Between

The first episode of Netflix' new "Between" web series (2015) reminds me a hell of a lot of "Jericho" (2006). It takes a frightening science fiction premise and then generally fails to execute anything terribly scary or thrilling. "Jericho" told the story of a small town surviving a mysterious nuclear holocaust — it looked to be a serialized "The Day After" (1983), but ultimately became a chipper, too-safe family drama that almost seemed to channel "The Waltons" (1971).

The premiere of "Between" introduces us to the small town of Pretty Lake, where a mysterious illness is killing anyone over the age of 22 … which is kind of convenient for the young-adult target audience that this show is going for. The show sounded like an update of "The Andromeda Strain" film adaptation in 1971. But after we see the town quarantined, it seems to borrow a page or two from the television treatment of Stephen King's "Under The Dome" (2013). (I disliked that book, and have heard some pretty mixed things about the TV show.)

"Between" has a few things going for it, like well-scripted characters and capable young actors. But it has problems with pacing and tension. There's a nice flourish here and there, including the shot you see below. But for a TV show about a potentially world-ending plague, it fails to scare. I'd give this first episode a 6 out of 10.

What's the deal with naming the town "Pretty Lake," anyway? Is it intentionally generic for thematic reasons, or just lazy screen writing? Are neighboring towns "Big Mountain" and "Long River?"

This series was very much like "Under the Dome" (which aired earlier, and was considerably more stupid. Alien eggs and Butterflies...).

The most confusing thing is the name. What does "Between" have to do with anything?

Other than that, the acting was decent, directing okay, script a bit cliche but held all the way through. The characters were interesting and diverse.

The biggest problem was "nothing new here". Re-done, re-hashed, and some of it unbelievable.

There were numerous logic flaws in the writing. Why didn't the government regularly airlift supplies into the town? Exactly when do gas masks and hazmats work and not work? (Randomly, it seems.) But most of all, the basic premise of people dying off the VERY DAY they turn 22? Sorry Hollywood, but there is nothing biological that magically changes the very day one turns 22 years old. Age is counted from the day of birth... which could be right on time, premature or late. Further, people have different biological clocks. Some live fewer years, some live to a ripe old age. There was no logical explanation of age 22 being the trigger. There are other biological markers that might have made more sense for triggering the virus. Or simply make it a random death factor like real viruses: some people it kills, some it doesn't... but it has about a 50% morbidity rate. The 22 years old thing was illogical. Someone should have caught that right off. (And for the record, that female prison guard wasn't under 22. Give us a break.)

So the consistency was off, and of course the drama over-played. But it wasn't totally unbelievable, as we well know what people can become when authority is totally removed. That part was the most believable of all. We saw here a regular battle between good, neutral, bad and evil. Pretty fed up though, with yet another "government conspiracy" plot. Not that I don't think there aren't government conspiracies... but come up with something new people.

So 6 stars for being an entertaining watch, which is all I hoped for. I was disappointed there wasn't a third season, but maybe the caliber of this series didn't warrant a third season. By the time it ended the government conspiracy bit had been overplayed and overcooked. I don't see where they could have gone much beyond this.

Yes, it is unbelievable, parts of it could be better, but nonetheless, it retains interest throughout. Watchable drama that does not pretend to be anything other than entertainment. Also, so fitting for the times. An entertaining way of passing the time in isolation caused by the COV-19 virus.

I give this show a solid 7. Yes, some of the dialogue/acting seems a bit wooden at first but, as the season progresses, the actors and their characters grow. The apparent "holes" in the story are there to create suspense. As the characters grow and learn more about themselves, the virus, and their places in the "new" Pretty Lake, so do we the viewers. For such a young cast, I think they did an outstanding job! I only wish Krystal Hope Nausbaum had been given a bigger role. She is totally awesome as Amanda! Oh, and I watched every episode of the first season before coming to any conclusions, rather than after 1 episode like most of my fellow reviewers.

Everytime you think, "this character is the one that I will enjoy". Try again. All characters are losers, who will always do the wrong thing when the chips are down. I really wanted to enjoy this show. And there is enough to make you wonder what will happen. If you are smart you just won't start watching. You will be sad if you do. Frances the little black girl on the farm is probably the only character I would want as a friend from this town.