Second Chance (I) (2016) User Reviews

Second Chance Canceled Aleady? NOOOO!

[xetaprime-64257 · 8/10 · 31 January 2016]

First of all they changed the title from The Frankenstein Code to Second Chance. Why? I have to guess they think we're stupid and can't handle such a cool title. And I really enjoy this show from the few episodes I've seen. I like the cast and acting. It isn't perfect but hey, it's only episode 3! Now Fox has moved the show to Fridays. I can handle Fridays, but I don't want them to cancel the show. If you believe the internet it doesn't look good for the show.

IMDb gives it a 7.9! I'll give it an 8 and some room for improvement. Other shows are below this rating.

The title 'Second Chance' though appropriate isn't a good title. They must have been forced to change the title by a bunch of suits. A show with The Frankenstein Code would pull in more viewers. Change it now! Why couldn't you? But you won't because it's probably too late.

I will be sad to see this show go after so few episodes. I've read elsewhere people saying 'There goes Fox again!' It makes it difficult to even care about a show when it may not be given a chance. I really really hope they do. Fingers crossed. P.S. And with episode 3's big and deserved early reveal... should I watch another episode? I will for the cast, crew and what could have been a great run.

Very promising new show.

[TheUglyCasanova · 8/10 · 30 January 2016]

I'm always looking for a new show to enjoy in any genre, so when I read the plot I was intrigued. It may not have a huge budget or a cast full of house hold names, Second Chance is quickly becoming something I look forward to each week.

I always give a show at least 3 episodes before I can make a judgment on it fully, and after the third, I hope this show can continue on for a good span of time. It may not be the most profound show out there, but it certainly has good characters and interesting ideas going on which could lead to tons of possibilities.

Definitely give it a shot if you liked the plot summary. It's in between a crime detective type of story and a superhero novel, among many other things, and I mean come on, who wouldn't want a second chance at life?

Enjoyable Police-related Series With A Sci-Fi Twist

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 20 January 2016]

Jimmy Pritchard (Philip Baker Hall) is not the most lovable guy. He has always been irascible and too independent to be a team player. Now at age 75, the ex-sheriff resents the ravages of time. His son, Duval (Tim DeKay), is an FBI agent who plays by the book. He never lived up to his father's expectations.

Jimmy stumbles across some men breaking into his son's office and they terminate him. But his death catches the eye of a socially-handicapped savant (Adhir Kalyan as Otto Goodwin) who lives with his twin sister (Dilshad Vadsaria as Mary Goodwin)--a sister who is dying of cancer--and he devises a plan to apply his research in hopes of resurrecting Jimmy. His ultimate goal is to forestall Mary's imminent death.

Obviously, this falls squarely in the science fiction genre and it is not for all viewers.

I don't find any of these characters riveting, but I enjoy the intersection of their personalities. Jimmy is rough around the edges and headstrong. Duval is quiet and plays by the rules. And Mary is intelligent, but vulnerable due to her affliction. For various reasons, each needs the others. As of the second episode, I find this show enjoyable.

The final parameters of the show's episodic format are yet to be revealed, but I am watching to see how things develop.

Thus far, the twins are the most interesting part of the show, perhaps due to the acting, but all of these characters have plenty of room to grow.

No Second Chance for Second Chance!!! NETWORKS SUCK!!!!

[carmenarenaserarealtor · 10/10 · 4 January 2019]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. How unfortunate it was not given many more episodes. I hate that I was not given closure, what will happen to Ottos's prediction that there were violent side effects for Pritchard!

A restart of one's life with the rest of the world and time unchanged.

[johnlulu · 10/10 · 14 January 2016]

My wife of 50 yrs and I really enjoyed the 1st installment of this series. There have been many stories on TV where someone went back in time to their youth, but not many where a person was "reborn" with their memories, time, and events unchanged. For a senior to have to come to grips with the fact that today he inhabits a 30 year old body with all attending looks and strength is an intriguing thought. All of us seniors have imagined going back in time and doing some things over, but not just getting considerably younger and going forward with a new life. I found myself thinking, wow! what would I do, how would I handle family and finances now that I have an extra 60 or 70 years to live. How are people going to react to the behavior of a young man, mature beyond his years?? We have all seen many men in their 30's act like teenagers, but not very many that behave with the patience, empathy, and deliberation of 70+ years. Can't wait to see how the story lines progress.

Too Soon to Tell, But Liking it So Far....

[dax-305-164954 · 7/10 · 13 January 2016]

Only the pilot is out, so all the people whining about character development, plot development, and so on, give me a break! Watch 5- 10 episodes of a new show before judging.

Sure, it's been done before (Like "Intelligence", which I also enjoyed. Even "The 6 Million Dollar Man!"), but it's a fresh twist. I wish they had done a 2-episode pilot, to develop the story-line and characters a bit more, but it was fast-paced and there was enough to get my interest piqued...

We will have to see, but I am enjoying it so far. I am entertained, and that's what this is all about folks. "Formulatic"? Of course! Most TV is ...and if we've seen some elements before, it's because, hello!, it works! ...Plus it's what, folks like myself, want to see.

Robert Kazinsky is good in the main role - I can "see" his former self "coming thru" his new, younger self. I am also really glad to see Tim DeKay, as he's a great character actor - I was wondering where he'd end up, after "White Collar", another favorite show of mine - back as an FBI agent "again", there's a stretch, but he does it so well! ...This is full of excellent actors.

I love shows like this, because there's so much room for development, directions they can take it, a lot of potential there. It appears Fox ordered 13 episodes ...I can't wait to see where it goes!

A seriously underrated show

[ethanbedwyr · 9/10 · 17 September 2020]

So obviously this is network TV, and is therefore bound by corporate committees and maybe by law to be unoriginal. And I think the writers tried pretty hard to fit that mold... but maybe they couldn't help making an interesting show despite some of those limitations. Clearly, it didn't happen by accident.

Right from the jump, I felt like something was a tiny bit different about this show than your usual network fare. I don't know if it was just the set design or the direction or the cinematography, or maybe a bit of all of these. But this show was a tad ahead of most other network content from the very beginning.

The acting was good. Dilshad Vadsaria played a very convincing and very sympathetic character, and also she's smoking hot. I hadn't really heard of her before, but now, having finished Second Chance, I have to go find another show of hers to watch. Robert Kazinsky did a great job. I had no idea he was doing an American accent until I read an interview with him shortly after I started watching. He seemed super familiar to me but I don't think I've seen much of his other work. On the whole, I'm kind of reminded of Henry Cavil, and that's a good thing.

But as the episodes went by, the show started getting really good. The plot pieces fit together fairly well; the suspension of disbelief was adequate. The dialog was quite good, and I had to laugh on quite a few occasions. I also shouted at the TV in frustration when Pritchard senior was too dumb to just talk to Mary about how he felt, and that's really not my usual style.

Plus, I felt like the writers and the showrunners were maybe going to actually resolve some of the key plot issues that most programs would usually milk for 3 or 4 seasons, and make room for newer things. I wonder if they had cool ideas for new storylines in future seasons.

Unfortunately, we'll never know, and it's a damned shame.

Another excuse for a "Special" vigilante cop to "clean the city"...

[Dr_Sagan · 28 December 2015]

There are countless series and movies out there where the main character is an ex-cop who, because of some excuse, becomes some sort of lone wolf vigilante with the help of some organization or the government or some technological miracle etc. or a combination of the above.

"Second Chance" is the latest addition to the pile! The "excuse" here is supposedly based on Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein. (The producers were even thinking calling the series "The Frankenstein Code").

An 80 y.o. ex-sheriff (played by the veteran Philip Baker Hall) is murdered and his body not only comes to life (!) but it is rejuvenated and genetically improved by a couple of billionaire twins (who invented the facebook or something). He becomes a 30 y.o. stronger version of him retaining in the process ALL his previous memories in every detail! Soooo, this has absolutely nothing to do with Frankenstein, which was a dull monster, sum of bodyparts from many different corpses and no memories whatsoever!!!

The basic set-up of "Second chance" is something you've seen a gazillion times on TV (Intelligence, Agent-X, The Player etc. etc.), i.e. a lone wolf action hero with high-tech support and some sort of secret.

The key question is "Is it fun?". Well, too soon to tell (I just saw the unaired pilot). The main plot of the pilot (some crooked FBI agents) are pretty much resolved. There is no mystery in that plot-arc.

So, I guess, the main character Ray (they should have named him ...Frank!) would start taking assignments "to clean the city" as an ex-sheriff he ones was. His job will be fairly easily having superhuman power and 2 billionaires hackers who can easily penetrate any database and yada-yada-yada etc. etc. You ve seen it a millions times before.

In the next episodes I'm pretty sure we will see Ray breaking-in in some facility wearing an earpiece and exchanging "witty" comments with the Twins.

Overall: Nothing special so far. Seems like a work in progress. Didn't hate it, but it looks like it will become an average unimpressive same-o show.

UPDATE after 10th ep.: I know the ratings are extremely low, but the show has improved during its course. It is "another excuse" for a special consultant cop, but the backbone of its main plot arc is also strong. And even the actors and their chemistry together were improved. A couple of twists were welcome too. So I increase my rating and hope for its continuance, although against all odds.

Interesting premise, good show that is not just another " pulled from the headlines" show

[dlc1952 · 10/10 · 23 January 2016]

I thought it was a good solid show. Little odd for a bit seeing Tim Delay playing another Fbi agent on a different show and we've got the sidekick thing going on too...but despite that I think the show is fun and well done. I love all the "gadgets" and sorta scary access these genius twins have on just about everything and everyone. But I enjoy a show that lets me sit back and relax and for once not be watching a rehash of some of the latest headlines feed back as their latest episode. Hopefully it gets a chance to find an audience and doesn't get canceled too quickly. I hate when I invest the time get hooked on a show only to have it pulled before it gets a chance.

FOX will fail, again.

[dlp65 · 7/10 · 22 January 2016]

This show brings Frankenstein and policing together in a fun little mix about an old man and a "Second Chance". However, the show has little going for it. Despite its good premise, it has cardboard actors, poor chemistry through the episodes, a complete lack of imagination for the future, its really just going to be one of those one and done things, like everything has been for FOX. Don't get me wrong, I will ride with the show while it lasts, but it won't last for more than one season. Signing with FOX is a death sentence for any TV Show. Had they gone with CW or SyFy, who are the heavy hitters right now, this might have done well. However, FOX being what it is, I don't see this show, which already lacks imagination, making it very far.

Excellent TV series!! So compelling story and very interesting episodes with a new story each time.

[michaeljustgreat · 10/10 · 21 January 2016]

This TV series is like a book that you cannot stop reading and keep turning the pages until the book ends!

Robert Kazinsky as Sheriff Ray Pritchard is nothing short of excellent!! He makes this TV series so compelling!

Family values, moral values, and more, many things are parts of this TV series.

The interaction between the dead father reborn into a younger version and his son and family is really very interesting and appealing!

It is also kind of a science fiction TV series showing what might one day be close to what happens in this TV series.

Watch it, you will not be disappointed. Very entertaining.

Not Interesting at all

[oyingoyingo · 6/10 · 30 January 2016]

I have watched 1 episode and not really interested to keep going. Sounds like another super hero TV show but not interesting at all. Normally i will try to watch a couple of episodes to see if it's good enough to keep going, but this show I have no intention to continue at all. If the show not interesting enough, there should be either a very attractive cast or character, but neither of both in this show. The twins are so stagy and poor acting. Their eye contact are very weird, and they're trying to be cool but not... billionaire IT genius twin?

The main character, not attractive, weird. The twins, weirder. The show, I will keep reading reviews to see if it will become better, but I don't expect there will be next season.

here we go again

[nubekas · 1/10 · 30 January 2016]

When you think there is something new to enjoy, the series convinces there isn't..

Getting tired of the same plot all over again.

A guy gets a chance to live again after reaching the age of eighty and when he does another chance, straight away goes in to chasing criminals.. Its unbelievable how many promising series give the new powers or wealth or health or whatever to people and instantly they first thing to do is to fight criminals. Seriously tired of this nonsense plots...

really disappointed.

Second Chance needs a second chance

[knytewolfie · 10/10 · 19 January 2021]

Watched the entire first season just find out that there wasn't a second season. Awesome show, dumb on fox's part to cancel such an great show.

Excellent!

[frenchmonkeys · 9/10 · 31 January 2016]

When I read the plot line I wasn't overly enthralled, just figured I'd give it a go. So glad I did.

There are some really interesting characters here, most of whom are deliciously flawed, with interesting relationships and interactions between them.

Visually pleasing, an interesting extension of technology and software that we already take for granted (and the slightly darker big brother aspect to it with the developers using it for their own ends without conscience) is a believable near future that makes the more esoteric sci-fi storyline feel more natural.

The plot for the first episode was a bit 'seen it before', but I think a necessary lack of invention in order to establish the story and give us an immediate understanding of the prime characters. I expect the plots will thicken up nicely.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how this develops; early days but has serious potential, for me, the best show so far this year and I'm eager to see more.

Has ethical issues but is an okay police drama show

[billtang79 · 7/10 · 24 January 2016]

I kinda like this police procedural shows and I thought the show was not bad. But I'm surprised that the show just glosses over and does not address how invasive and creepy the "Facebook" facsimile aka Looking Glass company is with access to Web cameras and private data.

My other problem is that once the "twist" has been revealed, how interesting would the show continue to be because then it is just another police show.

But still right now it is a decent show with an okay pace, action sequences and an okay relationship development between the characters. I'm hoping though there would be more back story to the characters as the show goes on as right now there is only a window dressing done to show us viewers what the characters are.

What a great show!!!

[maraki-77653 · 9/10 · 28 February 2016]

Well...what a surprise to say the least. I watched the first episode of Second Chance and I didn't think much of it to be honest. The second was better and every one after that even better. Now we are at episode 7 and I am hooked. Most of my friends are hooked too! I think that the story was good but the cast is excellent. Father Pritchard and his son are so funny to watch now, they have such a good connection...at the beginning rough and now they are friends..but the father and son connection come out in such funny and sweet way. The scientists Looking glass brother and sister are also very good and today's episode last twist was GREAT! I wish tomorrow was Friday again.... I looked on line and saw the posts about FOX considering to cancel this show and I hope that this is not true. PLEASE let us see a second season...give them a second chance!!!We love the show and we want to keep watching it! 9/10 for me!

intriguing new take

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 18 May 2016]

In Seattle, FBI agent Duval Pritchard (Tim DeKay) is struggling to deal with his hard-living disgraced former sheriff father Jimmy. Jimmy is investigating Duval's case and two thugs fake his suicide for it. Meanwhile, twins Mary (Dilshad Vadsaria) and Otto Goodwin (Adhir Kalyan) are tech billionaires with an advanced social networking program called Looking Glass. They have a computer A.I. called Arthur. Otto is on the spectrum and created his own language to communicate with only Mary. She's secretly dying and he rejuvenates the dead Jimmy into a younger body (Robert Kazinsky) to use his genetic material for a cure. Jimmy is more powerful but he needs regular treatments to stay alive. Alexa (Vanessa Lengies) is Mary's assistant. Helen (Amanda Detmer) is Duval's sister and Gracie (Ciara Bravo) is his daughter.

I really like this new take on an old classic. Although I think most people would be happier to have direct name connections. Otto could be Victor Frankenstein and Mary should be Mary Shelley Frankenstein. People finds comfort and joy in these direct references. I really like the twins and where Otto goes at the end of the season. The actors are all solid. The name Second Chance is terribly bland. The audience never really even gave it a first chance. I could have given it a higher score if the show actually lasted longer.

Fox is going the way of SYFY

[kimi-lewis · 9/10 · 22 June 2019]

I liked this show because it made you think about moral and ethical science. I would have liked to have seen another season or 3, but like the SYFY channel, Fox puts out shows and cancels the ones that are most interesting. I won't even start watching new series on SYFY anymore because they'll get you hooked and leave you hanging. Fox is doing the same now. They keep the shows that have no plot and no brain engagement. Guess I will have to just watch History, Science, and National Geographic for anything that will challenge my mind.

A really good, original and unappreciated show

[ssra_25 · 10/10 · 1 October 2018]

I've recently watched this show in its entirety and I can say this:

1. The story is just great and original. You have a bad-ass, a beautiful modern woman, romance, ass-kicking, so pretty much everything you need in a good story; 2. Most of the twists are good (with one exceptions which I won't name for obvious reasons); 3. The acting is not that bad, particularly that of Dilshad Vadsaria. Sure you won't see Oscar-level acting, but this is a TV show, not Silence of the Lambs. People should learn to make a difference; 4. Last but not least, Dilshad Vadsaria is very, very beautiful. I noticed that for some this is a problem, but I prefer to leave my personal frustrations at home and appreciate beauty every time I can.

I don't usually like cop shows. I find most of them boring, repetitive and responsible for killing many good shows. Not to mention the market is over saturated. It's why I hate the NCIS series for example. But this show is one of the few good, original cop shows (along with Hawaii Five-O) and it's a shame they canceled it, a real shame.

You waste a perfectly good show.

[london-31757 · 10/10 · 10 March 2019]

Canceled, already? I'm disappointed! I have it saved in my hulu a while back to watch later and I just started watching yesterday, all 5 episodes and I'm hooked!! I want more! But no more... 😢

Second Chance

[harlans-81247 · 9/10 · 4 April 2020]

My wife and I binge watched Second Chance and loved it!

I loved this show

[ofthunder · 9/10 · 30 August 2019]

Ok, I'm sure people could point out negative things about the show, but to me, this is a show that should be watched for entertainment and dreaming. I have often dreamed of something like this. Being able to choose a younger healthier me and go back and relive life just like the title: Second Chance. I love the characters they chose. I really wish that they had been able to continue with a couple of more series. I love the idea and wish that they could do another one like this - you know, for us dreamers. If you get a chance, give it a shot. I watched it with my son. It's a good clean show for those looking for good clean entertainment. Could writers do this more often? Stay away from politics and PC stuff. Just have a show for everyone.

One of the best shows ever

[challoxy · 10/10 · 26 November 2019]

Why was second chance cancel it's a great show please bring it back thank you

A Must-Watch Television Show!

[Jess_Jacobs · 8/10 · 5 March 2016]

I absolutely love this refreshing new show which is unlike anything I have watched before which is why it holds my attention. The casting is excellent and the actors provide a seamless and effortless ability in personifying their respective roles. There is just enough action to maintain my attention, the attraction between two of the main characters that has you rooting for them to "just do "it" already!" and the very anti-social brother who provides a wonderful performance in every episode.

Overall, this show is great to watch for many different types of personalities and I would give my recommendation for anyone who hasn't yet seen it to check it out.