lilamcgrew

Perhaps it's unfair to compare, but I'm going to anyway. Had I not already watched all five seasons of the French series "Astrid", I may have liked this better. Sadly, this English version falls flat.

Character development is weak, and the dynamics between the main characters falls short of expectations. Patience and Astrid are both autistic, but that's as far as the comparison goes. They are on different parts of the spectrum.

Patience is high functioning, and would not attract much notice in ordinary situations. With the exception of recognizing Patience as an asset for detective work, DI Metcalf is unremarkable. There aren't the dramatic differences between the two characters that make "Astrid" amazing.

Astrid, on the other hand, is highly intelligent but social interactions and changes in routine are extremely difficult for her, and can result in excessive stimming and panic attacks. Her behaviors are glaringly atypical and attract a great deal of attention. In contrast, Raphaelle is quite boisterous. She is able to help Astrid adapt and grow, giving her the confidence to try things outside her comfort zone. Astrid is also a positive influence in Raphaelle's life.

Watching Astrid's transformation is as much a part of the story as crime solving. I can't say the same for Patience.

I realize this is science fiction, and it's necessary to suspend some disbelief, but the character of Dr. Robert McKay is painful to watch.

His behavior detracts from what would otherwise have been a very enjoyable show.

McKay is an arrogant, egotistical, self-absorbed, self-important prat with no filter. Add to that a whiny little baby with a perpetual doom complex.

He's a walking talking diplomatic disaster that no one in their right mind would include on a first contact mission. His sense of entitlement and superiority creates diplomatic tension and sabotages negotiations.

In his desire to impress and assert his superiority, he routinely discloses extremely sensitive/classified information to the detriment of the team, Atlantis, and/or even earth.

His failure to learn from these constant failures is irritating.

I'm nearing the end of season 2, and if this behavior doesn't improve, I'm likely to not finish season 3.

I sometimes wonder if his constant verbal diarrhea is used as a means to fill in time in the script.

I used to like this program. SSA Jess LaCroix (Julian McMahon) was a level headed, compassionate leader who considered his and his teams actions carefully. These are the qualities one would expect of the head of a law enforcement task force. I liked and respected this character.

By comparison, SSA Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott) is a hot headed reactionary with no self control. In the real world, his actions would likely result in injury or death to members of his team and/or innocent bystanders. I can't imagine anyone with his temperament being allowed to remain in the FBI, let alone achieve a leadership role. I have no respect for this character.

Before Julian McMahon's departure, I would have rated this show an 8. Dylan McDermott's character diminishes the show and makes it painful to watch. Unless this situation changes, I'll be switching off.