Well good news, I'm a lurker on the BBC blog and they did a Q&A with Damien and he said he and Michael hit it off instantly. He said whenever they had to film scenes where they were pissed off at each other it was always difficult because they were constantly laughing between takes. So it looks like, once again, the real friendship is bleeding onto screen. i do love them both. The remind me of S1 George and Mitchell, but with a different dynamic. I love Tom and Hal equally. Tom for his loveable naiveté, kindness, tenacity and comedic eyebrows. And Hal for incredibly complex personality and struggle...and muscles. Both Michael and Damien are also fantastic in their roles. I can't picture anyone else playing them. Same with George and Annie from the old cast (still weird typing that). But Mitchell, as much as I loved him, I never thought Aidan 100% inhabited the role...until S3. I thought he finally hit his stride as an actor (always thought he was the weakest link acting-wise) but also as Mitchell.

I have to admit I did love the scene where Hal and Alex were trapped in the basement. But again, mainly for Hal's reaction, not because I liked Alex. I could empathise with his annoyance while laughing at his reaction. So you're right, Alex does bring out this funny side of Hal personality when she annoys him that is different to the type of annoyance you see whenever he's cross at Tom.

I think Alex will be a good 'big sister' to Tom, but I also think Tom could still use a nurturing mum too. So again, I would have been happy if Alex was an addition (similar to Nina), instead of a replacement. Who knows, by this time next year I could be singing her praises, but for now she's still annoying.

Anyway, as you said, either way, I'm totally looking forward to S5! Why do UK shows have to be so short?! smiley: frown