Rogue

I'm perplexed as to why people don't like this show more. I'm not going to describe the show in details, because there's an synopsis of the show here at IMDb. I will tell you, however, that the acting is excellent, especially from lead actors Thandie Newton and Marton Csokas. The show is compelling and engaging and isn't nearly as slow-paced as some reviewers suggest. Its pacing is actually rather brisk when compared with some other shows I've watched over the last handful of years, such as The Wire and The Killing. It also doesn't shy away from sex or violence. Perhaps the body count isn't high enough to appease today's audience...I'm not sure, but the idea that patience is lacking these days doesn't seem far fetched in the light of the fact that many people talk about The Avengers being the greatest film of all time...with a straight face. For the record, I actually got a kick out of The Avengers... Anyway, for the more enlightened viewer who's looking for an entertaining show that keeps you guessing what's coming next (without the use of cheap plots twists and run-of-the-mill storytelling), look no further. I'm fond of many popular series such as Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, BoardWalk Empire, and Dexter, and I can honestly stated that this one is worth watching.

One thing is for sure, you just can't rate this with a 6 or a 7. It's definately a 9, maybe a 10 for me. And it sure is worth your time to watch all episodes back to back. Ethan Kelly makes everything look so simple from the moment he appears in the series, but without being the classic "i am the best and i can't be killed" american hero way. Cole Hauser at his top!!!

Starting off with a very shaky couple-three episodes (to the point you're seriously questioning why you are still in the chair).. but the initially very dubious acting settles down in the middle and towards the end of season one. But then the way they wrap up the storyline finale in episode ten is just so awkwardly amateurish, it's almost like they had no clue as how to end it. Not that there was an absence of previous implausibles (beginning with a ninety-pound Newton as an undercover cop), but nothing close to the head-shakers finishing S1. Then the setup and bridge between S1 and S2 takes an excruciating four full episodes. And up till that point the ensemble of new characters (including the lead actor) can't adequately carry any of those episodes. Honestly, they're all pretty boring..lacking a solid storyline, or any truly interesting characters (good or bad) for the audience to get into. They just come off as near four hours of fill to get back to the main story...(which once again turns out to be very thin). Also it's another in a long list of shows that willingly insult the intelligence of its' audience by readily feeding it premises that are not believable, or at best exceptionally simple-minded. Season one was somewhat effective, but the second is just a mess...and so poorly written, it just ultimately winds up being bizarrely stupid. The third season once again lacks interest.. and for many the end of the series comes near the midpoint (S3E4)..from that point onward there's little incentive to continue... minus a solid script, they're mostly void of any merit. There are lots of shows deserving second and more seasons.. unfortunately this is nowhere near one of them.

If you can just grin and bear the first season, it's worth it. Forget Thandie Newton's charachter, she's duller than dishwater and stupid with it, so just focus on Marty and Ethan and you'll enjoy it.

Season 1 of Rogue was top notch entertainment from the marvelous acting, great photography, excellent music, and most of all, a clever, evolving, engrossing script that manages to keep you guessing right up to the last episode. Thandie Newton (Condoleeza Rice from "W") gives a spell-binding performance week after week, and she is matched by Ian Tracey, Ian Hart, Joshua Sasse, and Marton Csokas. The real treat here is how well the supporting actors do, from sexy Leah Gibson to Claudia Ferri, and Rachel Shelley, but to me the scene stealer is young Sarah Jeffery who plays Thandie's daughter. Kudos to Matthew Parkhill in his first outing as a producer and special mention to composer Jeff Toyne and Emmy winning photographer Kieran McGuigan ("Bleak House").

This series is not for the squeamish and there is a lot of murder, mayhem and nudity.

Season 2 was a bit of a disappointment in every respect. although it did have its moments.

Season 3 was a complete change of pace and may be startling for long time viewers as Cole Hauser (introduced in Season 2) takes over the leadership of the series. But don't lose heart, Hauser proves to be as captivating as Newton and the quality of the scripts, after an awkward transition, only get better.

Season 4 is great - a challenge to Season 1. The final episode is TV at its very best.