Despite what some reviews are saying, this serial is not a bad one, and since there is no big hype about it, if watching it without high expectations (of gore, violence drama...you name it), one may be satisfied. I have binge-watched eight episodes, and I was.
It is one of those serials which don't want to be masterworks, but are a bit above mediocrity for their budget, consistent in their storytelling, not sloppy, not childish, not overacted, not boring, simply entertainment at a pleasant level.
Plotwise, 'Extinct' starts with stealing from 'Stargate','Falling Skies' and some 'Wayward Pines', but all with much less people around, and less production budget. Also, with much less turmoil, violence and shooting. Though adventurous, it's also somehow relaxed (at least the first 6 episodes).
The first episode seems a bit unpolished, that may be due to the production finding together, but also due to my own perception, reconciling myself to this kind of plot and environment. The premise of unknown beings, reviving humanity after her extinction done by an alien race, was not easy to swallow. And, of course, out of pure water revived humans with some spandex clothes on them, but that seems to be owed to the target audience, which is an American family.
But the show evolves, to my surprise, when the main characters are developed, when connections between them are revealed, when some of their backstories come to light, and when some questions are answered, of course leading to new questions.
Acting is solid, sometimes surprisingly good, despite you may read differently somewhere. All characters are convincing, though the actors aren't big names. But they do good work, supported by solid directing, and a subtle, mostly ambient soundtrack.
Visual effects are not so rare, of course not spectacular, but well done and believable. The flying drones do feel naturally, as if they were really there. The tad of spacecraft CGI seems OK to me. Scenery (mostly the settlement) are totally adequate.
A word about the author and the content. Orson Scott Card may be a controversial figure, because of his theories about sexual orientation, with which I deeply disagree, or because of his faith group. But it would be self-righteous to prejudice this show, because there is nothing in it that reflects the slightest indication about sexual morale or religious mission, except one short scene, where a child suggests a prayer that is then performed by his parents. I wasn't offended by that, as it was the only one related to belief, yet I felt it simply a bit out of context. There are several dialogues later, where the concept of faith in higher powered beings is questioned, faith that relies on the delivery of a service in return by that being(s).
It seems that the two remaining episodes will air together in November.
60 out of 76 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
