Beyond

I found this show enjoyable and it pulled me in. It has some good actors and some very well done scenes (I was particularly impressed by Eden Brolin- -it seems the Brolins may be getting better with each generation.) However, you must suspend disbelief almost entirely, as the show's plot really doesn't stand up to any sort of analysis.

Like many of the other early reviews here, I binge watched this series over the New Years holiday.

I went into 'Beyond' thinking it was likely campy, breezy, sci-fi with an eye toward a YA demographic (similar to Freeform's 'Shadowhunters', a guilty pleasure if you're in the right mood).

However, this show takes itself more seriously-the violence in the early episodes is much more realistic. As is the bickering that goes on in the lead character's family. Additionally, there are more serious background themes present here concerning the exploitation of grief by religion and commerce, as well as the common experience of PTSD by former soldiers. Heady stuff, for this kind of show. That this show takes itself more seriously, however, is not really a good reason to watch it. The early episode violence is gratuitous, to the point that it doesn't even make sense by the end of the series; and the background issues remain firmly in the background.

The central conceit of the show is that after recovering from a 12-year coma, the lead character Holden is plagued by mysterious visions, supernatural experiences, recruitment attempts by bizarre cultists, as well as the attention of a beautiful and mysterious woman who wants to help protect him from all of these other things.

With each episode, more memories from Holden's time in his coma are revealed. Whether these memories are dreams, near-death experiences, or actual memories of time spent in purely spiritual world slowly becomes clearer over the course of the episodes. The way in which Holden's memories are revealed, and their relation to the cult and his mysterious guardian are what pulls you into the story. Along the way, there are also some really well done bits concerning Holden's romance with another coma victim, as well the appearance of random characters, such as a movie obsessed pharmacist, that make the unfolding of Holden's story rather more enjoyable than it probably ought to be.

By the end, frankly, none of it makes a damn bit of sense, making a scene from Holden's middle episodes romance all the more foretelling. In that scene, after catching a fish with his paramour, he lets it go, much to her amazement-the moral being that it is about the effort/journey, not the result/destination. As long as you keep that in mind, and don't bother trying to make sense of the series as a whole, 'Beyond' is an enjoyable ride.

I started watching Beyond with low expectations because the premise sounds pretty typical. Cute boy mysteriously receives powers and is forced into action to protect the cute girl. I'm glad I was pleasantly surprised. Its still a typical small town unwilling teen hero plot, but the story line is absorbing, the acting is good and the characters are interesting enough to drive the story forward. A nice mix of mystery, drama, action and a sprinkle of horror in a teen hero plot complete with all the eye candy needed in today's ADD environment. I either rate things high if I like it or low if I don't, I don't believe in anything that exists in between. Beyond gets my vote for a good TV show.

So after binge watching the first 10 episodes, I'm now in a position to put forward a review a little bit more comprehensive than what's been posted previously (by the way, it's cheap*, not cheep).

The first few episodes are a bit slow to get into as for the character having super powers, well it's a bit more than that. As far as being categorised as a mystery series, I'd say this hits the mark, particularly when you think about the back plots to newly introduced characters not being lain out on a table for you.

The actors aren't the best in the world but I've seen worse and to be honest, I'd give them a decent 7/10, with more talent and "CGI" playing a role the further you get into the series.

Without spoiling the plot to much (which does develop quite well I'd say), the main character is well formed and continues to show growth throughout each episode. A few side characters fall away which just supplemented the main story line more than anything but nevertheless still played an important role in the plot.

Overall, I'd suggest watching the first 3 episodes all the way through rather than fast forwarding and looking for the big action explosions because these simply aren't there till much later on however there is a good insight into whats to come in the second episode.

If you run out of sf / mystery tv shows, and you try to dig out something, this show is watchable if you skip 2 till 4 episodes in both seasons, they are boring and have no relation to any important story plots. After 5th episodes things actually start to happen. The Story is a little above bad. Acting same, tho Jonathan Whitesell and Eden Brolin performances are kinda good, and they basically lift the series with their scenes. Protagonist and the rest of the supporting cast are mediocre to bad. If you like sf / mystery fun you might find some enjoyment in this show.

In Fort Reed, Kansas, Holden Matthews wakes up from a 12 year coma after a motorcycle crash where he was chased by his best friend Kevin's older brother Jeff. He apparently returns with latent superpowers after crossing over from a different Realm. His younger brother Luke is now in college. There is the mysterious Willa and the dangerous Man in the Yellow Jacket who are interested in him. There is a vast conspiracy looking to harness his new powers. Charlie is another who woke up from a coma with special powers.

This Freeform sci-fi show struggles for two seasons and never really settles into a good flow. The young lead Burkely Duffield is a bit stiff with a deer in the headlights look. Oddly enough, that actually fits the character. I'm less impressed with Dilan Gwyn who plays Willa at various levels of irritation. Eden Brolin has the most fun playing the sarcastic Charlie and she has great chemistry with the lead. Sadly, she joins the show at episode five and they didn't figure out adding her character as a main character until the second season. This show really took too long to figure out the group chemistry. It's too bad because all the parts are there. The Man in the Yellow Jacket is a great villain. The premise is intriguing. In more assured hands, this show could have been good but this never truly found its footing despite getting a twenty episode run.