just exaggerated the details a bit, so that we could enjoy ourselves. Well, actually the show's VERY exaggerated, but there's a degree of truth and conviction underneath the silliness. The Second Season pretty much drops most of the dramatic arcs, and sort of becomes a parody of itself. If you can imagine this, think it like a British live-action SIMPSONS --- nothing is off limits, the comedy is both broad & subtle, and the attention to detail is in the background as much as the foreground.
Is this change of pace a good thing? To me, the season takes an episode or two to get off the ground. I never disliked HOTEL BABYLON's sudden turn to even wilder adventures or more outlandish scenarios. It's just that SEASON TWO's first few episodes are bit tame compared to rest of the incredible bunch. In other words, the concept was always spot on, but the greatest episodes are saved for last. We begin with silly stories like a college friends' reunion (you know where that one is going, right?). But later, we get some very touching stories. There's a betrayal from receptionist Ben's past, concierge Tony's desperation after a deal gone wrong, and Emma finally becomes less of a caricature. Oh, and if you thought the 1st Season's finale was too unbelievable for your tastes, I promise you this one is much more grounded and (in my opinion) stronger.
Once you accept how little HOTEL BABYLON takes itself serious, you can enjoy yourself a lot more. One of the best bits --- and don't worry, it's early in the Season --- is a poker game that's shot in a style that would make Sergio Leone laugh hysterically. Speaking of style, the photography, music, casting, and production remain absolutely perfect. The show's main theme is a tad silly, but again, so is the entire show.
So, does "Series Two" satisfy my needs, or do I feel its service was unsatisfactory? Like any vacation, HOTEL BABYLON: SEASON TWO gets off to a rough start, but then doubles its efforts to make me a happy guest. Sorry for the hotel cliches --- I figured since the series series threw traditions out the window that I could use them.
HOTEL BABYLON is on an excellent roll, 16 episodes and running. Can't wait for the Third Season to reach the States.

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Item Name: Hotel Babylon: Season 2; Studio:BBC Warner

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