The Innocents

I think this show is very good ..people who have given this show below 7 haven't really understood the concept of this show ...

I'm genuinely surprised by all of the negative reviews. No, this series isn't a straight 10/10; it has some flaws, but it certainly doesn't deserve the lowly, pathetic ratings between 1-5 stars. Admittedly, yes, the series does move at a slower pace while the protagonist and her boyfriend are figuring out her abilities, but the underlying storyline is so much bigger and more intriguing. While the sole focus appears to be on June and Harry, we have other characters (all with their own motives and backgrounds) searching for June, both with positive and negative intentions. Character and plot development often take time in stories like this because smooth pacing is so much more important than non-stop action. No one enjoys a series that appears to move too quickly without any explanation or proper development, so the fact that this series managed to deliver so much potential in only eight episodes speaks volumes.

I wound up binging the entire first season over the span of two days (damn my need for sleep and other obligations), and I'm not the type to binge something unless I'm genuinely intrigued by or enjoying it. The idea behind "shape-shifting" is originally developed in this story, as the ability to shift is directly linked to experiencing strong emotions, ranging from fear, love, pain, etc. The series even includes interesting mythology regarding Berserker warriors, though it is not discussed as much as I would have enjoyed (one of the few flaws) as I would have preferred to gain more knowledge on how shapeshifters came to exist in their world, and how we only know of a handful. However, it's possible they hope to delve more into the history in season two.

I promise that if you stick with this series, it is very rewarding! There was only one episode I found myself a bit bored with, which involves our teen lovers going to what appears to be a rave, but even that encounter is significant. The boyfriend, Harry, is completely devoted to June. He isn't your typical teen character who makes bad decisions; he tries to steer June in the right direction. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for our protagonist, June. She makes minimal dumb decisions, but it's like in horror films when the main characters do something silly to further the plot. In June's defense, she's only 15 going on 16, and Harry makes up for all of the silly situations she puts them in; although her stupidity and naivety is why I can only rate this 8/10. Yes, she is young, but given what she endures over the span of an eight episode season, she should know better!

I realize this series isn't for everyone, especially since so many bashed the show before giving it a full chance, but if you're a fan of the sci-fi genre, English and/or Norwegian scenery, and great plot development, this is the show for you. However, if you are not a fan of cliffhanger series finales, then you might want to wait for season two to be released, or avoid it completely.

Manage your expectations... it's average at best, but not the worst way to kill time. I really wanted to love this as I enjoy sci-if. I also like a good British production/drama, but it wasn't anything special and it was quite slow with very few lukewarm twists/decent moments of gripping drama thrown in sparingly. To be fair, most of the actors were good (namely Harry and some supporting roles), they performed well...after about three episodes it does get better, but just not great.

Just to clarify a couple of other things; someone compared this to the brilliance that is Sense 8. This is nothing like Sense 8. The storyline/plot is VERY different, context completely differs, the scenery and cinematography are also very different. This is more static, less sensual, less versatile, has a lot less drama, suspense and action. It's based in one or two countries max and there's minimal cultural crossover. Sense 8 was a feast for the eyes and mind so I wouldn't want anyone to get their hopes up. Anyway, this is also not as realistic as some are claiming. It might be more so than an assumed glossy, soapy American produced version, but a lot of the interactions between young people are far from realistic. A lot about the runaways and how they run, the hospital, club scenes in Shoreditch how they survive, etc...does not make sense and is far from realistic or believable. I understand that we can be young and dumb, but they often take dumb to unrealistic levels.

I think people who watch a mainly American diet of television will not get this show. Yes it's very young adult but it has such a European pace and subtlety that most won't have the patience for it. I thought it was great and you do have to go beyond three episodes! After that you can't wait to see where it's going. I can even see where a second season would go. In the end if you like a slow burn mixed with a little touch of sci-Fi to give it flavour, give it a watch.

Yes it does have some plot holes but it was a surprise that this was a British/Norwegian production. The characters are far more realistic and more believable than if this was an American show. There are clichéd characters but it has enough intrigue and twists that it makes this far superior than other reviews will have you believe. It is not an action show. It is not a glossy supernatural show. It is far more grounded and, if you stick with it, it has enough going on to make you want to watch to the end.