A Máquina do Destino

You're going to either really like it or find it dull. I think it'll depend on how old you are. If you are young, the future and your life's potential seem limitless, and a show about a machine that tells you your life's potential seem trivial and perhaps stupid, that people in this town would be so impacted by it. But if you are older, and looking back at your life more than looking forward, one may understand there's more to it. There is a reason why many people want to know if they've lived a full life, before the end comes.

The show doesn't tackle this subject with a heavy hand. It's light hearted, but serious when it needs to be. For some, it's satisfying to know you've achieved your potential, while others would find that upsetting; and some are excited by the possibility of something different, while others fear it as doubts and second guessing sets in. Each episode so far covers these aspects of "what if"through various characters who live in this town, and while these first episodes feel slow at times, it's thought provoking at the very least to watch them unfold.

While the show could certainly turn dark and more sinister, I rather enjoy the humor and the mysteries of how some people's lives are going to change and others who are trying to change.

So far I am really enjoying this show. The idea is relatively unique; it rather reminds me of something you might have seen on Twilight Zone years ago.

So far Apple TV has come up with some of the most original programs on TV today. Of course, not all have been winners, but most of them are creative and binge-worthy. There is a reason Apple has received so many Emmy nominations the past few years. They take chances instead of churning out the same old programming.

It might seem a bit slow in the beginning, but it is worth hanging in there, as there are some great characters and unexpected storylines. Of course, throughout, you are wondering, where did this machine come from and what is its purpose? Is that purpose for good or evil?

All that said, I have to say that even though I know it is a fantasy/sci-fi show, I really had a problem every time a customer typed in his/her Social Security number without hesitation. Now THAT is truly fantasy!

As other reviewers have mentioned, this really is not a comedy, so don't expect any great laughs. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you. It probably won't appeal to everyone, but it works for me.

It starts off well and really enjoyed the first 2 episodes. But as the weeks went buy it never really delivered on its potential. By week 7, I was just staying with it because I had watched this much let's see how it ends. Then the last 3 episodes were just terrible ending with nothing more then tune in next season to find out what it's all about. Honestly I could care less about a second season. I can't see myself watching it again. Hollywood writers are so hung up on creating series that can last for multiple seasons. That's why I like British shows because they usually wrap up a storyline at the end of a season. Sometimes one season can be enough.

We watched Season 1 and quite enjoyed it mostly because of the excellent character work by a strong ensemble. Yes, you had to suspend belief, but that seemed obvious from the premise before watching a single episode. We are loving Season 2. If you enjoyed the characters in Season 1, you will really love how they are developed in Season 2. You see so much more of the hearts of each character and the connections between the characters in really lovely ways. No, it's not a comedy like Schitt's Creek, but if you loved the small town sense of community and connectedness from Schitt's creek, you will really love Season 2 of The Big Door Prize.

Not sure why they promoted/labeled this as a comedy.

I guess the marketing people saw Chris O'Dowd and they assumed it was a comedy (and not in the Greek sense)?

You will not laugh with this. You might smile a bit during some sweet and tender moments, but no funny moments.

Expect comedy-seekers to be very dissapointed and give real bad scores.

Sci-fi people will give a fair score (as mine).

A machine shows up in a town, which uncovers people's "potential".

You'll have many theories about how it determines the "potential", but it definitely shakes these people's small-town lifes.

It's well paced, keeps you watching without boring you, throwing a bone now and then, being smart (not "really smart", but smart enough), it doesn't feel gimmicky, all flows fine,...

It's not rivetting, and it's very definitely not a comedy.

It's not brilliant, but it does feel sincere and is well done.

Clearly better sci-fi than most of the stuff out there.

Will watch future episodes.

Thanks to the guys making it.