Night Sky

JK Simmons, Sissy Spacek and space, what is not to like? Well nothing actually, this is not a clichéd, frantic lasers and technology sci-fi show, but rather a character driven story centred on family, relationships plus growth and decline over time.

The core focus is on the York couple in the final chapter of their lives, beautifully, realistically and sweetly played by Simmons and Spacek and the impact secret access to the stars has on their lives; a fabulous character study. They are seeking rejuvenation and meaning, and find it in a completely unexpected and surprising guise.

Byron (Adam Bartley) is an irritating character, though grit in the oyster does not always produce a pearl. His plotline distracts greatly from the central story without adding anything.

This is the second novel approach to sci-fi that Amazon has produced recently (Outer Range) which is to be applauded, and this one concludes in a more satisfying way and leaves room for a welcome season two.

This is an exceptional sci-fi series and these days those are rare. Character-driven, mysterious, and suspenseful. Excellent acting. Good effects. The writing really conveys what it feels like to be in the characters' shoes.

Look, this is/was a fantastic science fiction series. It had everything. It was original, and different. Without a second season there is no point in even watching the first season.

The discovery of the anomaly, and the character development is a very slow process. By the time the season ends many plots and subplots are revealed. Including new characters. But they are left completely wide open and you really get nothing out of the first season.

I am amazed how garbage zombie series just keep spawning new spin offs. Or garbage alien invasion rehash series keep popping up. But with Night Sky we finally got a completely original, sophisticated science fiction series and it gets canned first season without closure.

Firstly, not all your viewers are silly impatient teenagers. There are a huge amount of us looking for a slower burn and more relatable characters, and this had that. Quality acting from Spacek and Simmonds. Yes, there were times when I fast-forwarded, I do understand the wish for this to speed up sometimes (even at my age) and perhaps given time, they'd have gotten the feedback to understand how to tweak it but it would have been worthwhile. Just a touch of humour is a must despite a serious message - it's worked for so many lasting series. Amazon can afford some more patience, and definitely needs, like so many others to listen to what viewers are saying, not just look at meaningless startup figures. Many of us are frustrated with the great series we've loved then got cancelled. This was a great premise and plot. What a shame.

Anything with J K Simmons in it is worth a look, the show is not your normal action packed sci fi series, it goes deeply into characters and has long periods of dialogue.

It strays at times into boring and can be frustrating but overall is a good series, very well acted, the 'thinking' persons sci fi.