This Is Not My Life

I've only seen the first four episodes but if the remaining nine are similar then intelligent Sci-Fi lovers have finally found something to look forward to. Much better than the likable yet confusing 'Life On Mars.' More comprehensible than the silly melodramatic 'Heroes.' This TV series is from New Zealand so you'll have to be, erm... creative in how you get a hold of this series. I suspect that this will change, though, and world wide distribution will follow quickly.

This Is Not My Life is an absorbing sci fi drama featuring Charles Mesure, Tandi Wright, and Miriama McDowell. It is set in the future in a Utopian leafy suburb of Waimoana in New Zealand.

Don't let the fact that it's a TV program from NZ put you off. The production features some fine international heavyweights and UK viewers especially will enjoy this. The American fans of network TV are gonna be left wondering when the bombs and bullets are ever gonna start so they won't like this at all.

The script is top notch and you'll have to listen to every word because there is no exposition thrown out for an inattentive teenage crowd.

The clever placement of gadgets and gizmos are blended into the unfolding drama and not thrown in your face. The dialog is seductively menacing and at times chilling to listen to.

Pencils and paper are things of the past. The 'greenies' and tree huggers won! 'Carbon credits' for driving and flying are a privilege and you'll get a stern finger wagging if you go overdrawn.

The performances, direction and effects are universally solid. There was an annoying moment when the little girl was running down the hall away from her father and it was obvious to the dead that she was looking directly at someone and not where she was running, but maybe I'm quibbling.

I'll leave you to figure out the story for yourself... much like the lead in the story is having to do! If you are a fan of John Wyndham then you'll ease right into this.

My personal view is that if this standard of programming can sustain itself for the entire series then it will be as important for science fiction as the original series of Star Trek.

If it loses direction, gets sentimental or silly then it will be forgotten very quickly.

But for the moment I am for the first time in decades genuinely thrilled about watching science fiction on TV...

Being from New Zealand I have relatively low expectations for New Zealand TV, but both my partner and i were pleasantly surprised after the first episode and are excitedly waiting for more. The show has a slightly scifi side being set in the near future, however don't judge it for that, the acting is wonderful and the production values high. Just when you think you have it worked out the show throws a twist that leaves you confused but in a good way. I'm proud to say that NZ TV really has stepped up its game and if this continues down the same road Im sure this show could compete with the best of TV coming out of the states. GO TVNZ;)

This was a great show and much better than expected. Well done. I read in other reviews that ABC purchased the show, and let it die. Wow, another screw up by an American entertainment org. The shows on American tv are mostly bad, and I can say this because I'm an American. I'd recommend this show to anyone. Both my wife and I really enjoyed it.

I'm from Portugal and this series begun here in the end of June. It was really catching in the beginning,the actors are great in their roles and they make us believe that the story is real. However, being a curious person, I searched on youtube and I just finished watching the series. I dare say that the writers didn't know what to do to make an accurate ending and they left the story unfinished, I guess they did that to leave the opportunity for a new season but the viewers deserved a better treatment.

My vote is 7 for the whole show but, for the last episode, it should be a 2.

I doubt I have watched a TV series end to end since From the Earth to The Moon' but at last a show that assumes some intelligence of it's viewers and setting and story line that leads you to want to know more.

Clever style making the most of real places, buildings and setting - so does not feel too far in the future. The NZ production (and hence I assume lower budget available than a US made series) seems to have led to more thoughtful writing and directing and probably works in its favor. It will be interesting if greater funding ahead will round off the edges.

Various levels of story it seems, so one suspects the story will actually become more complex as it goes along.

Also real-life modern NZ-English language and architectural style should add a level of interest to non-NZ audiences and so probably appeal to those looking for more thoughtful programs than most.

Could be the basis for a long running and trend setting sci-fi-ish series. Well done guys.