Granite Flats

This series falls into the category of never-ending-plot-threads-involving-weird-characters- and-mystery. I confess, I like these types of shows. Granite Flats is a milder version of Twin Peaks and a less polished creation in the image of Lost. The characters are quirky, but several are more single dimensional or less interesting than the characters of either of these other shows.

What I find quite interesting (and something I have no explanation for) is the dialog -- it is mostly done in that same style the Cohen Bros used in True Grit -- reminiscent of a formal and someone stilted style that one could imagine being employed by characters from the 19th century.

I have read reviews that criticize this show because of bad acting or bad editing or bad writing. It is a small budget production. I totally get that this show is not necessarily going to appeal to the broadest audience. But I think many aspects of the show are stylistic choices made by the creators. They want the characters to be like this and talk this way, and they want the scenes and POV's to seem choppy and somewhat disjointed.

Just one man's opinion. I like the show.

This starts out as a rather somewhat predictable story of a group of 11 year olds, one of which sees something in the late night sky. They all work together to determine just what happened. When they get together with one of their fathers (who happens to be the chief of police in a small town) things grow from there.

The story matures each season, the acting improves, and the story line grows deeper and more complex.

The 3rd season is really good, as the young characters show a great degree in maturity (probably too much for 13 year olds), and the adults are puzzled and confused as well (both with themselves, their associates, and children).

Some times overly dramatic, yet --- still an outstanding series for the whole family. I personally loved the old cars. There were a few costume errors. Filmed in Utah, which resembles Stratmoore/ Ft. Carson, CO (just outside Colorado Springs) in the mid 1960's.

A refreshing change to the "push the envelope" mentality in many dramas out there. The show is simple and I suppose will get a little more complex as the story lines are allowed to develop. The actors are good and play it simple, which is fine. There is no need to over due it with the time period, the culture, or the storyline. There is a good balance of realism mixed with a little fantasy that is believable. As more episodes air, we will continue to bond with the characters. The only negative I have to share is that the editing is a little choppy and some scenes seemed hurried. I try to absorb the character or characters on the screen before the screen keeps changing the points of view too quickly. I think that can be worked out easily enough going forward. Hopefully the series will be allowed a second season.

This is BYUtv's first attempt create a family series on a limited budget, so I was concerned it would be cheesy or poorly done. That was true at first, but then they learned from their mistakes, and things got really interesting...

Season 1: 5/10 stars. A few good moments. Persevere.

Season 2 (first half): 7/10 stars. Improving. Important changes in scripting and acting make a *big* difference.

Season 2 (last half): 8/10 stars overall. Added some big name talent, impressive script developments, characters start to come to life.

Season 2 (finale): 10/10 stars. Brilliant! They are hitting on all cylinders now.

Season 3: Can't wait to see. I feel like I *must* watch it.

You'll have trouble understanding season 2 if you don't wade through season 1. IMO it was worth it. Think of it as an example of "agile" business methods (like they used for the iPhone, etc.)--get it out there quickly, learn from your mistakes, improve rapidly based on actual feedback.

After reading many of the negative reviews, I felt obligated to defend this show. First off, I'm a 30 year old male that is fairly anti religion. To the review.... This is an excellent show that literally any person of any age could/would enjoy. I had no idea this was created with Mormon ideology in mind. And I'm glad I didn't or I wouldn't have given the show a chance. The acting is above average, it's well written, and every episode is entertaining....all of these qualities without profanity, gore, nudity, etc. My favorite show currently on T.V. is Game of Thrones....so I don't shy away from profanity, gore, nudity, etc. But it's rare nowadays for a show to succeed without these qualities. To sum up, ignore the religion haters and give this show a chance.