Salvation

I liked this pilot and will be back for episode 2. The MIT brainiac felt real: disheveled, impulsive, horny and fun. He teams up with an Elon Musk-type to advance his discovery of doom. The government bad guys are the kind of slick you love to hate. The government's press secretary seems stuck in the middle, but has a good heart that guides her true. I'm sure we'll meet new players.

Season one was pretty much ok, but season two had too much going on. As if the upcoming Armageddon wasn't enough, they had to add so many elements to the series that at some points it felt like I was watching "Dynasty", with an asteroid threat. Stopped watching it at episode 3 of season 2, and read the plot of the remaining episodes online.

First, let's get an important aspect clarified: a lot of reviewers have been (excessively) critical of the scientific veracity behind this show. Yes, they are right, this is not a model of how humanity will divert a ELE capable asteroid.

What this is trying be be is an engaging piece of entertainment that is (1) not a cop drama, (2) not a medical drama, (3) not a who's sleeping with who drama. It has taken a media-popular scenario - asteroid heading toward Earth - and wrapped it in a well presented package with charismatic cast and good pacing. It is absolutely light in scientific accuracy, but - I'm not sure how to put this clearly - IT'S A TV SHOW!!!

There are some interesting characterisations and scripting so far has been tight with only a few 'off pace' moments. Yes, a lot of characters are heavy on stereotype, certainly more than we get in UK shows - but, again, this is an entertainment show. I watch it for my brain to go into neutral and coast along; if I want accuracy, I'll watch Discovery.

As with all good sci-fi - the real story is nothing to do with the tech - it's all about the people and how they react to a situation. The asteroid is simply a McGuffin that puts a shiny angle on the show...

The first season was borderline great despite a few cliches here and there but the second season tries to do way too much all at once. The result is a frustrating, uninteresting follow up to a promising first season. The constant flip flops, twists, and desperate character development left me wishing the asteroid would hit and put it all to an end.

If they cut out the entire character Jillian it would improve at least 1-2 stars.