Network - A&E (US) Universal (UK)
Genre - drama, thriller, prequel
My rating - 4 stars out of 5
The prequel series to the well known movie that needs no introduction...
I'm 4 episodes in to season 1 and so far I'm quite impressed. The storyline is fast paced and there is plenty to hold your attention. There are some well thought out twists that mostly haven't been at all predictable.
I'm giving this only 4 stars for now as it's still in it's infancy and I fear it could go end up going either way for me.
So far there had been some award worthy acting from the main characters playing really well developed characters. Let's hope it continues...
Network - NBC (US) Sky1 (UK)
Genre - Drama, Action, Adventure, Sci Fi
My rating - 2 out of 5 stars
After just one episode I expected to be hooked, unable to wait for the next installment. I expected a programme of epic proportions much like its predecessor, Fringe. I was disappointed.
It's all a bit stilted and samey (as a lot of other shows in this genre). Personally I have not rushed to watch any further episodes however, I will at my leisure and should I find that the acting and storyline improves then I may revise my rating. Although I don't hold out much hope from my first experience, I do keep reminding myself, "but it's J. J. Abrams!". Is that enough to pull it back?
Network - ABC (USA) - More4 (UK)
Genre - Drama
My rating - 4.5 stars out of 5
I think we all know this show is good by now don't we? If you don't or haven't heard of it then, seriously, what rock have you been living under for the past 6 months?!
I like the way this show is different from other shows on tv, and not just other shows that are on right now, I mean that have been made, ever. Yes ok, it has the same storylines as other shows that are about relationships and love and sex and blah blah blah, but with this show it's also about MUSICIANS rather than doctors or lawyers.
As someone who is not a pop/country or rock star I haven't a clue whether the way the show portrays the world of music is correct or if it is grossly dramatised, but it is keeping me tuned in each week.
Network - Syfy
Genre - Sci Fi/Drama/Fantasy
My rating - After watching the pilot only 3 out of 5 stars
It is important to remember that this show comes with an associated MMO game as well. I have not however had any experience of the game when reviewing the show!
Considering I am basing my review on only one episode (as I simply haven't had time to watch anymore yet), I wasn't entirely disappointed.
The characters appear to be strong as is the storyline starting out. There are some familiar faces (albeit they may be slightly altered in appearance as they're probably an alien of some kind in this show), Julie Benz (Rita Bennett, Dexter) is the Mayoress of Defiance, Jaimie Murray (Hustle, Dexter, Ringer) plays some alien woman with as much a personality deficit as all the other characters she has ever played previously, Tony Curran (This Life) plays Jaimie Murray's husband. Now that I think of it there is quite a lot of home grown UK talent appearing in the show....
Anyway, the storyline was quite fast paced. The pilot was a double episode and I didn't really notice the length until over an hour in which has to be a good sign!
I can't really comment too much more until I have seen more than one episode but I will update my rating should it not continue to live up to expectations. Needless to say I will be continuing to watch this show so I can recommend it on that basis alone!
UPDATE - I watched a few more episodes and sad to say I stopped there. Another show that couldn't compete for my time. I'm sure more diligent and hardcore sci-fi fans would happily stick with this however. Oh and another thing Jaimie Murray, well she gets on my nerves in just about everything I've ever seen her in. Maybe that was a factor, who knows.
Network - BBC America
Genre - Science fiction/drama
My rating - 4 stars out of 5
The show centres around Sarah, a bit of a loser who is on the run from her drug dealer boyfriend and attempting to get her daughter back. Sarah witnesses the suicide of a woman at a train station and so begins the tale....
I think there is a little confusion in the series (well up to episode 3 at least as that's as far as I am into it) about where the story is taking place. At first you are lead to believe we're watching the story unfold in New York, but then there are several references during the episodes to the characters actually being in Toronto (where the series is apparently filmed). If you can get past that, and a couple of dodgy accents (namely the English ones that sound, at times, more Australian) then the story is actually quite a good one (so far!).
I will definitely be watching episode 4.
There's something for most people in this show. There is a bit of violence, blood, crime fighting, science, less romance but relationships are definitely explored. Be prepared for a few naked bottoms (back view only so far lol).