Quantico

I am a former FBI Agent; I went through the FBI Academy, and even have written a nonfiction book about my experience ("Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent"). I am also a frequent TV watcher, although my tastes definitely gravitate towards the more edgy cable offerings than the big network shows (that quite frankly are usually somewhat "dumbed down" to be appropriate for the masses). Due to my former profession, I felt compelled to watch this show, although I assumed I would be completely disappointed and would find flaws throughout.

Well, the pilot exceeded my expectations. No, the depiction of the Academy is not perfect, but some of the scenes were eerily similar to what I experienced. While most viewers would assume that surely the romances and flings in the show are purely silly fantasy fluff, I can assure you that those types of behaviors did occur at the FBI Academy (infrequently, yes, and with much more average looking people, yes). Funny enough, my biggest gripe was how "nice" the instructors are in the show; I cannot begin to imagine what would have happened if someone was talking on a cell phone at the firing range. FBI Academy instructors in reality are incredibly tough; I still have scars on my knuckles to prove it (but they are some of the best and most dedicated individuals on the planet). But minor gripes aside, the feeling of being back in college in a dorm but with the structure (physically and mentally) of boot camp is what it was really like.

Sure, the storyline is far-fetched, but this is a fictional TV show. It is not the next Homeland; I do not expect it to clean house at the next Emmy Awards show. But for what it is, it is well done, and feels like the show writers at least had enough input to keep the story in line with the "real" side of the FBI.

In summary, this is an admirable effort, especially for a major network; the pilot gets a nice 8 out of 10 from me. If the show goes downhill (which is definitely possible; it seems like one of those shows that might be best as a one-season-only run), I will update my review accordingly. But for now, I will continue to be entertained for an hour each week with the escapism that the show offers.

*** UPDATE ***

It saddens me to have to update the review, but I feel it is my responsibility to do so since I have elected to stop watching the show. Bottom line, it feels like this was written by somebody who is paid by the plot twist, and at some point it cheapens the show to not being watchable. Also, I have to agree with another commenter who felt like the show must be a Shonda Rhimes production (nothing against her, but the show looks and feels much more like Grey's Anatomy than Homeland). I finally had to stop watching because of the gross inaccuracies about the lives of the NATs at the FBI Academy. The show still has entertaining moments, but with so many great shows out there, I am having to pull the plug on this one to make room for others. I suspect that will be the fate of this show; it started strong and has a full season 1 order, but I would be surprised if it made through a 2nd season. But then again, Grey's Anatomy is still on ...

To be honest ... that could have been after the first season. Even that could have maybe have had a shorter amount of episodes. But at least season 1 (which I would have rated higher if only that was up for discussion) was quite intriguing. Like many other movies and shows (24/Shooter) before it, it may not have made too much sense, but we were engaged while watching. The suspense was "real" (well fake obviously, but we could feel it).

Having said that, even during season 1, all the red herrings, all the missleading clues and twists and turns could get too much for its own good. Don't even start trying to make sense of most of it ... relationships get build and taken apart. And binging this really brings out the incoherent writing ... well maybe that is too harsh. But it really does not try to hide the fact that it doesn't care about certain things. Like realism ... like previous set up "facts" ... like things it tells us are important in season 2, just to completely ignore them in season 3. And that does not just include the ending of season 2, that should have left it at that.

There is a nice component in season 3, a new member to be more inclusive (good on them) and the last season is way shorter ... which is something I appreciate very much. So good start, not so good middle and finish ... back to training it goes (or obscurity, whichever works best)

I have probably seen worse acting, but I just can't remember where or when. And the plot, sub-plots, sub-sub-plots, etc., are absolutely ridiculous The Saturday morning cartoons from my youth made more sense! Oh, and the background noise that is called (*ahem*) music is terrible, and sometimes so loud you can't make out the dialogue of the actors. Although that may be intentional, come to think of it.

Some reviewers have suggested that academy scenes are more like co-ed dorms, and the actors/actresses selected for their eye appeal instead of their acting ability. I can agree with that. And many of the reviewers that give it a rating of '1' are offended by how Indians/Hindus are portrayed. But given the political situation when the first season was filmed it was more politically correct than portraying them as Middle Eastern Islamics.

The flashbacks of the academy days at Quantico was interesting. That, and only that, was the only part of the show that made any sense. It took about three episodes to get used to the flashbacks, but they did hold my interest. If that's the way the academy really operates or if it is just more Hollywood conjecture I don't know.

The action scenes can be entertaining, if you don't let the bad acting and ridiculous plots/sub plots get to you.

This show was so good! It took me a few episodes to get into it, but there was a lot going on to keep it interesting once I did! The seasons are all really different from one another, and if you're just starting off like I did, it ends halfway thru Season 3, which was disappointing! The first two seasons have an ongoing plot that lasts the whole arc of the season, but the third isn't quite like that. A lot of people didn't like the unrealistic bits, but I was watching for entertainment, not looking for realism. Plenty of romance and suspense and surprises along the way. If you're looking for a fast paced show that keeps it interesting and you're pretty much stuck at home as many of us are, give it a whirl!

I wanted to like this show. I saw the trailer/teaser for it and I was intrigued.

Sadly, the real show doesn't stand up to the excitement generated in the trailer.

The good thing - the show is technically well made. The photography for the most part is well done, the sound is good, etc. The women are beautiful to look. They are trying to create lots of mystery to draw the viewer in for the long haul.

The bad - the story is just stupid. The premise and the way the characters interact to keep her on the run even though they know she is innocent is silly. The acting is so-so to pretty poor. It's hard to really believe any of these people are FBI trainees. And the actual classes at Quantico are unbelievable - in a bad way.

I have lasted 2 and half episodes and I am done. I have given up.

I don't think it's worth the time to watch the entire season to solve the "mysteries" they generated,