Ascension

Sy Fi has a hard time renewing great shows while keeping only the repetitive and bland. This is a great show that ends on a cliffhanger. The only issue I have with it is, as always these days, graphic sex. How are young people supposed to be exposed to great sci fi and fantasy genres if it's not suitable for them to watch? I grew up watching all sorts of sci fi and fantasy programs that sparked my interest in science and engineering. This is just a sad situation all the way around.

This show started off a little slow, setting up the premise for the show and introducing us to the characters. The last few episodes were very interesting...even exciting. And then, the show just ended. I think this show got a bad deal. This show had a lot of potential. I think what killed it is that the first few episodes were a bit slow and dull. But it really took off after that. Another good show cancelled. Add it to the likes of Jericho, The Event and Under the Dome.

I enjoyed Ascension a lot more than I thought I would, and am genuinely surprised by the negative and lukewarm reviews it has received - and yet, I do have to acknowledge that most of the actual critiques are correct.

The first installment is slow, and not particularly interesting until you get to the final twist. From there, the next two installments move quicker. Also, the ending doesn't feel like an ending. Even BSG, which of course had been setting up for a series, let the initial miniseries end on a note that at least felt like an ending. There are a number of characters in Ascension who don't have satisfying arcs, and a number of subplots that aren't resolved at all. And yes, the show does have a very soap opera-ish feel to it, but not without reason: the laws of the ship restrict procreation, so sex became a currency like drugs in a prison.

The series is compelling in a way that not a lot of new shows are. The central idea, while highly implausible, is nonetheless fascinating, and opens the door to a lot of possibilities. SyFy has been introducing mostly fluff over the last few years so this had a much more mature feel to it.

I hope this does become a series, though I am skeptical as to how long the premise can hold before it gets old. The writers should have tried a bit harder to make the miniseries feel more self-contained. Still, the unique premise of the show and the complexity of the plot warrants a view, especially for science fiction fans.

I liked it a lot. The story is far fetched, however most good science fiction is. Getting you to believe that, HEY this could be done is part of the fun. The special effects were very good for the most part, great in other parts. The cast was strong I thought and kept it together. In a couple of places the story was jaw dropping. I don't know what some of the folks were seeing that did not like it. Once again I LIKED it a lot and I have been watching science fiction for over fifty years. I need ten lines. O.K., I DO NOT place spoilers in reviews, that is dumb. The fans should see it for themselves and enjoy the show with out knowing what is coming. This series in particular has some sharp twists and turns and add to the enjoyment of the piece. Is this enough said? Oh yeah, I do not misspell. Grammar can be a problem. Good night.

I'm not quite sure why this has such mixed reviews. Some people read too much into minor plot holes. I personally thought it was a great.

I won't post any spoilers, however, just as the season took a dramatic turn (episode 6) the series was over! So many unanswered questions remain that could turn this into a great series, such a shame it wasn't continued.