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TV Series Review - Revolution

Category: Reviews Published on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 18:44 Written by scaR Hits: 622

Revolution is a new TV series that premiered a last week and is currently in it's second episode. It airs Monday night at 10:00 PM on NBC.
 

 

Introduction

It features a new and interesting concept. Think of all the devices we use everyday that work using electricity. Our mobile phones, computers, tablets, refridgerators and cars for starters. Imagine if one day it all just stopped working and never worked again. This is the world of Revolution.

Ben Matheson seems to have known something about the electric apocalypse when he warns his brother Miles about it seconds before the world goes dark. Miles was with a fellow US Marine, Monroe when he got the call. Through events not explained, the government collasped and militias sprung up. Monroe leads one of these militias. What's more is that he hasn't forgotton that phone call, even fifteen years later.
 

Impressions

The concept upon which the show is based is quite interesting, however the delivery falls flat in more than one area. With names like Erik Kripke (Supernatural), JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Fringe) and Jon Favreau (Iron Man 1, 2 and 3)  involved in the creating, directing and producing of the series, many would have expected better.

There is very little in the way of production values that say this is a post apocalyptic future. Most of the cast look like they just had a warm shower and threw on a new set of clothes. There is a defnite lack of beards and a lot of well kept haircuts. There is a lack of things that look beaten, worn and weathered. Right away the scenes just do not look believeable in any way.

The acting is just plain bad. Giancarlo Esposito (Gus, Breaking Bad) tries his best but his role lacks the width to let his talent shine. The rest of the cast seem to have gotten their roles for their looks. As sad as this is to say the only character that looks the part is Maria Howell's "Grace" who currently plays a minor recurring role.

The current state of technology is also quite unrealistic. Logically the world would resort to steam to power manufacturing. This is completely non-existant. It's hard to believe this is not being utilised in a post electric world run by militias. I am also yet to see a blacksmith, yet almost everyone has a sword. The chosen visual for the series is the American civil war era which had more in the way of tech.

While I don't want to get too deep into the story for the sake of spoilers. The writing leaves a lot to be desired. Many elements just do not make any sense. Many mysteries are being revealed far too soon. It makes you feel that you're too smart to watch it.

 

Conclusion

Revolution is not going to survive more than one season. It's even less compelling than Teranova and even V. If I had to describe the series I'd say it's a half assed attempt at The Walking Dead without the zombies.