Beyond

So after binge watching the first 10 episodes, I'm now in a position to put forward a review a little bit more comprehensive than what's been posted previously (by the way, it's cheap*, not cheep).

The first few episodes are a bit slow to get into as for the character having super powers, well it's a bit more than that. As far as being categorised as a mystery series, I'd say this hits the mark, particularly when you think about the back plots to newly introduced characters not being lain out on a table for you.

The actors aren't the best in the world but I've seen worse and to be honest, I'd give them a decent 7/10, with more talent and "CGI" playing a role the further you get into the series.

Without spoiling the plot to much (which does develop quite well I'd say), the main character is well formed and continues to show growth throughout each episode. A few side characters fall away which just supplemented the main story line more than anything but nevertheless still played an important role in the plot.

Overall, I'd suggest watching the first 3 episodes all the way through rather than fast forwarding and looking for the big action explosions because these simply aren't there till much later on however there is a good insight into whats to come in the second episode.

During the pandemic, this hits the spot when you've nothing to watch. I've only watched Season 1. 80% of the actors are terrible- either the writing or their delivery. It's staid and seems odd/out of place. But the plot is interesting, albeit predictable. I'd rate it 6-7 stars out of 10

westworld...game of thrones..we can safely say in this day and age that the quality which can be achieved in the TV medium can be amazing,truly awe inspiring stuff.Being able to connect with the viewers through likable characters with fleshed out personalities and flaws,first class acting delivered by titans in their field.

then there's the 'arrow' style of TV production...colour by numbers,cookie cutter,play it safe TV.shows that stretch out story lines to pad out a lack of story.side stories that never lead anywhere.TV where all the teens have perfect white teeth,no acne,siblings who look nothing alike but fresh off a catwalk,mediocre acting that makes you feel nothing...vacant,slightly dead inside,coma TV.

now,don't get me wrong,I'm not saying 'coma' as in 'it'll bore you to sleep'.there has probably been a group of TV producers/executives who've done market research for this just to make sure it excites to just the right level without pushing anything so as not to rock the boat...the whole thing just stinks of 'formulaic' (even the mysterious assassin was done better and way more sinister in 'utopia')

basically..the shows a pass..in the same way that 'the dome' was a pass...'arrow'..'the flash' and all the other one dimensional shows that leave you pondering absolutely nothing except plot holes and inconsistencies. i don't know about you guys but I'm tired of giving formula TV 'a pass'...the bars been raised...its shape up or ship out time...go hard or go home

If you run out of sf / mystery tv shows, and you try to dig out something, this show is watchable if you skip 2 till 4 episodes in both seasons, they are boring and have no relation to any important story plots. After 5th episodes things actually start to happen. The Story is a little above bad. Acting same, tho Jonathan Whitesell and Eden Brolin performances are kinda good, and they basically lift the series with their scenes. Protagonist and the rest of the supporting cast are mediocre to bad. If you like sf / mystery fun you might find some enjoyment in this show.

I found this show enjoyable and it pulled me in. It has some good actors and some very well done scenes (I was particularly impressed by Eden Brolin- -it seems the Brolins may be getting better with each generation.) However, you must suspend disbelief almost entirely, as the show's plot really doesn't stand up to any sort of analysis.

Like many of the other early reviews here, I binge watched this series over the New Years holiday.

I went into 'Beyond' thinking it was likely campy, breezy, sci-fi with an eye toward a YA demographic (similar to Freeform's 'Shadowhunters', a guilty pleasure if you're in the right mood).

However, this show takes itself more seriously-the violence in the early episodes is much more realistic. As is the bickering that goes on in the lead character's family. Additionally, there are more serious background themes present here concerning the exploitation of grief by religion and commerce, as well as the common experience of PTSD by former soldiers. Heady stuff, for this kind of show. That this show takes itself more seriously, however, is not really a good reason to watch it. The early episode violence is gratuitous, to the point that it doesn't even make sense by the end of the series; and the background issues remain firmly in the background.

The central conceit of the show is that after recovering from a 12-year coma, the lead character Holden is plagued by mysterious visions, supernatural experiences, recruitment attempts by bizarre cultists, as well as the attention of a beautiful and mysterious woman who wants to help protect him from all of these other things.

With each episode, more memories from Holden's time in his coma are revealed. Whether these memories are dreams, near-death experiences, or actual memories of time spent in purely spiritual world slowly becomes clearer over the course of the episodes. The way in which Holden's memories are revealed, and their relation to the cult and his mysterious guardian are what pulls you into the story. Along the way, there are also some really well done bits concerning Holden's romance with another coma victim, as well the appearance of random characters, such as a movie obsessed pharmacist, that make the unfolding of Holden's story rather more enjoyable than it probably ought to be.

By the end, frankly, none of it makes a damn bit of sense, making a scene from Holden's middle episodes romance all the more foretelling. In that scene, after catching a fish with his paramour, he lets it go, much to her amazement-the moral being that it is about the effort/journey, not the result/destination. As long as you keep that in mind, and don't bother trying to make sense of the series as a whole, 'Beyond' is an enjoyable ride.