Between

The first episode of Netflix' new "Between" web series (2015) reminds me a hell of a lot of "Jericho" (2006). It takes a frightening science fiction premise and then generally fails to execute anything terribly scary or thrilling. "Jericho" told the story of a small town surviving a mysterious nuclear holocaust — it looked to be a serialized "The Day After" (1983), but ultimately became a chipper, too-safe family drama that almost seemed to channel "The Waltons" (1971).

The premiere of "Between" introduces us to the small town of Pretty Lake, where a mysterious illness is killing anyone over the age of 22 … which is kind of convenient for the young-adult target audience that this show is going for. The show sounded like an update of "The Andromeda Strain" film adaptation in 1971. But after we see the town quarantined, it seems to borrow a page or two from the television treatment of Stephen King's "Under The Dome" (2013). (I disliked that book, and have heard some pretty mixed things about the TV show.)

"Between" has a few things going for it, like well-scripted characters and capable young actors. But it has problems with pacing and tension. There's a nice flourish here and there, including the shot you see below. But for a TV show about a potentially world-ending plague, it fails to scare. I'd give this first episode a 6 out of 10.

What's the deal with naming the town "Pretty Lake," anyway? Is it intentionally generic for thematic reasons, or just lazy screen writing? Are neighboring towns "Big Mountain" and "Long River?"

I'm only three episodes into the first season. Aside from nickelodeon's Jeanette McCurdy (who really hasn't gotten much time to shine), the acting is horrendous and the dialogue is weak. This isn't a show to binge quickly but if you're looking for something to keep you distracted every now and again, I would suggest you watch an episode or two. There's not really any depth to these characters and the scenes of guns being drawn get tiresome after awhile. I'm not emotionally drawn to what happens to the characters, but at the very least I'm curious as to the cause of the illness.

I don't know why people have this movie.

It is a combination of "Behind The Dome" and "Lord of the Flies". It is not going to win any awards but in a strange way, it is actually entertaining. Maybe it is so because the idea, why a combination of others, is new. In a way, it feels realistic, of how children would actually act in such a situation.

There are many logical plot holes (even from the basic premise, a bio-weapon or such that kills anyone who is over 22, including 22) but some of the actors have some charm about them - in a way that it looks so amateurish that it looks realistic.

It is good having it in the background on Netflix, while doing something else. I've seen many police procedurals rated 7 - 8 here on IMDb.com that bore me to death. This at least, is not amazing but it is relatively interesting.

I looked at the reviews and people are pretty harsh. The show isn't the best but it's far from the worst I watched season 1 and 2(yeah for the people that said it wouldn't make it there looks like it did)and they were pretty good of course there was things you would be like "wtf" to and asked "why didn't you do this instead of that" but it kept me interested. For the people saying why didn't they tell why the virus is happening I mean that is the whole point of the show why would they just up and tell you it doesn't make sense. I never saw the shows that were mentioned to be like it like Jericho and Under the dome but reading the things of saying how similar they were didn't surprise me because nowadays they love making remakes. I wouldn't say that the acting was terrible but it wasn't good. For instance Adam really killed me with how bland he was I was like Where's this dudes emotion and most of these kids are from degrassi which is also funny . But you should really stay tune for what happens at the end of season 2 it's really crazy but at the same time still confusing.

Everytime you think, "this character is the one that I will enjoy". Try again. All characters are losers, who will always do the wrong thing when the chips are down. I really wanted to enjoy this show. And there is enough to make you wonder what will happen. If you are smart you just won't start watching. You will be sad if you do. Frances the little black girl on the farm is probably the only character I would want as a friend from this town.