The Tragic Fate of Bernie Lanham in Being Human
Bernie Lanham, played by Jason Spevack, meets a grim fate in Being Human. Initially a human character residing on the same street as the supernatural roommates, Bernie is tragically run over by a car and slips into a coma. Doctors deem his condition irreversible. Overwhelmed by guilt, Mitchell offers Bernie’s mother the option to turn him into a vampire, which she accepts. This act dramatically alters Bernie’s existence, transforming him from a comatose human into a newly-turned vampire struggling to adapt to his new reality. His transformation and subsequent experiences highlight themes of guilt, consequence, and the complex moral landscape of the supernatural world.
Bernie’s Transformation and Struggle
Bernie’s introduction into the show is relatively unremarkable; he’s a neighborhood kid caught in the crossfire of the supernatural events unfolding around him. His transformation is anything but unremarkable, and his storyline plays an important role in the development of Mitchell’s character, underscoring the vampire’s internal conflict. Mitchell’s decision to turn Bernie is driven by a profound sense of responsibility for the events leading up to the accident. It’s a desperate attempt to atone for his past actions, even as he grapples with the inherent ethical implications of creating another vampire.
Bernie’s experiences as a new vampire are harrowing. He struggles with bloodlust, the loss of his former life, and the overwhelming sense of isolation. The show portrays the difficult reality of vampire existence, which is far removed from the glamorous depictions often seen in popular media. Bernie’s story offers a raw, unflinching look at the challenges faced by those thrust into the world of the undead, particularly when unprepared and unwilling. He grapples with the loss of his human life and finds it difficult to come to terms with his new existence.
Thematic Significance
Bernie’s story in Being Human holds significant thematic weight. It explores the consequences of supernatural actions on ordinary lives, highlighting the collateral damage that often accompanies the battles between vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. His fate forces the main characters to confront the ramifications of their choices, reinforcing the show’s central themes of humanity, redemption, and the struggle to maintain morality in the face of monstrous urges.
Mitchell’s guilt and his attempt at redemption via turning Bernie are key aspects of the show’s narrative. It underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the difficulty of escaping the past. The mother’s desperate acceptance of Mitchell’s offer adds another layer of complexity, showcasing the lengths to which a parent will go to save their child, even if it means condemning them to a life as a vampire.
Bernie’s story also touches upon themes of disability and transformation. He goes from a healthy boy to a comatose patient, and then to a vampire. These transformations are not without consequences, and Bernie struggles to adapt to each new reality. This adds another layer to his character, who becomes a symbol of change and adaptation in a supernatural world.
FAQs About Bernie and Being Human
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the events surrounding Bernie and related aspects of Being Human:
Who plays Bernie Lanham in Being Human?
Bernie Lanham is portrayed by Jason Spevack.
Which episode does Bernie’s accident occur in?
Bernie’s accident is a pivotal event in Series 1, Episode 4, titled “Oh Bernie.”
Why did Mitchell turn Bernie into a vampire?
Mitchell turned Bernie into a vampire out of profound guilt following the accident and as a desperate attempt to save his life.
How did Bernie’s mother react to Mitchell’s offer?
Bernie’s mother, desperate to save her son’s life, accepted Mitchell’s offer to turn Bernie into a vampire.
What challenges did Bernie face as a new vampire?
Bernie faced the overwhelming challenge of controlling his bloodlust, adapting to his new, undead existence, and dealing with the loss of his former human life.
What are the ethical implications of Mitchell turning Bernie?
The act raises questions about the ethics of creating another vampire, the burden of responsibility, and the potential for further harm.
How does Bernie’s story impact Mitchell’s character arc?
Bernie’s fate serves as a constant reminder of Mitchell’s past actions and fuels his internal struggle between his vampire nature and his desire for redemption.
Does Bernie’s transformation have any lasting consequences in the series?
Yes, Bernie’s transformation, though relatively short-lived, underscores the consequences of supernatural actions on human lives and impacts the choices made by the main characters.
What is the overarching theme Bernie’s story plays into?
The overarching theme that Bernie’s story plays into is the consequences of violence. It explores the idea that actions, especially violent ones, can have far-reaching effects on the lives of innocent people. This theme is central to the Being Human series, which often delves into the moral complexities of being a supernatural being.
How is Bernie’s situation different from Aidan’s transformation?
Aidan was turned into a vampire by Bishop, establishing him within a vampire hierarchy and structure. Bernie, conversely, is turned in a moment of desperation, lacking any proper guidance or preparation for his new existence. Aidan was aware of the supernatural. Bernie was simply a kid.
What role does guilt play in the series?
Guilt is a major theme in the series. Mitchell feels guilt about the people he has hurt and killed. Josh feels guilt about becoming a werewolf and the harm he has caused. And Sally feels guilt about the circumstances of her death. These feelings of guilt drive the characters’ actions and shape their relationships with each other. The role that guilt plays in Being Human is a reminder that everyone is responsible for their actions, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
What other characters does Bernie’s fate affect directly?
While Mitchell is most directly affected by the decision to turn Bernie, Josh and Sally are also impacted. They witness the devastating consequences of supernatural interventions and become even more determined to protect innocent humans. The series makes it clear that the characters live on the same street, therefore they would eventually cross paths.
How does Bernie’s storyline compare to other transformations in the series?
Bernie’s story is a more tragic and less explored transformation compared to Josh’s werewolf transformation or Sally’s experiences as a ghost. It serves as a cautionary tale about the impulsive use of supernatural powers.
What is Being Human fundamentally about?
Being Human explores the complexities of humanity through the lens of supernatural beings striving for normalcy. It grapples with themes of isolation, identity, and the search for connection in a world that often rejects them.
Where can I learn more about supernatural themes in media?
If you’re interested in exploring the themes of transformation, identity, and morality often present in supernatural narratives, consider looking at resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society (check out GamesLearningSociety.org). They analyze how media, including games and television, tackles complex societal issues.
Conclusion
Bernie Lanham’s tragic arc in Being Human is a poignant reminder of the collateral damage that can occur when the supernatural world intersects with the mundane. His transformation into a vampire, driven by guilt and desperation, highlights the show’s central themes of responsibility, redemption, and the constant struggle to maintain humanity in the face of monstrous urges. Though his time on screen is limited, Bernie’s story leaves a lasting impact, forcing the main characters to confront the consequences of their choices and reinforcing the show’s exploration of what it truly means to be human, even when you’re not.