Harsh Realm

I have never been a fan of the sci-fi type shows, although I did like Star Trek (the original). However as a die-hard D.B.Sweeney fan, I had to buy this series when it came out on DVD. I have only had a chance to watch four of the episodes, but I am so intrigued by this series, I am making time on my calendar to watch the rest. I cannot imagine why Fox cancelled it. It is fun to watch, it is thought provoking and I thought the actors all played their roles well. When I look at the TV shows in the lineups, all of the so-called "reality" shows, I cannot help but wonder WHAT ARE THEY THINKING? I am so sick of the bachelors, the bachelorettes, now wife-swapping? Come on somebody give us a good storyline. One like the Harsh Realm. We know it's not real, it's not supposed to be, but it is just good acting, adventure and what-are-they gonna-encounter-next viewing. Good old time TV, kind of like the shows that we used to be able to watch, "The Streets of San Fran,", just to name one of many. I agree with the previous comment, FOX would do a good thing if they would make a mini-series or a theatrical movie of this show. Only please use the same actors, I hate when someone creates a character and then the Hollywood moguls replace them with another so-called "name" actor for the box office draw. If you're afraid, make a TV mini-series. I've seen the Matrix, yuck, (my husband made me) I've watched the X-files, so-so. If you risk your money on these why not Harsh Realm?

I got into 'The X-Files', loved 'Millennium' so it wasn't a huge shock that I was going to give Chris Carter's new project 'Harsh Realm' a fair shake. Though I can also say I was no fanboy who thought he could do no wrong. With a decent cast, a fair bit of hype and with no knowledge of the comic book it was quasi based on for the record, I was going in completely blind. I don't love this series as much as other people, but I can go as far as saying it showed promise.

Watched the three episodes that aired on TV before it was cancelled then saw all nine. I admit I was intrigued by the initial premise of a virtual reality world & the military man sent into it. Allies, foes, learning the landscape. They certainly gave some action. Shades of government conspiracy certainly didn't hurt. Lastly his journey to get back to the real world to be with his pregnant fiance felt authentic.

I became a fan of Terry Quinn (General Santiago) because of 'Millennium' and I had watched Scott Bairstow (Lt. Hobbes) in the Canadian filmed series 'Lonesome Dove'. Pinocchio (D. B. Sweeney) was fun and a much needed rougher edger to the show. I knew of Samantha Mathis (Sophie) from films such as 'Pump Up The Volume' & 'Broken Arrow'. It's the first thing I remember seeing Max Martini (Major Waters) in too.

Reviewing it leaves me in an odd place because I have to judge it as-is and presented in episodic format leaves it opens to questions. Like those of "what's going on?", deeper motivations and real world consequences to the game that never got to be explored. I liked the premise and some episodes ideas were stronger than others. I liked the actors involved and the bursts of action. The opening title sequence was pretty hype and loaded with atmosphere. 'Harsh Realm' was ultimately uneven, but maybe it would have gotten better. Maybe it wouldn't have. We'll never know now.

I vaguely remember this show when it was on television. I think I may have only seen the Pilot episode and then it got pulled soon thereafter. But when I saw copies on DVD at the library I had to get it and watch the rest of the episodes.

The show is about Lt. Hobbs (Scott Bairstow) who X-Files fans may remember from "Miracle Man" in season 1. He has entered into a war game virtual reality where he can not escape until he finds and kills the infamous Santagio who is played by one of my favorite actors Terry O'Quinn. The most likable character in my opinion is Hobbs' sidekick Mike Pinnochio played by D.B. Sweeney. Pinnochio represented me as a viewer in trying to talk some sense into Hobbs and let him know just how annoying he can be but then also turning around and admitting that he is right when he is right.

Many stand alone episodes are very intriguing such as "Kein Ausgang" where Hobbs and Pinnochio get stuck in a battle reenactment from World War II that repeats over and over again. Another great stand alone episode is seen in the final episode "Camera Obscura" about two feuding families in a post nuclear holocaust New York setting.

Many of the supporting actors are easily recognized from the X-Files and Millennium. All in all I loved this show and wish they would have been allowed to run the show for at least a 24 episode season so they could make a conclusion to the Santiago mythology arc that had been setup.

I thought the first three episodes were great, and I was really sorry when the series was cancelled after three episodes. I thought it deserved more of a chance which it may get on FX Network. FX Network announced in its website that it will air the 9 existing Harsh Realm episodes (6 of which are previously unaired) starting in the latter part of March 2000. I'm looking forward to viewing the 6 new episodes.

I loved every minute of this show. D.B. Sweeney has been a favourite of mine for years and it was pure delight to see him on TV again. I was told that the show was cancelled after the first season - I would personally like to slap the person who made that decision.

For all those poor souls who didn't watch the show - you have no idea what you were missing. I did not expect Carter to make another

"X-Files" (of which I am a huge fan), and he didn't. He was very original and created something that I've never seen before. Thanks for making this show - it was great!