Fans of the original series should rewatch it BEFORE starting this new series, at least the first two seasons as the writing and acting was about the same (if not worse) than this debut episode. I speak from experience as I was a fan of the original series 30 years ago. Loved it when NBC had "Leap Weeks" when they would re-run episodes every day of the week. Good times then.
However upon rewatching TOS, I found I remembered it being WAY better than I find it today (we are spoiled by the quality of writing and production for content these days.)
So, because of the hoopla around the return of the show, we started rewatching the old show and only made it halfway into season two. The original series was peppered with contrived plots, conveniently timed events and HUGE plot holes. Don't get me wrong, there are some really good scripts in there but most of them don't stand the test of time.
So, after watching this first episode, I see nothing has changed in that regard. SO many plot holes, so much contrivance, so much bad writing and acting. It is laughably bad. Seriously, you must really let go of all that if you want to find this new version entertaining.
The base cast is a little bigger than the original series, the quantum computer is still Ziggy (I assume a David Bowie nod.) In the 30 years since Sam Becket 'was lost' not a lot has changed, sure there is a new younger team and somehow, they managed to keep Ziggy going despite them always being at risk of losing their funding.
The new cast is ok, but I suspect they'll drag down the coming episodes with unneeded story arcs to help develop them further. Don't know if a show this complicated already really needs that frankly. The acting is all over the map. Raymond Lee is just fine, Ernie Hudson is great, but the rest are fairly wooden or just unremarkable.
It is interesting to note that Raymond Lee is only listed for 2 shows, maybe this is an IMDB error? But it may also indicate they're going to give Caitlin Bassett the Leaper roll and Raymond doesn't survive his trip into space. We'll see.
So, the noise regarding Scott Bakula not returning to the show may be synthetic and designed to get 'free' social media marketing. There is no reason they can't bring him in for a guest appearance if they want as he's still "missing" and an integral part of the story. Heck, with the help of deep fake technology, they could even bring Dean Stockwell back for a "Very Special Christmas" episode where they stop Sam taking his first leap.
We plan to give the show 3 episodes before making the final call, I may do follow-up reviews (that are more cathartic than anything else.)
Oh and don't mention the butterfly effect.
However upon rewatching TOS, I found I remembered it being WAY better than I find it today (we are spoiled by the quality of writing and production for content these days.)
So, because of the hoopla around the return of the show, we started rewatching the old show and only made it halfway into season two. The original series was peppered with contrived plots, conveniently timed events and HUGE plot holes. Don't get me wrong, there are some really good scripts in there but most of them don't stand the test of time.
So, after watching this first episode, I see nothing has changed in that regard. SO many plot holes, so much contrivance, so much bad writing and acting. It is laughably bad. Seriously, you must really let go of all that if you want to find this new version entertaining.
The base cast is a little bigger than the original series, the quantum computer is still Ziggy (I assume a David Bowie nod.) In the 30 years since Sam Becket 'was lost' not a lot has changed, sure there is a new younger team and somehow, they managed to keep Ziggy going despite them always being at risk of losing their funding.
The new cast is ok, but I suspect they'll drag down the coming episodes with unneeded story arcs to help develop them further. Don't know if a show this complicated already really needs that frankly. The acting is all over the map. Raymond Lee is just fine, Ernie Hudson is great, but the rest are fairly wooden or just unremarkable.
It is interesting to note that Raymond Lee is only listed for 2 shows, maybe this is an IMDB error? But it may also indicate they're going to give Caitlin Bassett the Leaper roll and Raymond doesn't survive his trip into space. We'll see.
So, the noise regarding Scott Bakula not returning to the show may be synthetic and designed to get 'free' social media marketing. There is no reason they can't bring him in for a guest appearance if they want as he's still "missing" and an integral part of the story. Heck, with the help of deep fake technology, they could even bring Dean Stockwell back for a "Very Special Christmas" episode where they stop Sam taking his first leap.
We plan to give the show 3 episodes before making the final call, I may do follow-up reviews (that are more cathartic than anything else.)
Oh and don't mention the butterfly effect.