Proof

Can't believe JB is still so beautiful and has become such a fine actress ... she is superb in this part. I'm agnostic, so I'm open-minded to this "afterlife" stuff. I find the story quite interesting, maybe because I've experienced the "looking down at yourself" and the "light at the end of the tunnel" personally when very young. But I didn't appreciate the "ghost" business in one episode and hope they avoid such nonsense henceforth.

I find all the characters well-played and quite realistic, which seems to evince a lot of grimaces from other reviewers. And several reviewers seem offended by JB's character's strong personality, but she seems to me very believable as a seriously intelligent and experienced surgeon who has lost a young son AND her marriage and who has a daughter in her "terrible teens." I think perhaps these reviewers might be more pleased watching "Married with Children." Beals is spot on as a no-nonsense woman who was all but forced to succumb to the odd offer from the billionaire because the enormous gift would be put to such good use and to turn down such an offer would simply defy logic, and this woman is logical to the core.

I look forward to the next episode ... just no more ghosts, please!

Light of the end of tunnel might sound awfully familiar, especially for a premise to build an entire show on. Thankfully, rich aesthetic design and strong personalities ensure that Proof is more than another paranormal debacle. It definitely looks nice, as the sequences showcase many bright colorful locations, some of which are strikingly futuristic. Characters and methods have ambiance of medical show, although it keeps the focus with the right personal touch.

Dr. Tyler (Jennifer Beals) is a strong headed surgeon who has had a near-death experience. She is asked by eccentric millionaire Ivan Turing (Matthew Modine) to investigate what is beyond death. This set-up is made for human drama, especially on the doctor's part as her family is far from perfect, while delivering different cases or medical issues. The main concern is it might fall into typical medical drama, even with the peculiar theme.

It even has Edi Gathegi who has had experience playing in House and the stubborn leading character is highly skeptical. The structure might feel understandably stereotypical, though the show is sufficiently presentable. It doesn't display hospital environment with narrow style, in fact most of the scenes have amazing view, almost optimistic in nature. The eccentric mansion and most indoor shots are lightly refreshing, several continuous shots in this setting look fitting on futuristic show and they give whimsically modern atmosphere.

Leading roles are presentable with Jennifer Beals, she doesn't appear friendly at first, probably a good decision to not fall into cheesy drama. She's combative and it makes the show more digestible without stepping into spiritual territory. Edi Gathegi as the young intern and Matthew Modine as the bizarre millionaire are both good cast for their characters. The diversity of thoughts and behaviors works well for the delicate plot.

Proof has a classic concept which may be problematic, but it should find light on the end as long as it offers humble human drama in lavish vistas.

I don't know what happens when we die. I am intrigued by it, given my own experiences and after having seen the series Beyond and Back..., where real people told their stories, which were breathtaking. It really wasn't about NDEs because all the people in it had been pronounced dead and flatlined. It was an amazing show.

Proof takes a slightly different stance. A wealthy man, Ivan Turing (Matthew Modine), who has terminal cancer, wants to know what happens when we die, and asks a brilliant doctor, Carolyn Tyler (Jennifer Beals), to investigate the phenomenon. Tyler herself had an NDE when her son died, but has pushed it away and doesn't talk about it. Tyler asks a young doctor, Zed (Edi Gathegi) to join her, and she works with him and with members of Turing's staff.

Carolyn remains skeptical and attempts to handle things in a scientific manner, which is good, and because of that, the show doesn't go into la-la land. I wouldn't mind it, but I'm sure some would.

I have always liked the beautiful, intelligent Jennifer Beals, but she was misguided initially. Her character was unlikeable and annoying. An actress playing this kind of role can choose parts of a script where she can show some vulnerability or warmth -- and it was up to the director to guide her in that, which he obviously didn't do.

It sort of reminded me of Vivien Leigh begging that a line remain in the Gone with the Wind script where Scarlet says she wanted to be kind like her mother etc. -- because she felt without that line, Scarlet was an impossibly awful character. The character of Dr Tyler was in the same boat but with no paddle.

I noticed a change in her personality around the fourth episode and realized the director was different. The change was enough to make her a nicer character.

The story veers out of the hospital covering Carolyn's home life - she has a teenage daughter and is separated from her husband. Also, Zed has his own problems -- he's expected back in his home country, and a marriage has been arranged for him. It isn't what he wants.

The subject of NDEs is a fascinating one but in order for it to play to the masses, it has to be presented in a clinical way, and the episodes have been solid. I hope it continues with Beals' adjustment in character.

I was looking forward to this show, where the basic unknowable answer concerning our existence would be questioned in an entertaining yet intelligent way. It can be done. It has been done. I believe, nay, require character development and back-story. Most persons experience loss and the sadness - even emotional devastation - it can bring. However, after a mourning period, especially when returning to work, a certain civility is expected from the mourner. We have been given enough information to have, at least, sympathy / empathy for the Beals character. But who wants to watch the primary be unabashedly rude every time she opens her mouth. Women can be bosses without such dismissive condescending harshness. It certainly promotes the negative stereotype of a surgeon, though!!

O.k. I tried to wrote this review in Spanish but the system does not let me. So I will try to write it in English, so forget me if I make grammar mistakes. Although the pilot was projected on t.v just yesterday in my country, on TNT Series, I want to say... I am dying to wathc the next episode, even if the plot is not to different, and the psychology of the characters are to similar at the common people whose had to loose someone they loved experience. I am curious about the view from the creators and the guionist, they want to make us believe, or they have more evidence or proof to show us. I want to watch more episodes because the theme about life after life is just interesting and wonderful. After that, the plot, actors and escenography were convincing for me. Thanks everyone!