I'm going to start this review by pre-empting all of the obvious criticisms. It's difficult to make an engaging sci-fi story without resorting to existing tropes. This series manages to mine quite a few franchises along the way. We get a little piece of Red Planet with the inability to leave Mars. We end the first season with a dash of Mission to Mars. The dying billionaire looking for immortality sprinkles on a little Prometheus for good measure. We also get a little of the rest of the Alien franchise by the second season, with an android out of control and endangering the whole shebang. We delve into The Matrix when we learn that Jeanne is they "key." There's even a nod to The Planet of the Apes (which is of French origin) before heading into a little of Interstellar with a dose of Stargate/Stargate SG-1. The third season literally has the same basic plot of Dark and manages to finish in exactly the same way. This is a plot device used multiple times in Star Trek: The Next Generation. I was reminded a few times of The Martian Chronicles.
Now, after saying all of that you would believe this to be criticism. It is not as I see these devices as necessary homages. Sci-fi has been thoroughly mined and originality is almost impossible at this stage. No, I would have to point out how this show is expertly crafted and well produced. The acting is well done and the characters are fully formed and make for a cohesive, logical plot. The show has some excellent foreshadowing that is used to make for some excellent surprises.
Each season is completely different and goes off in a new direction while being faithful to the whole story. This feels like the result of great planning; something that is lacking from a lot of story arc television.
Lastly, the production and effects are very well done. Only one shot took me out of the story. The music is perfectly aligned with the story and doesn't overwhelm. At times, the score was reminiscent of The Martian Chronicles, which I liked very much because it lent an air of spooky mystery to all the right moments.
I would recommend this to anyone with a love of real science fiction.
Now, after saying all of that you would believe this to be criticism. It is not as I see these devices as necessary homages. Sci-fi has been thoroughly mined and originality is almost impossible at this stage. No, I would have to point out how this show is expertly crafted and well produced. The acting is well done and the characters are fully formed and make for a cohesive, logical plot. The show has some excellent foreshadowing that is used to make for some excellent surprises.
Each season is completely different and goes off in a new direction while being faithful to the whole story. This feels like the result of great planning; something that is lacking from a lot of story arc television.
Lastly, the production and effects are very well done. Only one shot took me out of the story. The music is perfectly aligned with the story and doesn't overwhelm. At times, the score was reminiscent of The Martian Chronicles, which I liked very much because it lent an air of spooky mystery to all the right moments.
I would recommend this to anyone with a love of real science fiction.