FlashForward

FlashForward is a drama based around an incident where everyone on Earth loses consciousness and sees a vision of their future. ABC 2009-2010

Review

ORIGINS

Although the show was based on a novel (of the same name) by Robert J Sawyer the television adaption owed much to ABC's Lost. Following on right towards the end of Lost's run the show featured the same mystery driven science fiction, a large ensemble cast and even Lost alum Dominic Monaghan and Sonya Walgan.

CONTENT

However, the producers failed to learn the lessons of Lost's success. The characters were never fleshed out adequately and the incoherent mysteries dominated proceedings. After a season of falling ratings the show was cancelled in May 2010.

THETVCRITIC

I was one of many who foolishly assumed that FlashForward would capture at least some of Lost's appeal. I committed in advance to recording a podcast covering each episode. It was an important lesson to learn because it made for unappealing listening to hear me tearing a show apart each week. Some will say it was worth it for my high pitched rant during episode twelve (Revelation Zero).

LEGACY

FlashForward was the first of several attempts to mimic Lost in a very direct way. Yet what made Lost work was first and foremost the strength of its characters. In contrast FlashForward let the plot drive things and failed to gain the allegiance of viewers. One unfortunate contribution which the show made to television history was an appalling lead performance by Joseph Fiennes as Mark Benford. I have never seen such a high profile lead play a role with the same grating intensity and absence of nuance.

November 2011

Podcast

Open the FlashForward podcast in iTunes or in your favourite RSS reader:

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