The First: Viagem a Marte

This seems to me like a bait for SciFi fans, 95% drama and 5% SciFi, and that is really fair percentage estimation. Since there is really not much of a SciFi in it at all, rather something that is achievable in science today!

When you look at the poster, when you see The First is categorized in the sci-fi genre, then you expect to watch something outer space. So if you come for that just be prepared to be disappointed because there is almost no question of sci-fi in this show. It's just a drama about knowing who to choose to join the next astronaut team that will explore Mars. So every episode is about that question and it gets a bit boring at some point, especially if you were expecting more 'spacey' moments. The acting isn't bad so no complaints about that. I don't know if there will be a second season, but if there is, they better be on Mars within two episodes or i'll be gone.

Where were all the rockets, spaceships, science and space?

Every damn episode is of Sean Penn boohooing and working out. Sean Penn running with no shirt on, Sean Penn using dumb bells in the pool, Sean Penn playing basketball and more Sean Penn and his damn dumb bells! This was just a glorified Sean Penn work out video.

You know what would of made this better? If you had Sean Penn running with no shirt on....in space! Sean Penn using dumb bells in the pool....in space! Sean Penn playing basketball and more of his damn dumb bells....in space!

If there is a season two. Lets have it actually be about Sci-Fi and less about Sean Penn. If you have to have him working out, he better be working out on Mars!

This show has left me stunned and haunted. It is absolutely beautiful, and achingly raw, sad and honest. Don't let anyone convince you that it never "got off the ground" as I see some reviews stating. That is flat wrong. Every single character is complex, human, flawed and totally relatable. Each character's story is developed so carefully and each story line refuses to be rushed. We are so used to 30 second sound bites and immediate gratification in our culture that many people want to be entertained without having to think, go deep and reflect on how the TV show or movie make us feel. This show refuses to cater to our need for rushed results, like fast food for the senses. Be prepared to settle in and take a gorgeous, heart wrenching, heart pounding and stunning journey with each character. Don't expect one-dimensional characters or CGI action scenes. This is an intelligent, thoughtful, beautiful show and every actor in it deserves an Emmy for their performances. I hope this show catches on ignites our imaginations for what humankind can accomplish (with a new and empathetic understanding of the sacrifices required to move the human race into the great unknown). Bravo! I'm hooked and can't wait for more.

While this production has high production values and an excellent cast the show is way too boring to watch unless you want to watch something while you drift off to sleep. Why... because for 6 of the 8 episodes nothing happens... NOTHING!!! If you watch episodes 1 and 8 you not only have the whole story but also the high points of the story. In general the show suffers from labored pan shots that go on way too long, labored close ups that go on way too long, and a script lacking in energy and entertainment. If you simply want a visual distraction that doesn't draw the eye too acutely then this is the show for you. Like I said, good for drifting off to sleep.