Defying Gravity

[Crothian]

For my the story is interesting enough that I haven't even noticed the soundtrack.

 

[coyote6]

I noticed a ballad played in the last few minutes of the first or second episode (maybe both!), but that's all I've noticed.

I'm curious to see what the secret is, and what sort of thing Beta is -- alien? A mini-monolith alien artifact? A post-Singularity AI, a la Stross's Eschaton? An angel in a box? Damaged holodeck from a 31st Century Enterprise?

Of course, the real mystery is, will ABC show all 13 episodes, or will we have to wait for the DVD set (or availability on the 'net, after it shows on BBC)? In other words, will it be Daybreak part 2 (albeit sadly lacking in Moon Bloodgood)?

 

[Arnwyn]

My wife and I are watching it - and, to quote a poster: "It's not terrible." The science is wonky, but understandable given TV budgets... but wonky and noticeable nonetheless.

I agree with the poster that mentioned the (first episode's) over-use of blaring pop songs. I envy those that didn't notice it, but I don't see how. (Of course, I'm not used to watching Grey's Anatomy/Desperate Housewives kind of stuff, so that could be it.)

Since we DVR it, we don't have to go out of our way to catch the episodes... we can watch it when we're bored.

Firmly mediocre.

 

[Guillaume]

My wife and I have watched the first three episodes on CTV here in Canada. Personnaly, I enjoyed the show. Now, I wont say that it is the best sci-fi show ever presented on TV. Howerver, it is intriguing enough that we will try to watch all 13 episodes, if not while they air, certainly on the CTV.CA website.

 

[Darthjaye]

Maybe BBC America will put it on and finish the run if ABC does not.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Enjoyable so far. (4 Episode). I will continue following it.

 

[coriolis]

My TiVo recorded the first episodes as a suggestion, and I've found it a rather enjoyable series so far.

The science is, of course, not perfect -- for example, they give an explanation why everyone walks around (rather than floats), but that doesn't cover why their hair & other things aren't always floating

They did provide an explanation for it in the latest episode.
--------------------------------------------
Overall, here's my opinion of it:

Good points:
- Interesting concept (a six-year mission around the solar system, with flashbacks to their training period)
- Lots of prominent roles for Canadian actors (Laura Harris, Christina Cox, Maxim Roy) [and regarding Ms. Roy, I think it's the first time a Quebec actor has had a regular spot on an American network series]
- Ron Livingston's character (basically a slightly depressed version of his usual schtick)

Bad points:
- Some cliché characterization (the sexpot, the nerdy goofball, the straight arrow that falls for the bad boy)
- The hidden mission with the secret cargo that reminds viewers too much of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Is it just me, or is the whole 'alien artifact' story advancing way too rapidly? It seems like it's featured in the A- or B-plot in every episode so far, and I worry that the writers won't be able to maintain the suspense for the whole season, much less the whole prospective series.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Is it just me, or is the whole 'alien artifact' story advancing way too rapidly? It seems like it's featured in the A- or B-plot in every episode so far, and I worry that the writers won't be able to maintain the suspense for the whole season, much less the whole prospective series.

The way the numbers are looking, chances are it won't be renewed for another season anyway, even as a summer show. In fact, I'd bet money the producers/writers know that, and are pushing it along.

 

[coyote6]

It's a coproduction of one of BBC, and has deals to air in Canada and Germany; I suppose if it does well there, it might get a second season even if ABC doesn't go with it. No idea how likely that would be, though.

 

[LightPhoenix]

It's a coproduction of one of BBC, and has deals to air in Canada and Germany; I suppose if it does well there, it might get a second season even if ABC doesn't go with it. No idea how likely that would be, though.

I didn't realize that. In fact, I didn't even notice that had been said upthread. Doh! Sorry!

That certainly changes things. If ABC isn't paying the full cost, that means they can accept a lot less in advertising revenue than would normally be the case. It doesn't change the fact that it's coming in last in the 18-49 category, so ABC still might choose not to air it. It definitely won't be moving to a weekday. I could see it being thrown away on a Saturday night though.