Awake: Brilliant in Any Reality
By Jamie Ruby
Awake, which premieres tomorrow on NBC, stars Jason Isaacs as Detective Britten as he struggles with living two lives, not knowing which is real. Britten has been involved in a car accident, and in one reality his son Rex (Dylan Minnette) is alive, but his wife Hannah (Laura Allen) has died. In the other, his wife survived, but they lost their son. Britten has no idea when he is awake and when he is dreaming, and doesn't want to know. He refuses to live in only one reality and accept that someone he loves is gone. Whether Britten's mind is fractured by the emotional distress, or whether perhaps something completely different is going on, is not told to the audience.
It's hard to categorize a series that is so many things. The series to me had a slight science fiction vibe, yet it's not really sci-fi – anything can happen in your dreams. The show is somewhat hard to classify because it's outside the box – it's procedural – you can watch only one episode and understand what is going on. Each episode has a case (or two) which at least for the most part will be resolved. Yet the show definitely has an overall story arc that gets more complex as the story moves beyond the pilot. As much as it is drama, I do think science fiction fans like myself will enjoy it as I have. It is definitely a unique story and there's nothing like it on television, or has been in the past.
Awake, which premieres tomorrow on NBC, stars Jason Isaacs as Detective Britten as he struggles with living two lives, not knowing which is real. Britten has been involved in a car accident, and in one reality his son Rex (Dylan Minnette) is alive, but his wife Hannah (Laura Allen) has died. In the other, his wife survived, but they lost their son. Britten has no idea when he is awake and when he is dreaming, and doesn't want to know. He refuses to live in only one reality and accept that someone he loves is gone. Whether Britten's mind is fractured by the emotional distress, or whether perhaps something completely different is going on, is not told to the audience.It's hard to categorize a series that is so many things. The series to me had a slight science fiction vibe, yet it's not really sci-fi – anything can happen in your dreams. The show is somewhat hard to classify because it's outside the box – it's procedural – you can watch only one episode and understand what is going on. Each episode has a case (or two) which at least for the most part will be resolved. Yet the show definitely has an overall story arc that gets more complex as the story moves beyond the pilot. As much as it is drama, I do think science fiction fans like myself will enjoy it as I have. It is definitely a unique story and there's nothing like it on television, or has been in the past.
The Walking Dead 2.10 Review: "18 Miles Out"
By John Keegan and Gregg Wright
"18 Miles Out" is yet another episode containing a surprising amount of action and suspense, along with quite a few zombies. I find it hard to complain, given that the genre elements were the main reason I started watching. I do enjoy good drama, and so I've had to learn to appreciate "The Walking Dead" for what it has become. A certain amount of drama is necessary in virtually every genre. But on a more superficial level, I started watching "The Walking Dead" because I wanted to see people experiencing the suspense, dread, and horror of a zombie outbreak. So far, the second half of the season seems to be offering a good deal more of that than the first. So it's fair to say that it's aligning more closely with my core tastes as a consumer of entertainment.
"18 Miles Out" is yet another episode containing a surprising amount of action and suspense, along with quite a few zombies. I find it hard to complain, given that the genre elements were the main reason I started watching. I do enjoy good drama, and so I've had to learn to appreciate "The Walking Dead" for what it has become. A certain amount of drama is necessary in virtually every genre. But on a more superficial level, I started watching "The Walking Dead" because I wanted to see people experiencing the suspense, dread, and horror of a zombie outbreak. So far, the second half of the season seems to be offering a good deal more of that than the first. So it's fair to say that it's aligning more closely with my core tastes as a consumer of entertainment.Lost Girl 1.7 Review: "ArachnoFaebia"
By John Keegan and Paul Pearson
A much better A-story than the previous episode compliments the very strong, continuing trend of great character stories. A formula has definitely emerged, but it's a fun formula, and this time around the "Lost Girl" writers use it to touch on an aspect of the show that has, until now, been taken for granted.
A much better A-story than the previous episode compliments the very strong, continuing trend of great character stories. A formula has definitely emerged, but it's a fun formula, and this time around the "Lost Girl" writers use it to touch on an aspect of the show that has, until now, been taken for granted.
Being Human (US) 2.7 Review: "The Ties That Blind"
By John Keegan
Things come to a head with Nora and the twins, while Aidan faces down dissention in the Boston vampire ranks and Sally learns the identity of her dark stalker. Sure enough, it’s the mid-point of the season, and that means it’s definitely time for the supernatural chickens to come home to roost.
Things come to a head with Nora and the twins, while Aidan faces down dissention in the Boston vampire ranks and Sally learns the identity of her dark stalker. Sure enough, it’s the mid-point of the season, and that means it’s definitely time for the supernatural chickens to come home to roost.
Grimm 1.12 Review: "Last Grimm Standing"
By John Keegan
I suppose it was inevitable that “Grimm” turn to that most tired of genre clichés, the “alien” gladiator games. How many genre shows have had an episode based on this premise, early in the series’ run? I think back to “Babylon 5”, an otherwise top-flight show, and how “T.K.O.” was one of its worst episodes in its entire run. Few series ever make it palatable, and “Grimm” is certainly no exception.
I suppose it was inevitable that “Grimm” turn to that most tired of genre clichés, the “alien” gladiator games. How many genre shows have had an episode based on this premise, early in the series’ run? I think back to “Babylon 5”, an otherwise top-flight show, and how “T.K.O.” was one of its worst episodes in its entire run. Few series ever make it palatable, and “Grimm” is certainly no exception.
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!