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This television series is an adaptation of the very enjoyable film from 1979. I don't think it is appropriate to judge a work by comparing it to another version, but I do think such a comparison can be useful in identifying ways it could be better.

The film starred Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen. McDowell was very successful in conveying the Victorian manners that one would expect from H. G. Wells--the British author who wrote science fiction classics and championed science as the key to a Utopian society. He also was very convincing in his portrayal of a nineteenth century man confronting the technological advances of the late twentieth century. While Freddie Stroma brings a certain charm to the television role, he comes up short in these two areas.

Genesis Rodriguez plays the role of Jane Walker, the modern American woman whose life is disrupted by Wells. She fits the role fairly well. But her characterization (as well as Stroma's) is handcuffed by the script.

As is common these days, the pilot launches pall mall into the story with barely a moment of character development, hoping to hook viewers on the action. This shortchanges the story and the viewers' understanding of the characters. Also, the writing advances the plot so quickly that it fails to establish the authenticity of the characters' motivations or emotions. The viewer is asked to bounce form one action scene to the next without time to consider or feel.

The way that Wells--and the man he chases--so quickly adapt to the surroundings of 21st century New York City with barely a question strains credulity. Modern Americans are incredulous at Wells' invention, despite the fact that modern technology advances so quickly, but Wells supposedly accepts and understands the modern miracles around him like someone who had already read books from 2017.

Despite the fact that the sci-fi aspects of the story have been minimized, the romance and suspense aspects of the story may suffice to make this an interesting show. Hopefully, the script's pace will slow enough for the characters to become more than names or titles, allowing the audience to become more emotionally invested.

If your someone who appreciates Jack the Ripper shows/movies; but also someone for who, the thought of time travel isn't so far fetched; I have a hard time imagining you wouldn't like this show. Those are no spoilers, it's legit the point of the show to it's very core without specifics.

As far as these low reviews? I mean I wouldn't watch a werewolf movie and give it a 1 because I don't like werewolves. We have to have a clue about these things and what we are going to watch. Otherwise someone should include in their review about maybe an old western that they hate old westerns before handing out a 1. I've seen some bad shows, for people to give this show such a poor rating is sad and I'm curious what makes their brain tick. I'm wondering if they know it's a show about time travel to a point with character we know about, what could the problem with plot be? Ok Hitchcock, your so much more qualified than a department at a major studio lmao who've had success at supreme level. Does that mean you have to like everything, no. But cmon, don't complain about the plot of this show when anyone with a clue understands the made complete and total sense. Don't psycho-analyze everything Freud. Or you will never be able to sit back and enjoy any show

Yes we are all different, but the show proved fantastic for what it was intended to be. It's a shame it never got a chance to get to far in depth or allow plot to develop but the show itself was great and the plot was so incredible it's unbelievable.

OK, so the show is a bit cheesy at times but I really enjoyed it. I watch a lot of crime shows so it's nice to find a show like this. It is not dark like many of them are. I like the idea of love at first sight so that is a draw for me. I enjoy science fiction and mystery. This show seems to have it and I'd like to see where they take it. I think it has potential and I want to see what they do with it. I've seen the movie and while it was a decent I like the show far better.

I've not seen the original movie, but with my love of history I really enjoyed the two hour premiere. Of course, that generally means (and judging by all of the horrible reviews here) that it will be another short lived show. Like many others, I've held a fascination with Jack the Ripper and am interested to see the story line. H G Wells, was clearly a man ahead of his time, and I think that they will do well with this character. Please give it a chance and stop being so negative all at once. Its refreshing to see something other than a political or hospital drama!!

I'm left scratching my head at the negative reviews this series has attracted. Maybe its mostly H.G. Wells purists, who don't like adaptations of his work?

Indeed, to be fair, there have been some horrible adaptations, of Wells stories. Thankfully, this is not one of them. Certainly, it by no means adhere's to the facts of Well's life or strictly speaking his stories as written but so what?

The fact is this is a well made series that's a mix of thriller and sci fi action. Viewed from this perspective its extremely enjoyable. The characterizations have depth, the sci fi elements meld into a Wells- ian centric universe and the action is well paced and enjoyable. I especially like how the series writers have creatively blended elements of H.G. Wells life and literature and the Jack The Ripper murder mystery.

Sure its a far fetched yarn but its still engaging stuff.I really like this series and plan to keep watching. Seven out of ten from me.