I am – Hercules!!

A 2007 British sci-fi hourlong about a handsome zoologist who discovers prehistoric creatures are invading England though time portals, “Primeval” was created by “Walking With Dinosaurs” vets Tim Haines and Adrian Hodges. It stars, among others, Harranh Spearritt, a member of the pop band SClub7 who played Joan in “Seed of Chucky.”

TV Guide says:

… The spirit of cheesy ’50s B-movies is fused with an ironic geek sensibility … mixes elements of “Jurassic Park” and Stargate, rarely taking itself seriously …

The New York Times says:

… Don’t expect any of the racy sex from “Torchwood.” But do expect other varieties of derivative silliness. … Maybe “Primeval” wants to serve as an exploration of the People’s Right to Know. Or maybe it wants to give rise to its own theme parks. But it definitely won’t make you forget about “Lost.”…

The Los Angeles Times says:

… I was bored. Stunningly, inarguably, reach-for-whatever-magazine-is-handy bored.… a lack of firepower is a good way to describe what ails the show. …

The Chicago Tribune says:

… has a low-key, shaggy appeal that should keep adults interested even as it entrances kids who are obsessed with all things T.Rex-related. …

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says:

… a rollicking adventure with decent special effects and better stories and character development than, say, Sci Fi Channel's "Eureka." …

The Boston Herald says:

Stupid humans chase stupid monsters. And who are we supposed to be rooting for here? … even its most basic target audience - 8-year-old boys and those who think like them - will be amazed at how moronically everyone in this series behaves.…

The Hollywood Reporter says:

… a crackling-good new BBC America sci-fi series thriller that's packed with vivid CGI prehistoric predators galore and a story line that's almost plausible. … The story line in the opening pair of "Primeval" installments is adequate but, in general, takes a backseat to the mind-blowing visuals. The plot occasionally almost feels tacked on to justify the next round of visual effects. But those computer-generated monsters and beasties are so good and realistic that it excuses a multitude of sins in the writing. …

Variety says:

… a strange but mostly entertaining brew. The special effects range from impressive to Gumby (with wings), there's a serialized mystery, and the assorted crushes among members of the team researching the "dinosaurs among us" threat at times make the whole thing feel like "Piccadilly Place." Still, the sci-fi yarn is breezy enough to fill the void left pretty much since "The X-Files" signed off. And as a bonus, kids will enjoy seeing dinosaurs tear up schools and other modern dwellings. …

9 p.m. Saturday. BBC America.

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