A number of midseason shows have premiered. But are they worthy of your time?
I have no idea how Resurrection compares to the show it was based on (The Returned), but this was an ambitious albeit flawed pilot. The concept of people coming back from the dead (not as zombies) is an absorbing one, but I was disappointed to see the pilot shift focus to the circumstances behind the infamous incident regarding little Jacob, as opposed to the public’s reaction to his return. Thankfully, the second hour rectified this error and focused on the show’s core concept. The drama is undoubtedly kept afloat by Jacob’s mother played by Frances Fisher. The woman is remarkably genuine and moving in the role, and she makes the show. If Resurrection can focus on the bigger mystery at hand instead of returns-of-the-week, there’s definite potential for something special here.
Conclusion
Far from perfect, but the concept is intriguing enough to keep me around for a while.
Nad Rating
B+
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a young child with extraordinary powers lies in the center of an epic battle between good and evil. There’s nothing fresh about the premise, but Believe is amusing in a disposable sort of way. The dashes of humor interspersed throughout certainly help alleviate the cornier moments (recurring CGI butterflies, mind-numbing exposition, pigeon telekinesis (??!!), and a predictable final twist) Much like Resurrection, I’m curious about the show’s format going forward. I want it to embrace an all-out serialized nature, because watching little Bo help standalone cases along the way is not something I’d be invested in. Also, it would do the show good if Alfonso Cauron directed episodes often, as the first episode had some visual flourishes (particularly the long opening take) which the second outing lacked.
Conclusion
It’s not thought-provoking television, but some fun could be had here if the premise interests you.
Nad Rating
B-
So.much.exposition. Truth be told, the Crisis pilot reminded me of Prison Break; all sorts of whacky unbelievable things happen, and yet it’s all pretty enjoyable. The cast isn’t the strongest, and I still wonder why Racheal Taylor still gets cast as a lead after her atrocious work in Charlie’s Angels and 666 Park Avenue. On the bright side, the pilot dropped two bombshells I definitely did not see coming, so I’ll give the show another episode or two. Still, I doubt it will last past the season, so I’d recommend not getting too attached.
Conclusion
Some thrills could be had here, but the show’s a bit of a clunker.
Nad Rating
B-
I like the concept of The 100: years after a nuclear apocalypse wiped out earth, the remaining humans aboard a space station send down 100 juvenile criminals to survey the prospects of a now-habitable Earth. Sadly, the pilot is hampered by a whole lot of CW models devoid of acting talent. The material on the Ark however, is much more compelling. The show’s senior cast is a who’s who of familiar faces: Kelly Hu (Arrow), Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy) and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost). But the standout is Paige Turco, who delivers a determined and heartfelt performance as our forgettable lead’s mother. Much like the above three pilots, I’ll try to catch a few more outings before making a final call.
Conclusion
Uneven, but surprisingly enjoyable. There may be hope for this one.
Nad Rating
B