Emergence (2019–2020) User Reviews

Bring it back, please.

[ivyonsaiho · 8/10 · 2 October 2020]

So sorry to hear it has been cancelled!!! I really love the cast a lot....

Cancelled, pretty soon we will boycott you.

[ZinQ · 8/10 · 11 September 2020]

I will anyway, nothing that comes out now, stays. Constant cancellations. Not one thought goes to your viewers only the state of your bank balance.

First Episode Was a Knockout

[bshaef-34229 · 8/10 · 27 September 2019]

This episode is undoubtedly the best network (ABC,NBC, CBS) show I've seen in a long, long time. No wisecracking moms, precocious kids, kindly old grandpa, surly ex-husband, just a darn good story that woke me up and held my attention to the very end. I'm a sucker for this kind of story (unexplained aliens) and the writers played it to the hilt. Also, the actors were good. I hope this show lasts for a good long while. Its as good as anything I've seen on FX. The writers have thrown down the gauntlet, now its up to them to follow through.

Pleasant surprise

[mstv-126-623348 · 7/10 · 25 September 2019]

I usually do not like tv series with convoluted conspiracy themes. However, this series is pleasant with many positive attributes. The hero is very untraditional: a white divorced woman with an African American/Canadian ex husband who looks after her father. She is also chief of the local police. There is actually a story to follow with minimum of unnecessary violence and redundant special effect. I look forward to the next episode.

I miss this show!

[danbaig · 9/10 · 21 February 2021]

I'm so angry this got canceled. It was a fantastic show & deserved better!

OK Computer

[southdavid · 6/10 · 23 July 2020]

I watched "Emergence" all the way through, on its recent run on UK TV, understanding that it was likely cancelled already, a fact that was confirmed around two thirds of the way through. If I'm honest, although I did enjoy some aspects of the story, at just thirteen episodes the premise was already stretched to breaking point.

Jo Evans (Allison Tolman) police chief of a small coastal town, responds to a crash of a light aircraft and discovers a young girl, hiding nearby, who seems to have been in the plane but is completely unharmed. She takes Piper (Alexa Swinton) back to the Station but senses something is amiss with a couple that appear to collect her. Chief Evans ends up taking Piper home, and making her part of the family, but the secrets about Piper history make a her target for several individuals and organisations.

I feel like a show like this gets made every year at the moment, high concept, expensive pilot but unable to really touch the zeitgeist enough to make a lasting impression. "Emergence" very much is that. It's alright, but nothing more - it soon became something you could watch whilst looking at your phone and not miss anything too important that you couldn't catch up and, though I won't spoil the bigger premise of the show here, as I said, I think that they had already tapped out most of the story by the season's conclusion.

The primary reason I stuck with the show though was the cast. Tolman is great, as she was in the season of "Fargo" that she did, she sparks well with Donald Faison, who plays her ex-husband and Enver Gjokaj, who joins for the second half of the run as an FBI agent. Clancy Brown is as magnificent as always as Tolman's father too.

It's just all a bit too played out, and stretched too thin to maintain much interest.

Loved it ! Oh, wait, it's been cancelled after one season...

[permaculture-45885 · 10/10 · 12 October 2020]

And another good sci fi series bites the dust. Is sharknado doing well ?

Great show, wrong platform

[TheReel14 · 7/10 · 3 February 2023]

Don't you hate when an amazing show goes on the wrong platform. This is actually a very good show with good characters and performance. I can see it going darker and darker but what I love is the softness and gentleness to it too. This would be so good on Netflix and Amazon then Disney. I know there isn't a season 2 but I wish there was. There is worse rubbish out there on platforms these days then this. I love all the members of the family as well. HONESTLY really good and storyline is good too. Sad to see it end but hoping someone out there gives it a chance and renews it. It wasn't ready for consumers 2 years ago but I am sure it will be now.

Loved it.

[denvadavies · 9/10 · 6 November 2020]

Give it a few episodes to get into it as I was a little confused at first, you have pay attention. I really enjoyed it though and saddened to hear it wasn't renewed as it had a lot of potential for an interesting second season!

Allison Tolman is fantastic in this also it has to be said.

Good start

[nancyldraper · 7/10 · 25 September 2019]

(Initial impressions) I was intrigued by this show from the very first promo. Having just watched the pilot, I'm looking forward to this season. This is a SciFi mystery with a maternal centre (so if you can't suspend disbelief or if you are looking for a scientifically rational show, this may not be the show for you, but I'm holding out hope). The premise is interesting. The writing is good. The characters are have the potential for depth. Allison Tomane speaks volumes in the stillness between her words. Young Alexa Swinton is definitely holding together innocence and the unknown. I'm giving this series a preliminary 7 (good) out of 10. {SciFi Mystery}

ABC coulda held on for another season...

[jdluv · 9/10 · 4 October 2020]

Much like Clea DuVall, Alison Tollman needs to be in a lot more than she's been given. She speaks with quirk and wit, with a rapid fire delivery only Lauren Graham used to possess. She's lovely to watch, from a beauty standard and an acting one, with an expressive face that draws you in, and keeps you captive and loving it.

Emergence could have been her takeoff, and it should have been. Here Tollman is in a heroic role and playing the everywoman. Her maternal motives are clear and never wavering on any moral angle. In fact, primarily the rest of the cast are to deal with the moral implications this show raises, while Tollman is driving the boat on nerve and emotion. It's such a treat!

The series itself, as a stand-alone season, is impressive in that it takes a concept told a hundred times and finds the other hundred ways that story could be told. This one season feels so much like three, with so much plot packed in, but the viewer is never lost or questioning why Tollman is making the decisions she is. That's a testament to the writers as well. Solid dialogue in every episode, along with great editing, keeps this jam-packed show moving at a quick pace.

It might only have enough for a one-day binge, and it might leave you absolutely yearning for more, or just more of Tollman, but Emergence is American science fiction done well, and done right.

It even goes so far as fix the Haley Joel Osment quandary from AI: how far can you stretch one child actor's wonder and innocence far enough it won't totally ruin what you're watching?

The answer: Tollman, and really good writing.

My review of season 1 (13 episodes)

[sasha99 · 6/10 · 4 February 2020]

I just finished watching episode 13 (season 1). As expected, it was the end of Act One, and there was some resolution, but there will be more to follow. Not sure I can slog through another 13. I liked the series okay--I don't generally watch anything scifi-ish, so I can't compare it to others of that genre. Here are some random comments, in no particular order: 1. I usually hate shows that have a kid as the focal point, but I gotta say that Piper was darling. Precocious, to be sure, but still enough of a kid to be endearing. Not sassy or cocky, but truly trying to figure stuff out as she went along. 2. I also appreciated that Jo's daughter Mia was polite, respectful, loving and not at all the norm for divorced female TV cops, namely, saddled with kids who are sullen, rude, withdrawn, eye-rolling PITAs. Very refreshing. 3. Also refreshing that the cute FBI guy ignored the young, skinny redhead at the office (who clearly was interested) and made out with the chubby, middle-aged, plain Jane Jo. 4. Re Jo: if she tucked her hair behind her left ear one more time, I was going to throw a rock through the TV. But she let her hair hang down in her face on the right side. WTF? Tie the whole mess back, girlfriend! And stop making those funny corkscrew movements with your mouth. 5. Even after Jo figured out that Piper had "powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men (sic)," she still treated the kid like a 10-year old. "You will NOT use your superpowers, do you hear! Or I'll ground you forever!" Jo, show her some respect for Pete's sake. 6. During the last two episodes (while the crew was hiding on Plum Island), the line, "We've gotta get outta here NOW!" was uttered by someone approximately 784 times. 7. I liked Grandpa. The ham radio thing was clever. I guess Piper will cure his cancer next season. 8. Alex the ex was nice, too. I don't want him to move to DC, because I don't want Piper and Mia to be separated. But I didn't get any lingering chemistry between him and Jo. 9. Benny had been on The Mentalist, credibly playing an American in that series. 10. Something that bugs me about shows where weird stuff happens is that even after multiple examples of events that cannot be explained by (obvious) rational means, skepticism is still rampant. In the very last episode, Alex suggests something and Jo says, "Are you insane?" After EVERYTHING crazy that has happened, she still acts like it's the pilot episode. Alex correctly points out that the whole thing is insane.

Just ok...

[Luvya0117 · 5/10 · 18 October 2019]

I'll keep watching but the lead actress's acting is just not believable. Her acting is almost as if she's playing the role from good girls (serious yet comical), unfortunately this show is supposed to only be serious. And the connection to the girl just doesn't seem real. The emotional performance is just overacted. But most of the reviews enjoy her performance, so maybe it's just me. The other actors though are really good and well selected. Again will continue to watch but it's an average show with an all too similar story.

Promising

[pietclausen · 7/10 · 26 September 2019]

The pilot was enjoyable and mysterious, the promise of a good and interesting plot. We will have to wait for next week to see further developments. So far, so good.

Update: Four episodes in and it's becoming more exciting and better, now qualifying for a rating of seven!

Superb, why cancel?

[magsno · 10/10 · 13 August 2020]

One of the best new syfy series for a long while. Why on earth would they cancel this? So much future eps in it and really gripping!!!!

Different - Which is Good. The Mystery Evolves in a Fun Way. Entertaining

[mikeh-54044 · 7/10 · 24 October 2019]

Today's series largely suffer from cardboard actors, tissue-thin plots and scripts, and are mind-numbing rubbish.

The good news, as of episode 3, is: this is...different...where the difference is good. The plot evolves, with some mystery. It is not what you expected. Acting is a bit shaky... the actors have - not yet - owned their characters. Hopefully, this will change, over time. It is good enough to keep watching, just to see where it goes. In today's world of dumb, mindless, entertainment - this IS a compliment!

ABC DONT SCREW THIS ONE UP

[dyaeck · 9/10 · 9 October 2019]

The first two episodes were the setup to make u wonder, but the third just opened the door to what could be Pandora's box. Please ABC don't give up on this one and everyone else give it a chance to let it soak in. This ones gonna be special.

I am not over this

[exeltekjen · 6/10 · 20 April 2022]

I am not over the fact this show was cancelled. It had closure at the end of the series but could have gone on. I hope someone else resonates with me.

This is a great show!

[nancy-793-228879 · 8/10 · 4 August 2020]

Intriguing and well acted. Had me hooked from the first episode.

So far it's ok, but I do have some issues... (plus Edit)

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 6/10 · 2 October 2019]

The premise of the story is decent, and the little actress is adorable, but the writing seems to be trying a little too hard. Maybe it's plot or technical issues, maybe it's intentional leading to a surprise down the road, I'm not sure yet. But it better be a good one if it is, because so far it makes the writing look cheesy. Aside from the little girl, finding suspicious otherworldly items/events that should be reported to the "proper" departments, but kept between a few small town folk, just doesn't make sense. My other issue is the casting of Allison Tolman and Robert Bailey Jr.; neither fit the character/role of police personnel, especially Bailey Jr. who looks like he should still be in high-school, and not a cop. Still, the directing is very good as is the score and pacing. I'll give it a chance past the 2 episodes I've already seen before writing this review, but for now, it's a generous 7/10 from me. And don't be fooled by the fake 9's and 10's, sad the producers had to resort to that.

Edit: Nov 26: down to a 5/10 See my review Episode 8 "American Chestnut" to see why.

Great original drama

[muamba_eats_toast · 8/10 · 23 July 2020]

So refreshing a great sci-fi drama kept me hooked from beginning to end. Great character development and story. Great pacing and was set up perfectly for season 2 such a shame it has been cancelled. Fortunately the majority of the main issues are solved by its conclusion so not to big a cliffhanger if you're worried by that. Highly recommend.

Interesting concept hindered by weak lead actinfg

[ilanvfs · 6/10 · 17 October 2019]

I want to like this show but i honestly feel the lead is acting as if this is a family sitcom and the show is meant to be a serious sci fi show...she just feels Scott and fake in every scene. Like "i just hit this moment go me". I rarely dislike an actors performance to be honest.

I really don't buy anything she is doing in the show and the emotional moments seem so acted from her.

The rest of the cast is actually good. I don't get it.

Maybe I'm crazy as i haven't seen this kind of feedback elsewhere.

Plodding script, poorly cast

[jennifer626 · 5/10 · 29 October 2019]

I lasted through 4 episodes. I wanted to like Emergence because I'm a fan of the X Files/Fringe/Revolution genre. Unfortunately, the networks seem to be cancelling an increasing number of funky apocalyptic sci-fi series after just one season (I see you, The Passage). So, I take what I can get and cross my fingers that at least 1 such show will survive.

But, the chances of survival for Emergence look slim. The plot is moving only slightly faster than a slug. The conversations between the characters are 90% exposition (show, don't tell). The cast members seem like a random group that got off the elevator together....well, random while meeting obvious diversity goals.

Allison Tolman in particular is miscast in the lead role as police chief. She's playing it as Fargo New England, screwing up her mouth and staring into the wind for one awkwardly long pause after another. The role would greatly benefit from the depiction of leadership abilities, instinct, and drive (if not charisma equivalent to the mysterious reporter with the foreign accent), but all of these are in short supply.

The Emergence producers did shell out for stellar reviews, but they should have given their contractors a longer list of talking points than: " instantly hooked," "love that they show real people/have a relatable cast," "the little girl who plays Piper is amazing!" and "there is so much eerie suspense and atmosphere." Ugh. A 7.4 show this is not.

Interesting premise with some weak acting

[projmayhem · 6/10 · 7 December 2019]

This show has an interesting (although slightly predictable) premise. Its biggest issue is the acting, though. In this era of TV shows getting better and better, Emergence feels like a high school play; the acting is just unconvincing, starting with the main protagonist.

Allison Tolman as police chief Jo Evans doesn't fit. I imagine Jo being a veteran in law enforcement that has seen the worst of the worst in Long Island until a mysterious child appears at the scene of a plane crash. Instead, she's like a sweet, huggable teddy bear wearing a police uniform.

She's great for a motherly role, but not a police chief. She should look at Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of DCI Vera Stanhope (from the British crime show 'Vera') for inspiration. Robert Bailey Jr. as Chris Minetto, Jo's right hand, is second in line because he acts like an incompetent rookie cop who should probably do something outside of law enforcement such as painting, sculpting, or something creative.

Everyone else is "fine" mostly, not outstanding or anything but good enough for their respective roles. Is it worth the watch? That depends on your standards. Other than that, you aren't missing out on anything that another show hasn't already done better.

A few improvements and it'll make a big difference. I want to see the show succeed, but I also think they can do a lot better than they have so far.

Finally something other than a reality or a tear jerker on TV!

[calibnv · 9/10 · 25 September 2019]

First of all let's get this out of the way, reviewers who said this is like Stranger Things, need to rewatch Stranger Things. No preteens running around towns. No get a long gangs hiding out in their treehouse.

This show does bring into the premise of something weird is happening, but with anything else that's pretty much the start of a good mystery. What I like so far is that they are not trying to force feed you the plot or it's characters. From the start the flow of the show is on point, it drags you in and gives you many small parts to keep you intrigue, and then throws in a small twist and at the same time, the heroine feels real, not just placing another sex sale character in a sheriff outfit. This show has a lot of potential and I hope they get in more depth on each subcharacters, not just the main ones. Finally something to watch that doesn't require a tissue or fake reality love!