Reviews

The reviews are in for the pilot episode of the new NBC television show “Revolution”, and they are decidedly… mixed. Some loved it, some hated it, and a lot are taking either a cautiously optimistic or pessimistic “wait-and-see” stance. One thing they ALL have in common is their insistence on comparing it with, well, everything but the kitchen sink.  Scanning the reviews on the internet, here are just some of the comparisons I found:

• Lost
• Flash Forward
• Jericho
• The Walking Dead
• Hunger Games
• The Lord of the Rings
• Star Wars
• Planet of the Apes
• The Wizard of Oz

Yes, I myself see similarities to some of these shows and movies. However, I think that the size and diversity of this list is telling. Revolution can’t possibly be just like every one of those shows or movies. That leads me to believe that perhaps it’s really like none of them. Although it may use familiar themes that have been used in fiction since people starting writing fiction, Revolution has the potential to become something else, something unique. When Fringe first aired, a lot of comparisons were made to the X-Files. But as any fan of Fringe can tell you, it evolved into something very different. I am happy to give Revolution a chance to define itself, and entertain me in the process.

Ratings

Great news for those of you who enjoyed the pilot. The combination of an interesting premise, big name appeal both on screen and off, and smart marketing led NBC to their biggest rated television premiere in 5 years — 11.7 million viewers. Before you start making party plans for the season finale episode though, please be aware that a strong opening is no guarantee of a show’s success. The creative team needs to keep people firmly planted on their couches week after week by continuing to deliver on the promise of this first episode.

“Reality” Check

I am seriously baffled by all the chatter I’m hearing crying foul over the “science” behind the basic premise of the show – the blackout itself. This is science fiction, emphasis on the word “fiction”. I for one hope there isn’t any scientific basis behind the blackout or I would be scared to death. And for those of you challenging the realism of the show’s blackout who were also fans of Lost — if you can stomach the idea of (Lost spoiler alert ahead!) moving an entire island thousands of miles instantaneously via frozen donkey wheel, then you should be able to handle any of the pseudo-science that Revolution throws your way. If you can’t, then perhaps this isn’t the show you are looking for. Move along.

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