28 reviews
This was a great series ! And a shame it was killed off way too early in its existence. I was told the reason it was killed off was that its popularity ratings (in the USA) weren't as high as expected. Yet on the other side of the Atlantic, UK and Europe, it really took off, with broadcast taking place at peak time, and a second series was eagerly anticipated. Shame it's not out on DVD yet either. The whole plot was fresh, and the way the writers interlaced real historical events with the storyline of the episode was always intriguing. Never looked at The Beatles in the same light again ........ It's good to see that there are others that think that this series needed to continue, and that it remains much missed.
- speedicusmaximus
- May 9, 2006
- Permalink
Although this was a very likable show, it was very underrated as many people dismissed this show as another imitation of The X Files therefore it was going to be very hard to compete against a superior show with a larger fan base. Although Dark Skies didn't attract a bigger audience at the time on TV, it's good to see it does have its fans out there over 18 years later.
Set in the 1960's, John Loengard (Eric Close) and Kimberly Sayers (Megan Ward) are a young couple on the run from the U.S. Government who work to uncover the truth about an alien invasion that planned to invade Earth through a manipulation of historical events and famous figures. As well as the alien invasion, a secret government organisation named Majestic 12 led by Captain Frank Bach (the late J.T. Walsh) has its own agenda in dealing with the threat. I enjoyed the fact the show featured famous people such as Jim Morrison, The Beatles, Ed Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, Marilyn Monroe and President Harry S. Truman.
I first saw this as a 13 year old when it first aired on Australian TV in 1997 and it has me hooked and very intrigued. I was disappointed when the TV show was later cancelled after one season due to low ratings as I would have liked to have seen the show continue on as it did have a lot going for it.
8/10
Set in the 1960's, John Loengard (Eric Close) and Kimberly Sayers (Megan Ward) are a young couple on the run from the U.S. Government who work to uncover the truth about an alien invasion that planned to invade Earth through a manipulation of historical events and famous figures. As well as the alien invasion, a secret government organisation named Majestic 12 led by Captain Frank Bach (the late J.T. Walsh) has its own agenda in dealing with the threat. I enjoyed the fact the show featured famous people such as Jim Morrison, The Beatles, Ed Sullivan, Robert Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, Marilyn Monroe and President Harry S. Truman.
I first saw this as a 13 year old when it first aired on Australian TV in 1997 and it has me hooked and very intrigued. I was disappointed when the TV show was later cancelled after one season due to low ratings as I would have liked to have seen the show continue on as it did have a lot going for it.
8/10
- Cinemaniac1984
- Jan 22, 2015
- Permalink
This is the most outstanding plot I have ever seen in a TV series. The mix of history and science fiction develops excellently, especially the "real" persons like Robert Kennedy, Jack Ruby, Carl Sagan, etc. are introduced subtle and nicely and give the series an extra twist. In my opinion the deepness of the plot tops series like X-Files, Millennium or Outer Limits by far. Charismatic and convincing characters are an extra plus, especially J.T. Walsh as Captian Frank Bach is an excellent cast for the Majestic Commander -- I couldn't imagine any other acting better. Too bad there was only one season, the story sure left enough possibilities for a second or even third season.
- LloydBosch
- Jul 21, 2005
- Permalink
This show would be a smash hit today, with the state of science fiction being as mainstream as it is. I hated how NBC bounced it around so much; it never had a chance to establish itself (NBC has a habit of this, i.e. the John Larroquette Show).
It was very bold for a television show to link major historical events into a government conspiracy, but I think this show handled it very well and didn't make it seem hokey or dumb. At the core, this show was just thoroughly entertaining, whether you're really into science fiction or not. If you haven't seen it, I think the Sci Fi channel still shows them occasionally.
It was very bold for a television show to link major historical events into a government conspiracy, but I think this show handled it very well and didn't make it seem hokey or dumb. At the core, this show was just thoroughly entertaining, whether you're really into science fiction or not. If you haven't seen it, I think the Sci Fi channel still shows them occasionally.
First X-Files then Dark Skies, X-Files had a good thing for awhile but the show was too slow to spill its secrets. Dark skies on the other hand kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The secrets kept coming at a rapid pace without ruining the flow of the series. I think it failed because of the time slot 8:00 Saturday evening? (at least where I live) It also had to go up against X-Files witch at the time was in its hay day. When the order came down to terminate the show they didn't have the respect to end on a proper note, I would have preferred something worthwhile for the people like myself who tuned in every week (I never missed an episode) The concept for Dark Skies was well thought out with good character development and god actors/actresses. the seamless blending of news footage was a great touch.
- green_dominator
- May 27, 2007
- Permalink
- soevik1983
- Jan 7, 2012
- Permalink
- timdalton007
- Oct 26, 2013
- Permalink
- RoswellFan
- Jul 9, 2013
- Permalink
I really liked the ~first third of the series, quite dark and surprisingly scary especially the alien portrayal. Which unfortunately aren't presented as cool later and from then on look like the Asgard from Stargate : /
Still has a few good episodes after that, but once Jeri Ryan joins the show (I don't blame her, but that's where it starts) the "stories" start to feel cheaper and poorly executed, and sadly drift away since then to a series that is no longer so special.
Still would have liked to see the 70's and 80's from the point of view of the series. Too bad it couldn't come to that but wouldn't have been as good without Frank Bach anyway :/
RIP J. T. Walsh.
Still would have liked to see the 70's and 80's from the point of view of the series. Too bad it couldn't come to that but wouldn't have been as good without Frank Bach anyway :/
RIP J. T. Walsh.
This isn't a review per say, I just wonder where this show went? I watched it avidly when it was out and then it just disappeared off TV here in Ireland, I presumed whatever channel just didn't get the rights again. Its not like now when you can find anything online etc.
It only just popped into my head when I clicked on Dark Skies on my TV and it was some movie, not the series I had loved. This series really was good, it rivalled X_files at the same time it was out.
Can't believe they only made so few.
It only just popped into my head when I clicked on Dark Skies on my TV and it was some movie, not the series I had loved. This series really was good, it rivalled X_files at the same time it was out.
Can't believe they only made so few.
The high rating on this show is incomprehensible. The ONLY thing to enjoy are the good 1960s sets. The plot is formulaic and predictable except where it's nonsensical, the dialog is bland, the acting wooden, the direction poor, and the pacing awful.
You've been warned.
You've been warned.
- Flickerater
- Oct 23, 2021
- Permalink
Bryce Zabel and his team deserve a lot of credit for the creation of the series. This was shown on cable as a feature film, and not knowing anything about it, we decided to take a chance. Well, what a surprise it turned out to be! The time flew by and we were hoping it wouldn't have ended!
The first thing that attracted us to this unknown film was J.T. Walsh, the late character actor. Mr. Walsh was an excellent actor who played second fiddle in a lot of movies. His presence was always a sight for sore eyes. His characters tended to be on the "heavy" side, but Mr. Walsh always made it fun to watch because with his acting had an economy of gestures that revealed the gist of this person to the viewer immediately. Mr. Walsh's passing at such a young age was horrible. He is sadly missed.
The other reason for watching "Dark Skies" is the performance of Eric Close. He is always credible and he shows a knack for acting and taking us along for a magic ride.
The special effects in the film are not far fetched, the way they are presented. It's a shame this series didn't survive. Not having seen any of the episodes is regrettable. Good luck to Mr. Zabel with any future projects.
The first thing that attracted us to this unknown film was J.T. Walsh, the late character actor. Mr. Walsh was an excellent actor who played second fiddle in a lot of movies. His presence was always a sight for sore eyes. His characters tended to be on the "heavy" side, but Mr. Walsh always made it fun to watch because with his acting had an economy of gestures that revealed the gist of this person to the viewer immediately. Mr. Walsh's passing at such a young age was horrible. He is sadly missed.
The other reason for watching "Dark Skies" is the performance of Eric Close. He is always credible and he shows a knack for acting and taking us along for a magic ride.
The special effects in the film are not far fetched, the way they are presented. It's a shame this series didn't survive. Not having seen any of the episodes is regrettable. Good luck to Mr. Zabel with any future projects.
The funny thing about history is despite how much it tells us about the past, none of us really know enough about what really happened at that point in time except what has been written and presented to us throughout the decades. However in the decades there are always new findings and facts that are sometimes discovered which really cause you to question what you already know.
This is another great sci-fi show that sadly nobody ever watched (not even me since I was still watching "The X-Files") it's also another entry in the under the radar watch list.
It's really too bad this show I felt had a lot of potential to gain even more altitude. Like certain other points in history like in the eighties decade which I was waiting to see of that may be linked to the alien conspiracy. Let alone the build up to the alien invasion that either comes or is somehow prevented by the protagonists. Sadly the only way these would be possible is in the world of Fanfiction or if someone actually thinks of reviving this show (so we can include the 90 and 00 decades).
I really love the plot line I think it's an awesome idea and subgenere that I haven't really seen used in any TV show except for "The Man in the High Castle" but that show is a different story. It's also kinda a plausible idea when you think about it, how governmental powers/shadow orginatizaions create the ultimate cover up on the existence of aliens by manipulating and altering history throughout the decades. It's a bit of a scary thought too knowing that everything you've been taught to believe is a total lie and worst of all that the life you've been living is a lie.
The show is really suspenseful, it really has a dark noir like atmosphere full of paranoia where you honestly can't trust what you see but worst of all what you already know. In a way this is part of the nature of suspense thrillers, turning our perceptions of our everyday world upside down and see a world full of danger and deception at every turn.
Both protagonists are solid, both have good chemistry, I really bought both of them as a couple. There really sympathetic as both of them didn't really ask or sign on for this mission.
I even like how they both react which feel like how any of us would which makes both easy to emphasize with; both really don't want to do this but they have to as not just their lives are on the line but the fate of the entire planet as well; which is a pretty heavy weight for anyone. This makes us even concerned about their lives as both have enemies on all sides not just the aliens but corrupt shadow organizations on their tail, doing everything in their power to keep them silent.
We really emphasize with both characters because were in the same boat as they are were asking all the same questions and we're just as much in the dark which creates sort of a sense of participation, in a way we're detective 3 in the show.
However the real highlight is in the shows alternate history which increase the intrigue factor. It was just really cool how they we've in some figures in history as well as events from "The Bettles", "Nixon", "Bobby Kenedy", "Vietnam War" etc with alien and shadow organization involvement. It really made me reevaluate my knowledge of history, thinking how much of what we already know is a lie? However the most important questions are what other parts in history did the aliens and organizations play and how far back does it go. It's all sort of like a long complex math equation, each part of it serves an essential function to add up to something even more.
I know I didn't say too much but it's one of those show you just have to see and find out for yourself which is part of the joy of it.
Don't just look to the skies, look into the past.
Rating: 4 stars
This is another great sci-fi show that sadly nobody ever watched (not even me since I was still watching "The X-Files") it's also another entry in the under the radar watch list.
It's really too bad this show I felt had a lot of potential to gain even more altitude. Like certain other points in history like in the eighties decade which I was waiting to see of that may be linked to the alien conspiracy. Let alone the build up to the alien invasion that either comes or is somehow prevented by the protagonists. Sadly the only way these would be possible is in the world of Fanfiction or if someone actually thinks of reviving this show (so we can include the 90 and 00 decades).
I really love the plot line I think it's an awesome idea and subgenere that I haven't really seen used in any TV show except for "The Man in the High Castle" but that show is a different story. It's also kinda a plausible idea when you think about it, how governmental powers/shadow orginatizaions create the ultimate cover up on the existence of aliens by manipulating and altering history throughout the decades. It's a bit of a scary thought too knowing that everything you've been taught to believe is a total lie and worst of all that the life you've been living is a lie.
The show is really suspenseful, it really has a dark noir like atmosphere full of paranoia where you honestly can't trust what you see but worst of all what you already know. In a way this is part of the nature of suspense thrillers, turning our perceptions of our everyday world upside down and see a world full of danger and deception at every turn.
Both protagonists are solid, both have good chemistry, I really bought both of them as a couple. There really sympathetic as both of them didn't really ask or sign on for this mission.
I even like how they both react which feel like how any of us would which makes both easy to emphasize with; both really don't want to do this but they have to as not just their lives are on the line but the fate of the entire planet as well; which is a pretty heavy weight for anyone. This makes us even concerned about their lives as both have enemies on all sides not just the aliens but corrupt shadow organizations on their tail, doing everything in their power to keep them silent.
We really emphasize with both characters because were in the same boat as they are were asking all the same questions and we're just as much in the dark which creates sort of a sense of participation, in a way we're detective 3 in the show.
However the real highlight is in the shows alternate history which increase the intrigue factor. It was just really cool how they we've in some figures in history as well as events from "The Bettles", "Nixon", "Bobby Kenedy", "Vietnam War" etc with alien and shadow organization involvement. It really made me reevaluate my knowledge of history, thinking how much of what we already know is a lie? However the most important questions are what other parts in history did the aliens and organizations play and how far back does it go. It's all sort of like a long complex math equation, each part of it serves an essential function to add up to something even more.
I know I didn't say too much but it's one of those show you just have to see and find out for yourself which is part of the joy of it.
Don't just look to the skies, look into the past.
Rating: 4 stars
- hellraiser7
- Nov 24, 2017
- Permalink
It tied ufo and the 60's government controversies, primarily JFK's assassination into a nice tidy package. The way it just disappeared, we always wondered if they stumbled to close to too many truths.
- freddie226
- Dec 13, 2021
- Permalink
Great show, I don't understand why it was cancelled when it won awards or was nominated for them, as well having mostly good reviews thesedays.
The show is co-written by Brent V. Friedman and Bryce Zabel of the "Need to Know" podcast with Ross Coulthart.
On the podcast, Zabel tells a fascinating story about a mysterious guest who turned up to the Dark Skies private screening party. The man explains that he had already seen the show (which was impossible) and that most of the story is quite accurate. He drew an equation on a napkin that described "sound, light and frequency" and gave it to Zabel Friedman... then he walked off into the night...
It would be good to remake the show or carry on from where it stopped.
The show is co-written by Brent V. Friedman and Bryce Zabel of the "Need to Know" podcast with Ross Coulthart.
On the podcast, Zabel tells a fascinating story about a mysterious guest who turned up to the Dark Skies private screening party. The man explains that he had already seen the show (which was impossible) and that most of the story is quite accurate. He drew an equation on a napkin that described "sound, light and frequency" and gave it to Zabel Friedman... then he walked off into the night...
It would be good to remake the show or carry on from where it stopped.
- rebeccagraywithana
- Nov 1, 2022
- Permalink
Its still creepy to this day..good actors and a very awesome storyline.
- macmartin-03999
- Dec 26, 2020
- Permalink
Have to say I was a little surprised it was shown here on ITV 4, a channel known for rubbish game shows and late night gaming.
A pleasant series, often very corny, and of course only the United States can be trusted to save the world.
That is when I lost all interest. It is the United States that is the most dangerous at the moment, perhaps a series of that country's blunders throughout history would be of more interest.
But about the show, enough of this "aliens" in human bodies, it has been done before and is not original. It is obviously that the TV channel cannot be bothered to make convincing aliens that we have to endure the "aliens in human form" rubbish yet again.
Get some imagination and be adventurous!
D
A pleasant series, often very corny, and of course only the United States can be trusted to save the world.
That is when I lost all interest. It is the United States that is the most dangerous at the moment, perhaps a series of that country's blunders throughout history would be of more interest.
But about the show, enough of this "aliens" in human bodies, it has been done before and is not original. It is obviously that the TV channel cannot be bothered to make convincing aliens that we have to endure the "aliens in human form" rubbish yet again.
Get some imagination and be adventurous!
D
- uniqueabba
- Jan 7, 2007
- Permalink
Dark skies i felt was an excellent sci-fi type series. It 'sewed' together so many elements of our past history during the late 50's and 60's with the UFO landing/crash of Roswell, New Mexico. A government agency was trying to cover up facts of a meeting between government officials and aliens. an ex-agent with that agency was trying to find more facts to expose everything about this conspiracy. There were only a handful of believers and one included Bobby Kennedy, (brother of the president) in which JFK's assassination was part of this UFO conspiracy...well...enough said. the series was off to an excellent start but must not have had enough interest by viewers since they cancelled it abruptly and they had to conclude the series in just one show and it was very poorly done. this series i think will be a classic and should be brought back and finished correctly. All in all it is an excellent series and is coming back in re-runs on the sci-fi channel!
Dark Skies is a great show, brilliantly made and highly entertaining. Every aspect of production looks top notch and big budget. The actors are outstanding, from relative newcomers Eric Close and Megan Ward all the way to long time vetran of many oscar winning movies, the late, JT Walsh.
Dark Skies is a great show and why it never got it's second season boggles the mind. If IMDB had a top 250 for TV Shows this would deserve a place in the top 5...certainly the best show in the sci-fi genre.
Dark Skies is a great show and why it never got it's second season boggles the mind. If IMDB had a top 250 for TV Shows this would deserve a place in the top 5...certainly the best show in the sci-fi genre.
- c.g.brannigan
- Apr 12, 2002
- Permalink
- caroohagan
- Apr 18, 2011
- Permalink
Finally, we had something going...something that looked like it will stand a chance in front of the X-Files. I did like this TV serial. It really sucked you in to it...in to the story. And those who like this kind a UFO and conspiracy movies, this was a great TV series. The story takes place in the `50s and `60s and the way the alien and guverment conspiracies are put together,in this TV series, it is really great. Too bad that this series ended all of a sudden...and of course, when it actually started to became more and more interesting. I guess, it all comes down to money. Too bad, cause i think there are lots of people out there who would like to see more of this movie, or at least, finished up properly. If you just get a chance, don`t miss it and also you can compare it the already boring x-Files.
Like someone comments, Dark Skies is an excellent sci-fi type series, I couldn't agree more. It was exciting how the show so seamlessly put together sci-fi and past political events and social issues that took place during the 50's and late 60's. You could easily imagine and play with thoughts that that was exactly what _could have actually happened_ back in those days. ;) And while I was getting a bit bored with the current episodes in 'the files' in that time, Dark Skies gave me what I needed the most: the never ending discussions of UFO and alien conspiracy! For this series was truly just that and nothing else. About UFOs and alien life forms. No soapy relationships, no pathetic vampire stories etc. if you know what I'm getting at. ;) It is unfortunate however that they decided to cancel the show, just when it was getting really interesting. It would have had great potential in becoming the next generation X-Files, if it had only been given that chance to prove itself. Once again for the lack of viewers apparently. Shame on you! ;( Yup, in the end it all comes down to (not to providing some great entertaining experiences but...) MONEY. In any case, Dark Skies is a must see for all the UFO freaks out there! And I know there's lots of ya ppl!
- MayhapsItWasGoodBackThen
- Feb 17, 1999
- Permalink
If you like your aliens grey and your conspiracies deep you'll love this show. I pity those sci fi fans who have not seen this. Much better than X Files, Roswell or Taken. They must bring it out on DVD.
A secret US government operation, Majestic 12, has been up and running since the Roswell incident in 1947. See 20th century American history retold. Things happen for a reason.
More conspiracies than an assylum, more grays than a mother ship.
A secret US government operation, Majestic 12, has been up and running since the Roswell incident in 1947. See 20th century American history retold. Things happen for a reason.
More conspiracies than an assylum, more grays than a mother ship.
- prbennettx
- Jan 23, 2003
- Permalink