Time After Time

Sorry to hear about it's demise. Refreshing and informative. Good acting, well rounded cast and the writing is very good. Want it to stay on the air. Can't finally watch something entertaining rather than controversial? For a change - give us something rather than quickly taking it away.

This television series is an adaptation of the very enjoyable film from 1979. I don't think it is appropriate to judge a work by comparing it to another version, but I do think such a comparison can be useful in identifying ways it could be better.

The film starred Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen. McDowell was very successful in conveying the Victorian manners that one would expect from H. G. Wells--the British author who wrote science fiction classics and championed science as the key to a Utopian society. He also was very convincing in his portrayal of a nineteenth century man confronting the technological advances of the late twentieth century. While Freddie Stroma brings a certain charm to the television role, he comes up short in these two areas.

Genesis Rodriguez plays the role of Jane Walker, the modern American woman whose life is disrupted by Wells. She fits the role fairly well. But her characterization (as well as Stroma's) is handcuffed by the script.

As is common these days, the pilot launches pall mall into the story with barely a moment of character development, hoping to hook viewers on the action. This shortchanges the story and the viewers' understanding of the characters. Also, the writing advances the plot so quickly that it fails to establish the authenticity of the characters' motivations or emotions. The viewer is asked to bounce form one action scene to the next without time to consider or feel.

The way that Wells--and the man he chases--so quickly adapt to the surroundings of 21st century New York City with barely a question strains credulity. Modern Americans are incredulous at Wells' invention, despite the fact that modern technology advances so quickly, but Wells supposedly accepts and understands the modern miracles around him like someone who had already read books from 2017.

Despite the fact that the sci-fi aspects of the story have been minimized, the romance and suspense aspects of the story may suffice to make this an interesting show. Hopefully, the script's pace will slow enough for the characters to become more than names or titles, allowing the audience to become more emotionally invested.

I loved the 1979 movie of the same name. It was the definition of charming. This series began here with the first two episodes and I was impressed favourably. The three leads are as charming as can be with John performed brilliantly with an oozing, psychopathic, warped evil that begins with his eyes and inhabits the actor's whole being. I find it hard to believe that he was recently the weak Daniel in Revenge. The other two are new to me. I beg to differ with some others here who seem to find Jane unattractive; I find her cute and beautiful and a fine wee actress. Wells also seemed more than competent in such a strange role. I had hoped for the time machine from the Rod Taylor movie but this one, especially with the ice on the windows, seems quite fine. I have enjoyed Timeless for the most part though its egregious historical errors exceeded anything on this show. I give this a weak 8 in hopes of a surer hand in writing and direction as the series gets its feet under it. I certainly would recommend it to friends.

I'm left scratching my head at the negative reviews this series has attracted. Maybe its mostly H.G. Wells purists, who don't like adaptations of his work?

Indeed, to be fair, there have been some horrible adaptations, of Wells stories. Thankfully, this is not one of them. Certainly, it by no means adhere's to the facts of Well's life or strictly speaking his stories as written but so what?

The fact is this is a well made series that's a mix of thriller and sci fi action. Viewed from this perspective its extremely enjoyable. The characterizations have depth, the sci fi elements meld into a Wells- ian centric universe and the action is well paced and enjoyable. I especially like how the series writers have creatively blended elements of H.G. Wells life and literature and the Jack The Ripper murder mystery.

Sure its a far fetched yarn but its still engaging stuff.I really like this series and plan to keep watching. Seven out of ten from me.

I love good sci-fi adventures and enjoyed watching Time after time. For one reason or another the networks keep canceling sci-fi series after only a few episodes have been aired. This one lasted 5 episodes in the States.

Spain and Portugal's networks thought differently and aired all 12 episodes made. I was fortunately able to see the remaining episodes too. I consider this series above average of its genre and thank these European networks for airing them. The producers of the series also had more than one season in mind and the final episode ended with a cliffhanger.

Which network has the heart to take up the gap and have more seasons made? Sci-fi supporters will thank them from the bottom of their hearts!