Thursday, October 24, 2013 Halloween Countdown: Section V

Today's Occult Detectives are the heroes of the cult classic television series, Ultraviolet.

Officially the "Complaints Investigation Branch" of the London Metropolitan Police Force, the CIB is actually a joint operation with the Vatican's Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith - otherwise known as the Inquisition.  Despite this connection (and the fact that the squad is headed by a priest), the CIB make a strenuous effort to keept the metaphysical at arm's length.  The word "vampire" is never uttered; the enemy is referred to as "Code 5's", "leeches", or the "infected".  Like Carnacki, the agents of Section V confront the supernatural equipped with the latest technology, employing concentrated garlic gas, carbon-tipped bullets, and gun cameras in their forays against the undead.

But the Code 5's remain stolidly supernatural.  No effort is put forth to come up with a convoluted scientific explanation as to why they don't show up in mirrors or are able to reconstitute themselves (and their wardrobe) after being reduced to a fine powder.  But despite their traditional characteristics, the vampires on Ultraviolet have a unique feel thanks to their creepy hivemind qualities.

The acting on Ultraviolet is top notch, with Idris Elba being an especial stand-out.  It was my first exposure to him and I quickly became a fan - especially after an incredibly tense warehouse scene, probably the most memorable moment in the series.

There were only six episodes of Ultraviolet and the series ends on, if not an outright cliffhanger, a teasing note.  Interviews with show creator Joe Ahearne indicate that he never intended for the show to continue, but personally I would love to see him revisit the property to type up a few loose ends.

The entire run of Ultraviolet are available for free viewing on Hulu.  Whether you're looking for seasonal viewing or inspiration for a campaign of Night's Black Agents, the show is definitely worth sitting through a couple of on-line commercials.

• Code 5's do not show in mirrors, photographs or videos. Their voices cannot be recorded or transmitted by phone. Image and sound can only be detected face to face.
• They are immortal. They cannot be killed, only reduced to ashes (neutralized).
• They can be neutralized by exposure to sunlight or by introducing carbon into the chest cavity (projectile, probe or explosive). Resulting immolation releases enough energy to start fires. 
• Code 5 ashes can be regenerated and must be kept secure. 
• They can be repelled by ultraviolet light (the radiation in sunlight) or by allicin (the chemical in garlic). 
• They can shield themselves from ultraviolet light with tinted glass. 
• They can be affected by polluted blood. 
• There may also be an aversion to religious symbols. This may be psychological. The effect of religious symbols on Code 5's is unproven. 
• When they feed, the host wound heals over in minutes and can only be detected in ultraviolet light. The bite can be treated with lasers. The skin around the wound is burnt away leaving a small scar. 
•  If untreated, a human becomes suggestible and develops aversion to sunlight.
•  When drained to death, a human becomes a Code 5.   No-one is forcibly recruited. They only take those who want to go.