I'm not sure if it's on people's radar, but the new show Awake is outstanding. It's only three episodes in, so it's a great time to get hooked. My only concern is that the viewership isn't huge. Hopefully word of mouth will change that....
The premise is that a cop is in a car crash with his wife and son. His life gets split into two realities, one in which his wife dies and one in which it's his son. Every time he goes to sleep, he wakes up in the other reality.
This show is firing on all cylinders. The writing is top notch, and the acting is astounding (Jason Isaacs and Laura Allen really have chops). It is managing a weekly procedural (with a twist, as clues are different in each reality) with a compelling ongoing arc.
It reminds me a bit of Journeyman, another excellent sci-fi lite show. I just hope that it doesn't share its fate.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I really wanted to watch it, but I missed the first episode and felt like I haven't been able to just jump into it now.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
gorrammit.. that's waaaay too close to the plot of my "dreaming the life." guess I can chuck that idea out the window...
Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :
Thanks Aros, I just watched the pilot and I am fascinated by this show. I love the lighting work, the way the two worlds are paced never feels clunky and as an added bonus his wife was one of my favorite actors in Terriers.
Posted by Bella Bee (Member # 7027) on :
I was really excited about this show, but then I read an interview with the creators (can't remember where) in which (without spoiling it) they kind of put a damper on the whole 'two realities' premise.
Hopefully they were lying, but I'm still going to wait for the series to end or be renewed before I get invested - especially with the ratings being how they are. I'm already worried about Fringe, I don't need more stress! It's okay, I don't live in the States anyway, so it doesn't matter if I watch or not.
Weirdly, my favorite show this season has been 'The Firm' which apparently no-one is watching at all. I've really been enjoying it, I like the structure, the characters and the cases, and as a plus, it's basically Canadian and has been giving work to at least four of the Cylons from Battlestar, so it's amusing to watch Six and Leoben pretend not to know each other.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
I've been interested in the premise, but not sure what I expected to happen with the two realities - I didn't get the vibe at all that there were supposed to be two literal parallel universes, but having one or the other turn out to be "real" would be really dissatisfying. Having them both turn out to be fake (and both people died) would be kinda predictable and a real downer to boot.
Posted by Aros (Member # 4873) on :
There have been a few hints that they both might be real somehow. At least that's the take that a few critics have, from the fact that the show has gone third person a few times.
Posted by Ron Lambert (Member # 2872) on :
Journeyman was an excellent syfy show, Aros. It was a good handling of time travel. I was sad to see it end.
So far, I find Awake a little hard to follow.
Posted by Aros (Member # 4873) on :
Really? I find it challenging but not super-difficult, if that makes sense. But I think that the writing and acting are both better than Journeyman.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
I... didn't like Journeyman much at all. I'm not sure how the comparison bodes. I thought it was Quantum Leap, except with boring characters.
Posted by Ron Lambert (Member # 2872) on :
I think it would be really funny if the writers and producers decided to do two series finales, one where the son is dead, one where the wife is dead. So it is never resolved. The viewers just take their pick. Mind you, I would not like that, I would feel cheated as far as watching a good story, but it would be funny. I wonder if they would have the nerve.
Posted by Ginol_Enam (Member # 7070) on :
I think its one of those things that will never satisfy everyone.
Posted by Jeff C. (Member # 12496) on :
Well they said recently that it's not all in his head, so there's definitely something else going on. I just hope the resolution is cleverly written and interesting.
I wonder how long something like this can last? One season? Maybe two?
Posted by Nevermore (Member # 12802) on :
Not a huge fan of the show, but I've watched every episode so far and am interested in seeing where it's going. Hopefully somewhere, instead of dragging on for several seasons and then suddenly ending with no real resolution.
Also, I think the kid who plays Rex would've been great as Peter in Ender's Game the movie. Too bad they got someone else already.
Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :
Really? I don't think he has a very charismatic face, I think he is great in this show but he doesn't have one of those faces while Peter is supposed to be something of a text-book politician in the looks department.
Posted by Ace of Spades (Member # 2256) on :
I think the guy who plays his father would have been great as Lucius in the Harry Potter movies.
Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
quote:Originally posted by Aros: There have been a few hints that they both might be real somehow. At least that's the take that a few critics have, from the fact that the show has gone third person a few times.
That's my theory as well.
Absolutely amazing show. I've been singing its praises to family and friends since the first episode. Really, just watch the first one if you have doubts. Heck, even if it gets canned, I think it'll be worth seeing what did air. It's just so rare to have such an intriguing idea for a show that isn't ruined by craptastic writing.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ace of Spades: I think the guy who plays his father would have been great as Lucius in the Harry Potter movies.
LOL
Posted by Dobbie (Member # 3881) on :
quote:Originally posted by rollainm: ...the show has gone third person a few times.
Could just be careless writing/directing.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
Maybe he is the one who died. Or is dying a la Stay. Imagine a finale where the wife and son are attending hisfuneral.
Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
quote:Originally posted by kmbboots: Maybe he is the one who died. Or is dying a la Stay. Imagine a finale where the wife and son are attending hisfuneral.
While simple, that's actually probably the best ending. It's the only one that doesn't trigger my "eww, lame ending" sensors.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
I thought it was kind of clever. It is kind of a cop out, but any ending is going to either cop out or be wrong.