NOTE: This is a SPOILER-FREE review.
Did you watch The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits? Do you think that technology is taking over your life? Are you open to a dark, intelligent show? Then check out this British sci-fi series. There are 2 seasons up on Netflix now; each has 3 eps. I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER seen anything like this before!
Downton Abbey fans will be delighted to see Jessica Brown Findlay in S1 (“A Million Little Pieces”); she played Lady Sybil Crawley on the hit PBS series. She’s a naturally gifted singer who tries out for a show VERY similar to American Idol. The setting of ALL the eps is a world VERY similar to ours, BUT perhaps a bit further in the future. No little green men here, thank goodness! It could appeal to that friend of yours who HATES typical sci-fi fare.
Each ep is a standalone piece, BUT you’ll see similar themes emerge. My favorite ep of S1 (“The Entire History of You”) centers on the age-old issue of romantic jealousy (the green-eyed monster). Speaking of eyes… well, you’ll see! This is the type of show where you don’t want to know TOO much!
There is also a Christmas Special ep starring Jon Hamm (Mad Men); you’ll also see Rafe Spall, Oona Chaplin and Natalie Tena (who both appear on Game of Thrones). It’s my second favorite ep; it has several twists and turns.
The must-see ep of S2 (“Be Right Back”) stars Hayley Atwell (star of Agent Carter) and up-and-coming actor, Domhnall Gleeson (son of character actor Brendan Gleeson). The young Gleeson is thin and boyish (unlike his burly father), but exudes a sort of intensity and maturity that makes him seem wiser beyond his years. Most recently, he co-starred in the critically-acclaimed sci-fi/thriller Ex Machina.