Continuum

This is one of the most creative and imaginative shows on television. It honors the sci-fi genre by actually addressing the questions we must ask ourselves about the future and how our actions in the present will shape it. This is what science fiction, at it's best, is meant for. Instead of depending on elaborate sets and overblown special effects (almost everything is filmed on location in Vancouver) the show leans heavily on good writing and performances and a plot that twists and turns without coming off as totally implausible or absurd.

Although it draws one in with the familiar vocabulary of a police procedural, Continuum isn't a western or a magical fantasy in disguise, but a sobering look at very contemporary questions. Much like the superlative Battlestar Galactica (only with a much smaller budget) it isn't afraid to address scary subjects. And yet it's still fun.

Best performances are by the leads Rachel Nichols and Erik Knudson, with a cast of great supporting actors. Nichols, as Kiera carries us with her admirably through all of the twists and turns. I believe the key here is an admirable restraint that keeps performances focused on creating convincing characters while opening the doorway to a dazzling array of narrative possibilities. Rather than relying on formulas the show gets more interesting as it goes along.

**minor spoilers only for the first episode for explanation of the series**

This Canadian series caught my eye on a trip up north to Vancouver (where it's actually being filmed), and I'm very glad it did. I was surprised to see a very good cast anchored by Rachel Nichols and sci-fi fans will recognize a lot of faces from other series. This review is only after the pilot episode, so obviously I don't know how the series will turn out, but it looks like a very promising cyberpunk/cop hybrid series.

It is a time travel show in which future corporate "Protector" Kiera Cameron (Nichols) is unwittingly zapped back through time from an evil corporation-run 2077 to present day 2012 when trying to prevent a group of freedom fighters (or terrorists depending on your politics) from escaping execution through some kind of wormhole.

Not realizing the situation, Kiera tries to call for backup using her implants' encrypted transmission but instead reaches young computer genius Alec Sadler who happens to be inventing the future technology in his step father's barn. The escaped prisoners realize that instead of being transported back the six years they were supposed to be in order to stop the evil corporations from taking control, they've been sent back over sixty years.

Unfortunately, when they realize they can't strike against the future evil corporations, they decided the present ones will do just fine! Kiera realizes she must bring in the escapees before they start an all out war in present day Vancouver! Problem is she hasn't been born yet and hence has no jurisdiction. While investigating the transport site, she meets up with Detective Carlos Fonnegra and passes herself off as a Portland detective and the series begins.

It has a lot of cool near future tech like augmented reality eye implants, as well as recording and memory implants. To top it off she comes back wearing her Protector issue smart chameleonware body armor that not only deflects bullets, but provides invisibility cloaking, can interface with computers, and also deliver electric shocks, making Kiera a bit of a super spy in the present day.

Sci-fi should make you look critically at the world about you and Continuum does that and the older reviews of the early seasons reveal that in doing so it has upset some people.

This show was made a decade ago but has probably grown in relevance. The contemporary events when it was produced were enormous private corporate losses being assumed by the workers\taxpayers, growing rights for corporate bodies, fewer rights for citizens, the cementing of the concept of terrorism into the zeitgeist and then being used as a justification for all manner of privations against the people.

It's 2024 and in the UK they are trying to classify wife beating as terrorism, people unhappy with their lot and lashing out are being jailed for speech or for throwing an empty drinks container, tech is embedded and in bed with government and are happy to assist to criminalise and prosecute.

Whatever happened to 'i disagree with what you are saying but will defend to the death your right to say it'? 10 years ago continuum showed us this future where the police don't even need bother to arrest you, merely facially recognise you and show up at 5am and take you away in your jimjams.

Continuum correctly predicted the mindset whereby you can simply say 'terrorism' and everybody joins in the "daily hate" and demands more of their rights removed. That the protagonist and hero of the show was essentially a black shirt enforcer of this regime is what messed with early reviewers. This was a uniquely clever aspect of the show, I can't think of another movie\show where the heroes realisation was delayed so long.

For my money continuum is up there with the running man for sheer prescience, another sci-fi warning ignored. This is smart relevant sci-fi and I wonder if I watch it again in 15 years (assuming it hasn't been altered by AI censors) what else will it have got right.

Continuum is such an awesome show.

1. Great plot. I love the time travel/ change the future vs destiny plot. 2. Beautiful lead actress. Rachel Nichols is pure eye candy. Not only is she beautiful, she is a great actress. 3. Great character development

The plot gets more and more intricate.

The characters get more and more depth.

I wish there were more seasons.

If you like both detective shows and time travel/alt. reality, then this show is for you. > I knew nothing going into this and I liked it a lot. I even watched it again after awhile passed and I kind of forgot details, and enjoyed it even more. Good story, likeable characters, action, drama, and some comedy.