The Peripheral (2022) User Reviews

it is shame that the show cancelled

[hiozufacik · 8/10 · 21 October 2023]

Sometimes a series could not be a hit until the real story started to fold out. However, streaming services or channels should have enough vision to keep that show on air because some shows could make them proud to be in their collection.

Like Breaking Bad, until the third season finale, it was not a hit but when season 4 came, everyone was talking about breaking bad and that show give amc a lot of credit for their future work for viewers.

The peripheral was a good series, with very interesting story line, good visuals and with their cliffhangers.

Prime would be wise not to cancel this show since their collection is not strong, they do not have very big hits or more than a few critically acclaimed series. But they chose to cancel the show after one season. Of course the series was not perfect but still was better than most of the series that airing now.

Netflix also keeps making this mistake for sense 8, the oa.. etc.

As viewers, we are losing our trust in this streamer services to connect with any series, because we do not know if they will come back with a new season or it will be canceled with too many questions and unfinished mysteries.

I hope prime will not do that for the wheel of time.

Solid Sci-fi Series!

[Rob1331 · 8/10 · 2 March 2023]

I just finished the first season of The Peripheral and it was so much better than I was expecting. I never read the books, or even heard of them for that matter, so I had no idea what the story was about. Chloe Grace Moretz and Jack Reynor are both great in their lead roles. This is a sci-fi series that's both original and exciting. The storytelling will keep you interested and make you actually care about what happens to these characters. You do have to pay attention because it could get a little complicated but not bad. The visuals are also great. You can tell they put some money into this show. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

Better Than Expected!

[Supermanfan-13 · 8/10 · 21 January 2023]

I have to say that The Peripheral was definitely better than I thought it was going to be. This show had me hooked from the beginning. I wasn't expecting so much action. The writing and special effects were also great making this one of the better sci-fi series of the entire year. I'm not saying it's the best sci-fi series this year but it's definitely up there. Some people are saying the story is a little hard to follow but I didn't find that to be true at all. You definitely have to pay attention and if you do that it's fine. It's just not a show where you can be doing other things and not give your full attention. Jack Reynor and Chloe Grace Moretz were both excellent as the leads here. I can't wait for season two.

Actually, an effective scifi for a change

[rander-88123 · 9/10 · 21 October 2022]

It's refreshing to see a scifi show and escape the fantasy programming that permeates superhero and supernatural shows that dominate TV's alternate realities.

It's a good show. The characters are well-developed, and that's a trick when the action begins fairly fast, which is usually a sign that they are catering to the short attention-span crowd. To believe characters in their roles and be entertained early-on is a very good sign that the show is worth continued watching.

Moretz, Raynor and Goree are all very good. Also, it's nice it's set in the South, which is happening more and more on TV with fewer shows being stuck in the Rust Belt/L. A. and New York. It also hints at where VR may be going, even if we don't see it in our lifetimes.

when was the last time sci fi surprised ya?

[wpirotte · 9/10 · 29 November 2022]

After 59 years of reading, watching, and hearing about science fiction, I had long since given up on being surprised by anything new, apart from the latest Philip K Dick adaptations. Along the way, there have been more than a few productions which were obsolete within a few years, and an embarrassing number which were scientifically invalid from Day One (like the Matrix). In recent years, allegories have given way to preaching, CGI has replaced plot, and sequels, prequels, and spin-offs have diluted initial masterpieces to the point of insipidity. Competition from fantasy and comic book projects have blurred the line, and ludicrous virtue signaling from actors has created a tangible stench and ruined memories. So, now, this Gibson dude, who is utterly new to me, together with a group of truly talented people, has created an extraordinarily entertaining product with better continuity than has been seen in most of the major franchises for decades. But he has done much more than that. He has told a story.

Not sure where all the praise is coming from

[Peanutman2020 · 6/10 · 1 November 2022]

It's not the worst show ever but the writing is extremely bland, the acting is subpar, and the characters are static and uninteresting. I will say that the cgi is really good, especially for a tv show, but ultimately it's just not worth suffering through 1+ hour episodes of the aforementioned problems just to see some cool effects and set pieces. It reminds me of Westworld if Westworld was less interesting and had a lower production value(it's from the producers of Westworld as well if I am not mistaken). I really wanted to like it because it definitely does have some redeeming qualities, but it feels like something NBC or similar would release, except the cgi is good and they can say the f word.

Good start

[lastminutemike · 9/10 · 21 October 2022]

I read the book recently for the first time, and would warn Gibson loyalists not to expect an adherence to the novel's focus and concerns. This is more like a riff on the novel's story than an attempt to recreate it on screen. The framework is the same ,but the story being told is rather different, no matter how many identical characters and situations. More clearly goodie/baddie with the sides in the fight getting more equal screen time than the book where the enemies of the protagonists are much more a hidden presence.

That said, the first two episodes have got me hooked and I'll now try to ignore it for a few weeks so I can binge more of it in one sitting.

Most disappointing season finale ever?

[skinzilla · 6/10 · 6 December 2022]

This started out really well. It has a decent premise, is well acted throughout and the dialogue is actually half decent. The flaws are that the "science" behind the entire premise is barely explained, which is fine I guess, if there is enough action and character development to offset it. There isn't much action, and the hand to hand fight scenes are generic and sometimes felt shoehorned in. The biggest problem is the season finale. It has to be one of the most anti climatic I have ever seen for a big budget series. It didn't close any storylines and it doesn't end on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers longing for season 2. It's worth a watch but not worthy of the 8 rating.

What a pleasant surprise!!

[tshoelaces · 10/10 · 21 October 2022]

I didn't know anything about this show before watching the first two episodes. This show is fantastic. If you're a science fiction buff, then this is right up your alley. I was reading an earlier review where the person was bad mouthing Chloe's acting. That person must have a personal vendetta against her because she is fantastic in this show. When did she turn into such a beautiful woman?

Amazon has been coming out with some great shows and this looks like another. I like it because the acting is good, the cgi is good and the storyline seems original to me. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

Convinced the other reviewer just hates Chloe

[aerielp · 10/10 · 21 October 2022]

This show is shot beautifully. From the graphics, to the depiction of futuristic technology it's just beautiful.

From minute one, you are pulled into another world (almost like the first season of Westworld) it's captivating.

Definitely worth watching! I didn't read the books or know that this show was being released but the trailer made me curious. It's a breathe of fresh... show.

For now, there's only two episodes but the characters have depth and the show makes you curious about their backstories. Cannot wait to see how the characters develop.

No complaints from me! Although some of the southern accents :) are cringy.

This show is great.

William Gibson Gets His Due

[keikoyoshikawa · 7/10 · 30 October 2022]

Finally, fans of cyberpunk get an adaptation by ground-breaking author William Gibson. Granted, it's not "Neuromancer" and the TV series does not follow exactly the plot of the book of the same name. Still, the adaptation is quite good - in large part to very good acting especially by Chloe Grace Moretz - and gets going very quickly from the beginning.

What's good: I'm only three episodes in, but already I am invested in what's happening. Pacing, plot, dialogue, acting, set design, etc. - they're all good. We the audience get bits and pieces of the situation at the same time as Flynne, Moretz's character. That's very good writing from Scott Smith, who hasn't done a lot of noteworthy works (aside from "A Simple Plan"), but who has clearly demonstrated talent and skill here.

Overall, I'm glad to see Moretz in a production worthy of her acting ability, and an adaptation of Gibson's work that is equally worthy of his genre-defining stories.

It's losing me

[rws_20 · 5/10 · 12 November 2022]

It's losing me with each episode honestly.

It started strong and I was really intrigued to see where things were going to venture to, but the last few episodes it just feels like the series has got itself stuck in a "limbo" where nothing is really happening and events keep repeating themselves; it's a real drag.

If it is building toward something I hope it gets there fast because I'm about ready to drop this series. I like a slow-burner so long as the story is actually going somewhere, but The Peripheral just feels like it's out of ideas already.

If it carries on with the constant "intense conversations" and attempted murders whilst the storyline remains in its seemingly never-ending stagnant position, then I give up.

Different from the book but very good so far

[oldog73 · 9/10 · 22 October 2022]

The book is a masterpiece for me. I started wondering what was happening right away in the 1st episode of this series because it deviates so much from the book, and right away first scene. But after two episodes I'm happy to say the core is still there, and the way they're building a somewhat different story on the structure of the book's narrative is very good so far. I Love the way Gibson's and the series' characters show heart, wrestle with complex emotions, and don't take anything for granted. The world building and production design holds up well to the imaginative descriptions of the book. I miss the wonderful prose of Gibson's writing, but they've changed enough about the story to make this a must see even for those of us that have read the book. Bravo!

(edit 10/ 25: I was shocked to see the poor rating on metacritic after I wrote this... it makes me think that having read the book has given me more insight into and appreciation of the characters, and knowing what's coming (more or less) plot wise makes me appreciate what I've seen in the series so far in way that I might not have if I hadn't read it. If that's not it then I don't understand their poor rating - 57!! Ridiculous!)

Great so far!

[fingazmc · 8/10 · 21 October 2022]

Literally just finished the first 2 episodes and it's quarter to six odd in the morning here in England and I have to say I loved it, well worth staying up for.

Chloe grace Moretz was brilliant, just like she is in most things.

Some other really good actors in this as well, especially Burton obviously (not going to lie, I don't know all their names yet) but good performances all round if I'm honest. CGI is brilliant too, so much so I got seriously freaked out (The eyeball) .

Good story and premise so far and I haven't read the book and I don't read forums about shows I'm watching, so no spoilers for me lol!

And if you're like me and want escapism from a show, like any successful show of the past 10 years has been, then this will work a treat!

I know it's only 2 episodes, so my review might change come the end of the series, but if you like Westworld you'll like this too (yes it's made by the same person, or something along those lines, not 100% sure) actually if you like sci-fi at all; this is worth watching.

Will definitely be carrying on with this!

8/10 so far but like I say that could change by the end of the series up or down...and I'm thinking up!

Same for me : it's losing me

[guillaumeparadis2 · 6/10 · 5 December 2022]

They should have made a movie instead.

The plot is good. The idea is good. The CGI are good but please stop adding useless conversations et useless new characters. I feel nothing happened after 8 episodes. It doesn't add anything to the plot.

The main character is good but in this TV show I think I would choose someone else. The villain is the worst. Not interesting at all.

I gave up and I am not interested to watch season 2. I wanted so bad to like but episodes after episodes I feel more bored. I just don't care about what is going to happen because the writing is bad.

I like the invisible cars though. Like I said the idea is good but they just wasted it.

6/10 is generous for now.

GP.

Didn't take long to get interesting

[yooniverse · 9/10 · 22 October 2022]

In an era of new shows taking 3 or 4 episodes to get things going, I'm happy to report that this show gets going from the very first. What may have been another story with well-worn VR sim premise turns out to be a lot more. This is not some moody, slow burn suspense thriller-there's plenty of action and fast-pace story development. And it's a Nolan/Joy adaptation of a William Gibson story, so I'm sure it's going to get intricately deep like the early seasons of Westworld.

I did expect a bit more cyberpunk CGI for starters, but there's still time to introduce them. The story begins in 2032, so there's something to be said about not overdoing it. But you do get to see a glimpse of where the story is headed in the opening scene.

Maybe there's some significance to choosing what seems like a rural town in Kentucky or Appalachia, but I found the rural accents annoying and unnecessary. It works on Ozark, but I don't see the point here. Aside from this nit, acting is good, with interesting cast of characters.

I'm looking forward to more episodes. We need more good sci-fi!

Good but not as great as the novel

[gaspyy · 7/10 · 22 October 2022]

William Gibson's novels are usually difficult to get into. The reader is thrown in the world without any context. The terms are never explained and the reader needs to figure everything out as they progress. But once you get past the initial hurdles, you're rewarded with a rich world, nuanced characters, and a gripping story.

One thing that bothers me with the adaptation is how the characters are reduced to stereotypes. To put it simply, male characters are not misogynic a-holes in the novel and Flynne is not a Mary Sue. It's such a pity to see how new movies and shows feel the need to add unnecessary character traits that only demean the characters, while ignoring the larger themes explored in the novel.

Even the whole encounter between Flynne and Aelita is completely different and I think it was done solely for shock values and to inject more "excitement" in the pilot.

Overall, The Peripheral feels like a simplification, a dumbed-down version of what should have been.

Even so, The Peripheral remains quite interesting and different enough to be worth watching.

Watch the series then read the books

[foothill_warrior · 9/10 · 23 February 2023]

The series diverges in some significant ways from William Gibson's very good source books (Peripheral and Agency, 3rd book some day) but retains a lot of the great characters fairly intact. For example, Inspector Lowbeer is just as awesome a presence in the books as here and is perfectly captured by the actor, despite a few folks unreasonable dislike of the character. The series is then very entertaining as good scifi on its own - and can serve as a bit of a primer before reading the books, which explain the backstories even more subtly and def require full attention. The series dwells more on the action scenes - naturally, it's a visual medium - but they are very well done.

Do yourself a favor and go savor the books after watching the series (the opposite of the usual recommended order). This is one of William Gibson's best efforts since he invented cyberpunk in early 1980s.

Good start, not sure where it will go

[timiiliev-91812 · 6/10 · 18 November 2022]

I have never left a review on a TV show or movie. I saw the first two episodes of The Peripheral a few weeks ago and I hadn't been excited to see more of a show in a long time.

Unfortunately as I kept watching the show started dragging. With each episode you want to know more and you want to trust that the authors are going to take you somewhere worthwhile.

I clung on to my high rating and I enthusiastically recommended the show to a few people. As I've watched more and more episodes I'd say that it's a watchable and enjoyable show but nothing particularly special. The first two episodes were great but the rest of the series has left something to be desired.

Pleasant Surprise First Two Episodes

[heidibokor · 8/10 · 22 October 2022]

I kept seeing previews for this show and decided to give it a try this evening. It was a pleasant surprise. The first episode was engaging, action packed, and fun. The second episode was not as good, but it's setting up the rest of the story. The premise is simple.....a VR/SIM player is trying out a new VR/SIM for money...or so they think. It's part spy, mystery and action along with sci-fi. Missing impossible meets quantum leap in a way. I really liked the first two episodes and will definitely keep watching. It's a very unique idea intermingled with a good story. Amazon has done good with the start of this show. It's worth a try.

Started Strong but Lost Wind

[bobetjo · 6/10 · 24 December 2022]

He Peripheral has a good start but I found that by episode 4 I was getting bored.

The concept is decent, as would be expected from William Gibson. Minds moving back and forward through time. The cast performance quite well and are often credible in their roles. I appreciate the London of the future may have different speech patterns but I am not sure it will be based on Dick Van Dyke.

Whilst the newness was being shown I found this show really engaging. How everyone by episode five I found it hard to care about the characters. The story wandered around the shop and started to feel pointless.

I note a number of other reviewers share this dissatisfaction. Which is a shame. The writer and cast are pretty good.

Cancellation rating from 8 to 1.

[N-Mijnlieff · 1/10 · 17 March 2024]

It's incredibly frustrating when streaming services cancel follow-up seasons of shows that have not only received good ratings but have also fostered a dedicated viewer base. This practice feels disrespectful and dismissive to the audience, who invest their time and emotions into following these narratives, hoping to see them reach a satisfying conclusion. It undermines the trust between viewers and platforms, making it harder for audiences to commit to new series for fear of abrupt cancellations. This cycle of anticipation followed by disappointment erodes the value proposition of streaming services, suggesting a lack of commitment to their own content and, by extension, their customers. It's not just about losing a show; it's about losing faith in the service's respect for its audience.

Ps: Please feel free to copy past and join my in this peaceful protest!

Amazon Hits Pilot out-of-the-park!

[cjstanford-65097 · 8/10 · 21 October 2022]

If Stranger Things, Ozarks and Quantum Leap had a child, this could be it. There's enough story lines underway to keep us looking for the next episode for the foreseeable future. Mimicking, yet vastly improving on the 50's style SciFi where the film shows how social and technical advances blend into everyday life. One future London 2099, the other is small town America in the rural South in 2032. The writers assume chauvinistic attitudes continue to prevail. Burton , country goodboy, Is paid to beta test a cutting edge virtual reality device based on his high gaming scores. But those scores really belong to his beautiful, intelligent and compassionate sister. Flynn.. Burton and Flynn are caring for their sick, housebound mother and they need every dollar just to keep her pain managed. The writers imply Flynn's gender might lessen her shot at being selected to beta test the device. Obviously the device is somehow more than just a VR game, but so far Flynn and Burton remain naive. Flynn has to buy pain pills from the local backwoods dealers who are reporting to the local powerful politico (or businessman). Flynn is being hassled by to string y haired dealers when her wheelchair bound. African American vet stares down the villains. Later we see that he's got some sort of cutting edge tech built into his body, which pulses red under the skin and he has near superhuman eye hand coordination. Amazon has a lot to work with and so far they are making good use of it. Meanwhile in Flynn's virtual world, she's working with serious dark , covert group that whose scientists seem to be a mash up of Dr Mangela, and Q on steroids. And the opposing force nearly captures her virtual self and threatens to find out who's behind the avatar. Flynn decides to stop engaging in the simulation, but gets a call, then other messages suggesting she stay with it. The caller seems to be from the future and has almost magical access to her .I found it fun and intriguing.

Pretty Interesting

[jpenazareno · 8/10 · 20 January 2023]

Just got an Amazon FireTV for Christmas and decided to give it a try. Played this series out on a whim as something to watch and fall asleep to but ended up staying up late coz this is freaking awesome. I would have binged watch the whole season if it wasn't for the fact that I have work the following day and need to be up early. The premise is solid and interesting enough to keep you craving for more. Story phasing is ok, not too fast but also not too slow. Just enough to keep the mystery alive and plot twist/story reveals interesting. Pretty sure we're gonna binge watch the rest of season 1 the weekend then be depressed in the fact that I need to wait for another year or so in order to watch the next season.

Could Have been a LOT Better

[babyjocko-76401 · 6/10 · 5 December 2022]

The first 2 or 3 episodes are quite compelling. There is a lot going on with multiple antagonists. And you are left guessing what their motives are. But although this is fine in the beginning, you'd figure a lot of this stuff would clear up along the way. It doesn't. In the end, there are just too many antagonists for it to come together into a single story.

Furthermore, many of the characters are inconsistent. When one says, "I didn't see that coming," he was right. And that's because a few of the characters are built up having certain expectations and then do something entirely uncharacteristic, apparently for no other reason than to keep the viewer suspended. Fine. But I prefer consistency.

Then you would think a big budget Amazon series could afford technical consultation. Nope! Typical Hollywood cliches poison the storytelling -- head butting, physical fighting without guns or "doodads," computer hacking by pounding the keyboard 1000x/sec. And guess who won between the hacker in 2032 vs the counter-hacker 70 years in the future. I'll just say it was preposterous!

What makes good sci-fi is plausibility and a solid storyline with no holes. This had neither -- plenty of holes. And you would think with nine hours to fill, they could fill the holes. Nope, again! Nonetheless, it does make you want to watch the next episode. And apparently that is all what they were seeking.

If done right, this could have been on the same field as The Matrix or Tenet. But in the end, the only difference between this and your typical cheesy sci-fi flick is the budget.