I just finished watching the very first episode on Hulu tonight, and was quite blown away. This is an action-packed, thought-provoking, intense and extremely well-done show. The level of acting is superb, and the plot offers many twists and turns while leaving the audience with a giant cliffhanger for the next episode to begin answering. Great start to the season, and I absolutely cannot wait for more. If I were in the Navy, I'd want this Captain in charge of my boat, that much is certain. It also begs the question; what would you do in his situation? If you were thrown under the bus by your own nation, how would you react? This is an excellent addition to this fall's television lineup, and judging by the ratings, I'd say that many others agree with me. You can bet I'll be tuning in until the show's conclusion, which hopefully will be a long ways away from now.
77 Reviews
Don't Let This Show Die, It Is AWESOME!
ozfan-122 October 2012
I started watching this show on my I-Phone ABC television app during my lunch break at work. I was floored by the action and excitement of the show. Even on that tiny screen the drama was palpable, so much so I was nearly late going back to work. I am totally impressed with this show. All of the characters are interesting and the cast is excellent. This is a show that keeps my interest and I look forward to the next episode. Unfortunately, the ratings have not been very good and there is a good chance it might not last the season. I URGE my readers to watch this show. I don't think the networks give shows like this a chance. Even I would probably have overlooked it had I not committed to reviewing all the new fall shows. I am not drawn to military drama but this show is not just military drama. There is intrigue, romance, conflict and much more. ABC does have a winner here and I encourage them to stick with this show. WATCH IT!!!!
Started well but lost me
cherold14 July 2021
I really liked this show when it started out. For the first few episodes, I was intrigued by its various mysteries and impressed by a general sense of intelligence. But then, as sometimes happens with me, I began to lose interest. I would watch the episodes, but even though I found them somewhat interesting, my desire to see succeeding episodes began to lessen.
What happened? I'm honestly not quite sure. I think part of the problem was I really didn't care that much about the characters, outside of the captain. I sympathized with their plight, and in many cases understood their actions, and in some cases admired them, but I found them generally a generic bunch rather than living, breathing people.
I also think that even though I found the various mysteries intriguing, I also found them a little exhausting, leaving me on too little solid ground. And I was definitely annoyed by the island bad guy, because he was far more unstoppable than seemed realistic (I don't like unrealistically invulnerable evil people; it's the same reason I don't watch episodes of Bones about their hacker/serial killer).
Whatever the reason, after episode 8 I decided to stop watching. Even when I heard it had been cancelled, and had managed to resolve itself by the end, I just didn't feel like watching the final five episodes to see how it turned out.
I wish I had a better explanation for how I went so quickly from, wow, this show is awesome to, I just don't care. It's just one of those things.
What happened? I'm honestly not quite sure. I think part of the problem was I really didn't care that much about the characters, outside of the captain. I sympathized with their plight, and in many cases understood their actions, and in some cases admired them, but I found them generally a generic bunch rather than living, breathing people.
I also think that even though I found the various mysteries intriguing, I also found them a little exhausting, leaving me on too little solid ground. And I was definitely annoyed by the island bad guy, because he was far more unstoppable than seemed realistic (I don't like unrealistically invulnerable evil people; it's the same reason I don't watch episodes of Bones about their hacker/serial killer).
Whatever the reason, after episode 8 I decided to stop watching. Even when I heard it had been cancelled, and had managed to resolve itself by the end, I just didn't feel like watching the final five episodes to see how it turned out.
I wish I had a better explanation for how I went so quickly from, wow, this show is awesome to, I just don't care. It's just one of those things.
Fast, pacey, gripping, formulaic yet thought provoking - episode 5 - an amazing ride, don't miss it
samarkant130 September 2012
Its a perfect set up. Brings plausibility to events you instinctively react to as not having much of a chance to come about in the real world - at least one hopes so - yet if the catastrophic eventualities were to occur, what would the world look like and how'd they be handled - questions that can be explored only in a dramatization. Its pretty much the American military stud stereotype - yet its fascinating - and leaves you impatiently waiting to see where will all this go. Where's the dividing line between sworn commitment to authority and the default recoil from it when the authority is itself athwart the principles that sanctified and established it. Makes you wonder, think and leaves you thirsting to find out more.
Episode 1 was a blockbuster. Then this thing meandered. It became more lost resort than last resort. And they got it back with episode 5. You forget the directionlessness of episodes 2, 3, 4. Every theatrical punch is delivered to perfection in 5. Its a crowning moment for a story when it is predictable but you can't wait to see it happening. Impossible odds overcome. Impeccable, unbelievably crafty negotiation. Disaster averted at the very last moment. Critics turned admirers. You enjoy an overwhelming impatience for events to unfold - you know how they will - you know its too ordered, too perfect, unquestionably artificial - what the heck - you don't spend your life on a roller coaster - you get on it to savor the short adrenalin rush - and episode 5 is one amazing ride - don't miss it.
Episode 1 was a blockbuster. Then this thing meandered. It became more lost resort than last resort. And they got it back with episode 5. You forget the directionlessness of episodes 2, 3, 4. Every theatrical punch is delivered to perfection in 5. Its a crowning moment for a story when it is predictable but you can't wait to see it happening. Impossible odds overcome. Impeccable, unbelievably crafty negotiation. Disaster averted at the very last moment. Critics turned admirers. You enjoy an overwhelming impatience for events to unfold - you know how they will - you know its too ordered, too perfect, unquestionably artificial - what the heck - you don't spend your life on a roller coaster - you get on it to savor the short adrenalin rush - and episode 5 is one amazing ride - don't miss it.
Finally i can watch something again since "24" finished
drazenpranjic888 October 2012
All i can say is don't listen to this people who say anything bad about this show. Just watch it and then decide. If you love action and adrenaline rushes like i do you will LOVE it! This is by far the best show out there now. Why i say that because if something like big bang theory and other crap shows can be on top then this here will be Godlike. Forget also about this reviews saying its not realistic...its much more realistic then it isn't. This is the only way you will get adrenaline rushes anything more "realistic" would be to boring. After watching the show i just feel good and i am sad that there isn't a captain like this one for real, because there are a lot of bad guys out there trying to destroy our world.
Great Show, Bad Time Slot
patrib-28-5178626 October 2012
The show is great, a little mystery, some action. I only wish that they wouldn't have this show on at the same time as The Big Bang Theory and 2.5 Men. Those shows are going to kill the ratings to this show. Why would they want to compete with these shows that have been the top shows for some time.
Anyway, I believe that this show helps show us the reality that may happen someday. A futuristic military comprising of more women on a US nuclear submarine and what can happen when the crew is tested. Military sub movies are great, so why not have a show based on a submarine? The submarine looks very real and professional and it seems like a lot of time was put into creating this show. The captain is a great actor that adds to this show.
I recommend seeing this if you haven't yet, but you may end up having to watch it online with again the poor choice of time slot.
Anyway, I believe that this show helps show us the reality that may happen someday. A futuristic military comprising of more women on a US nuclear submarine and what can happen when the crew is tested. Military sub movies are great, so why not have a show based on a submarine? The submarine looks very real and professional and it seems like a lot of time was put into creating this show. The captain is a great actor that adds to this show.
I recommend seeing this if you haven't yet, but you may end up having to watch it online with again the poor choice of time slot.
Best show in a long time
fugate_football19 October 2012
This show is, honestly, the best that I've seen since Firefly. To be honest, the storyline is somewhat similar (a captain and crew going rogue against an oppressive government). There are a LOT of facets to the storyline, so don't be surprised if you feel lost at some point. Bottom line it, though, trust the producers and writers. They will bring all of the plot lines together into cohesion given time. And that's exactly what they need: time. Like Firefly, this show should not be cancelled soon (even though it's on the bubble) because these things won't be resolved quickly. Cancellation would mean never-ending cliff-hangers. If you like the show, support it! We can't let it be taken away by the TV moguls. Anyway, I'm excited to see such a well-acted, brilliant show on network TV for the time being.
Great Entertainment.
matthewhutchings00711 October 2012
For pure entertainment value this is one of the best new TV series there has been in a long long time. I loved the pilot and loved the second show. Yes there will always be critics due to the fact there are some errors, but its a dramatic TV series. If they made everything too realistic it wouldn't be great entertainment which this is for sure. The characters are all great in their individual roles but Andre braugher who plays the captain is extremely good. My one worry for the show is that what was shown in the first 2 episodes could have been spread out over around 4 or 5 so if they can produce enough material to the same standard then this show will be one of the best. No i have never been in the navy or ever plan to be so several things may be far from how a sub would actually operate, however 98% of the people watching will be like that so it is best to appeal to the masses. I even watched the pilot twice it was so good.
Is this show gonna win any realism awards? NO Is this show gonna win any entertainment awards? YES, if it the rest of the series is as good as the first two episodes.
Is this show gonna win any realism awards? NO Is this show gonna win any entertainment awards? YES, if it the rest of the series is as good as the first two episodes.
Great Drama
lscenna19 October 2012
Television is about fantasy and this drama takes it to a wonderful and exciting new level. I Can't wait to see how the plot thickens! Last Resort is an intelligent and well written drama that has such amazing actors who I've been fans of for years. I've been a fan of Scott Speedman since Felicity. And what show doesn't excel with the great talents of Andre Braugher. I highly recommend it for those who loved JAG, Lost, and Law and Order. My husband and I agree that it is a total mix of Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide. It raises the big question...what if this really happened. I wish On-Demand had future shows! I can't stop from being on the edge of my seat.
This is a Sci-Fi show. Enjoy, don't expect accuracy
qck124 November 2012
A lot of the reviews for this show seems to expect accuracy. Come on, how much fiction involving the military is accurate even when it is a central part of the story. I have read enough military fiction to know that it is horrible as far as accuracy. How many times do you see thousands of bullets fly at the hero and yet is not hit. This is the reason I do not read contemporary military fiction, it has little to do with reality, and TV is worse. This show is very tongue in cheek, and so why expect accuracy, any more than James Bond. Come on, they wanted to come up with a scenario that was extremely unlikely. Attacking Pakistan is about as unlikely as any, yet can come up with a weak rational to make it somewhat believable. This is a Sci-Fi, and should not be taken seriously, any more than faster than light travel. After all what is a nuclear ballistic submarine doing picking of a seal team. Also, what is a submarine doing with enough ordinance and uniforms to look like a combat team? The accuracy of submarine operations is not central in this show. If you have a nuclear submarine you can stay underwater for a hell of a long time, and have plenty supplies to do that. Police shows are horrible in their accuracy, yet people accept it despite the fact that they are supposed to be quite serious. Then there are the White House based stories.
The show actually has a pretty interesting story with lots of twists and turns. It is a great setup for conspiracies, and there is a good bit of action. There is also the issues of the crew dealing with their loyalties, the islanders dealing with being cut off from the world because of the submarine. I find it an interesting story. Compared to the TV show Revolution, it is so much more accurate and interesting.
The show actually has a pretty interesting story with lots of twists and turns. It is a great setup for conspiracies, and there is a good bit of action. There is also the issues of the crew dealing with their loyalties, the islanders dealing with being cut off from the world because of the submarine. I find it an interesting story. Compared to the TV show Revolution, it is so much more accurate and interesting.
Plot holes you could drive a nuclear sub threw
anthonyparra22 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Have the writers of this series ever been on a Submarine? I had high hopes and was looking forward to the first episode but was hugely disappointed.
O.k First beef, The opening scene is the Submarine retrieving a team of Navy Seals. The submarine in the story is a ballistic missile sub a Ohio class SSBN. The whole point of a SSBN is to go to deep water and hide so an enemy doesn't know where you are. To risk a strategic nuclear asset when other classes of Submarines are well suited for it is just ridiculous. Just add insult to injury they are attacked by another US Sub which must have been nearby and much more suited to retrieving a Seal Team.
Second - US Warships are "Dry" so no alcohol. Even if it was allowed a Captain in charge of nuclear missiles would never give the exec a drink of scotch when at any minute the order may come to launch.
What the hell is a "NATO" communication site doing in the middle of the Indian Ocean? And even if did exist left unguarded! Sending B1 Bombers to bomb a nuclear submarine? That's equally ridiculous. One they are totally unsuitable for sub hunting and a SSBN could easily avoid then by simply diving. No way for a B1 to track a submarine and they could just slip away. Even a dedicated anti submarine aircraft have trouble finding a SSBN if it doesn't want to be found.
The characters themselves seem to have written to a formula of Gruff older navy types surrounded by "Beautiful" male and female young officers (You can see the writers already are going for the sexual tension between the young officers)One the opening scenes for one of the female characters was in her in her underwear that must have purely been put in to excite teenage boys.
The series is utter tripe of the worst type and if you want to watch a series or movie about potential nuclear war or submarines go rent Crimson Tide or as bad as it was "The hunt for Red October".
I understand this series was canceled as it bombed in the ratings. I just wished it had bombed earlier.
O.k First beef, The opening scene is the Submarine retrieving a team of Navy Seals. The submarine in the story is a ballistic missile sub a Ohio class SSBN. The whole point of a SSBN is to go to deep water and hide so an enemy doesn't know where you are. To risk a strategic nuclear asset when other classes of Submarines are well suited for it is just ridiculous. Just add insult to injury they are attacked by another US Sub which must have been nearby and much more suited to retrieving a Seal Team.
Second - US Warships are "Dry" so no alcohol. Even if it was allowed a Captain in charge of nuclear missiles would never give the exec a drink of scotch when at any minute the order may come to launch.
What the hell is a "NATO" communication site doing in the middle of the Indian Ocean? And even if did exist left unguarded! Sending B1 Bombers to bomb a nuclear submarine? That's equally ridiculous. One they are totally unsuitable for sub hunting and a SSBN could easily avoid then by simply diving. No way for a B1 to track a submarine and they could just slip away. Even a dedicated anti submarine aircraft have trouble finding a SSBN if it doesn't want to be found.
The characters themselves seem to have written to a formula of Gruff older navy types surrounded by "Beautiful" male and female young officers (You can see the writers already are going for the sexual tension between the young officers)One the opening scenes for one of the female characters was in her in her underwear that must have purely been put in to excite teenage boys.
The series is utter tripe of the worst type and if you want to watch a series or movie about potential nuclear war or submarines go rent Crimson Tide or as bad as it was "The hunt for Red October".
I understand this series was canceled as it bombed in the ratings. I just wished it had bombed earlier.
Great show
taurusbbe5 October 2012
From the first episode of the show I couldn't help but count the days when the next episode would air. I know most people would think its not really what one would do in a real life scenario but TV shows and movies this days are based on facts vs fiction. Stop criticizing the show and just enjoy it.
The acting is also great. Would love to have such a captain in my sub any day anytime. I think it will really be a great show with the action, suspense. I just can't help but wonder what would happen if the government pushes to the edge. I think it will be a great show all in all but its just my opinion.
The acting is also great. Would love to have such a captain in my sub any day anytime. I think it will really be a great show with the action, suspense. I just can't help but wonder what would happen if the government pushes to the edge. I think it will be a great show all in all but its just my opinion.
Not a war movie an excellent show
obu_timo10 October 2012
Saved this show to DVR was expecting some kind of war movie which I really wasn't interested in, Figured give a shot since a new series.
Boy was I surprised took off right from the start and I was mesmerized WHat a start. Not really a war movie--but a conspiracy and action movie
The start has the captain given the impossible task of launching nuclear warheads on Pakistan because US interests have been fired upon by Pakistan. The captain before going through with the launch checks to see what is happening on the US homeland. From his TV on board he sees everything normal What to do
This is one show that deserves to be renewed based on the first 2 episodes. I cannot give justice to this show unlike any other I have watched. I thoroughly enjoyed Breaking BAD and would put this on a par with it.
Boy was I surprised took off right from the start and I was mesmerized WHat a start. Not really a war movie--but a conspiracy and action movie
The start has the captain given the impossible task of launching nuclear warheads on Pakistan because US interests have been fired upon by Pakistan. The captain before going through with the launch checks to see what is happening on the US homeland. From his TV on board he sees everything normal What to do
This is one show that deserves to be renewed based on the first 2 episodes. I cannot give justice to this show unlike any other I have watched. I thoroughly enjoyed Breaking BAD and would put this on a par with it.
Guess what 99 out of 100 REAL submariners say about his . . .
Gatorman91 November 2012
We had about beaten this thing to death on various Facebook submarine sailor forums when just lately our British colleagues began to see episodes of this on the other side of "the pond" and added a new wave of derision. The simple fact is, if you want contemporary nuclear-submarine-based fantasy watch THE HUNT FOR RED October. CRIMSON TIDE was bad and this is only worse.
Anyway, the average actual, real-life submariner falls into two categories on this: he either thinks it is complete garbage and wants it off the air as of yesterday as defamation of character directed at him and his shipmates, past, present, and future, or he thinks it is complete garbage but since it is "only a TV show" he doesn't care if it goes off the air. Few have reported being able to make it through an entire episode, let alone found it entertaining even as another hopelessly contrived soap opera. It's too ridiculous on essentially every level.
My own view is that it is just VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA all over again but this time with the world's most half-baked take on national and international politics on the one hand and old-fashioned T&A on the other in place of the guys in monster costumes and related bad sci- fi drivel of the original. If the public's mentality is so degraded that this thing can survive long on broadcast television it is no wonder American electoral politics are in such a mess. I give this one star only because there is no zero-star rating available on IMDb.
Anyway, the average actual, real-life submariner falls into two categories on this: he either thinks it is complete garbage and wants it off the air as of yesterday as defamation of character directed at him and his shipmates, past, present, and future, or he thinks it is complete garbage but since it is "only a TV show" he doesn't care if it goes off the air. Few have reported being able to make it through an entire episode, let alone found it entertaining even as another hopelessly contrived soap opera. It's too ridiculous on essentially every level.
My own view is that it is just VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA all over again but this time with the world's most half-baked take on national and international politics on the one hand and old-fashioned T&A on the other in place of the guys in monster costumes and related bad sci- fi drivel of the original. If the public's mentality is so degraded that this thing can survive long on broadcast television it is no wonder American electoral politics are in such a mess. I give this one star only because there is no zero-star rating available on IMDb.
Think Republic Serial 1937
mardermj28 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
A submarine CAPT goes rogue when ordered to nuke Pakistan, the chain of command suspect in his mind sufficiently, for him to hijack the sub to an idyllic island inhabited by pretty people. They (not the pretty people) try to fend off the power and authority of the US whose govt has been commandeered by a sinister SEC of State. Or was it the SECDEF? Somebody. (See--relying on no facts is catching isn't it?
OK--all of this is a stretch but
...the lack of a modicum of realism, in situation, subplot, military bearing, parlance, behavior, etc. has me thinking, a bunch of stylists and artsy farts folks too lazy to even crack Wikipedia, folks who never came close to military or political real world - or graduated high school-made up an alternate so unreal as to be cringe worthy, embarrassing, laughable in some pained way.
Now THAT's treason.
Sean Connery said in Last Crusade "I should have given this to the Marx Brothers". It applies.
Which leads me to my 1937 Republic Serial analogy, a la "Dick Tracy", 15 chapters not even be related, except by character name, to the comic strip from which it was derived.
In Last Resort--which is named so badly you can't figure out what the show is about simply by looking at the title ("LOST" or WALKING DEAD" anyone?) reminds me of Dick Tracy.
I couldn't sit through 15 chapters of that one either, half century ago, when the world was young, money was made out of real silver, and the real world wasn't on financial self-destruct.
And that's the real problem with this show, it's so bad I can't even replace an hour of that reality with successful diversion.
OK--all of this is a stretch but
...the lack of a modicum of realism, in situation, subplot, military bearing, parlance, behavior, etc. has me thinking, a bunch of stylists and artsy farts folks too lazy to even crack Wikipedia, folks who never came close to military or political real world - or graduated high school-made up an alternate so unreal as to be cringe worthy, embarrassing, laughable in some pained way.
Now THAT's treason.
Sean Connery said in Last Crusade "I should have given this to the Marx Brothers". It applies.
Which leads me to my 1937 Republic Serial analogy, a la "Dick Tracy", 15 chapters not even be related, except by character name, to the comic strip from which it was derived.
In Last Resort--which is named so badly you can't figure out what the show is about simply by looking at the title ("LOST" or WALKING DEAD" anyone?) reminds me of Dick Tracy.
I couldn't sit through 15 chapters of that one either, half century ago, when the world was young, money was made out of real silver, and the real world wasn't on financial self-destruct.
And that's the real problem with this show, it's so bad I can't even replace an hour of that reality with successful diversion.
Ridiculous dreck
NavyOrion9 October 2012
Much has been said about the many, many, MANY technical inaccuracies on this show. But in the end, those are forgivable. This IS fiction after all, and I can suspend disbelief about crush-depths and missile specs. Showing a mushroom cloud that's visible from BOTH New York and DC, when it would actually be below the horizon for both: no problem, it's just story-telling.
What cannot be overlooked, however, is unbelievable characters, ESPECIALLY when the actions portrayed practically constitute group slander for our men and women in the armed forces. It is incomprehensible that military professionals would act as unprofessionally, as irresponsibly, as unthinkingly, as STUPIDLY as the crew of the USS Colorado.
Having a machine do something that's not quite possible is just an occasional aspect of writing fiction; better writers can find a way to hew closer to reality, but it's not usually worth getting upset over. But ultimately, stories are about characters, not the technology around them. Making PEOPLE act in ways that are not reasonably possible is just bad writing.
It's a shame; this show might have been good. It is not.
What cannot be overlooked, however, is unbelievable characters, ESPECIALLY when the actions portrayed practically constitute group slander for our men and women in the armed forces. It is incomprehensible that military professionals would act as unprofessionally, as irresponsibly, as unthinkingly, as STUPIDLY as the crew of the USS Colorado.
Having a machine do something that's not quite possible is just an occasional aspect of writing fiction; better writers can find a way to hew closer to reality, but it's not usually worth getting upset over. But ultimately, stories are about characters, not the technology around them. Making PEOPLE act in ways that are not reasonably possible is just bad writing.
It's a shame; this show might have been good. It is not.
So far exciting and interesting enough not to sink
phd_travel10 November 2012
This military TV series is about a nuclear submarine leader who takes rebel action after refusing to take part in a preemptive strike against Pakistan. He and his team take over an island base and a standoff begins. After 6 episodes of this show I think it is a diverting and moderately exciting action drama with some grand conspiracy elements.
There are some pretty tense moments so far. Some aspects of the story are not that convincing but that's to be expected given the premise. While they do flash back home for some scenes unless the story can take some new direction it's getting a bit claustrophobic on the island. Things need to move more quickly and broadly because the infighting is getting tired. Hope it doesn't go the way of "Terra Nova".
Scott Speedman is the most well known cast member. He is watchable but his gentle demeanor is a little at odds with the role. Andre is a convincing leader. Camille de Pazzis isn't too attractive as a potential love triangle interest. Daisy Betts as the female lieutenant is earnest looking. Some of the other supporting actors from down under like the pan Asian islander and the navy seal are a bit out of place. Nice to see Autumn Reaser from O.C. as the mainland protagonist.
Overall there is some potential to last but drawing the viewers in really depends on having interesting stories that avoid the ludicrous or tedious and aren't drawn out too long. A submarine isn't that interesting after a while. Some more familiar guest stars might help because most of the cast are not too well known.
There are some pretty tense moments so far. Some aspects of the story are not that convincing but that's to be expected given the premise. While they do flash back home for some scenes unless the story can take some new direction it's getting a bit claustrophobic on the island. Things need to move more quickly and broadly because the infighting is getting tired. Hope it doesn't go the way of "Terra Nova".
Scott Speedman is the most well known cast member. He is watchable but his gentle demeanor is a little at odds with the role. Andre is a convincing leader. Camille de Pazzis isn't too attractive as a potential love triangle interest. Daisy Betts as the female lieutenant is earnest looking. Some of the other supporting actors from down under like the pan Asian islander and the navy seal are a bit out of place. Nice to see Autumn Reaser from O.C. as the mainland protagonist.
Overall there is some potential to last but drawing the viewers in really depends on having interesting stories that avoid the ludicrous or tedious and aren't drawn out too long. A submarine isn't that interesting after a while. Some more familiar guest stars might help because most of the cast are not too well known.
overly melodramatic, lacks authenticity
russmillerwy-957-68243912 October 2012
Once I heard the concept and saw the trailer, I was fired up to see this show. Unfortunately, it's disappointing so far (after 3 episodes). Every scene is an overly melodramatic crisis with ultimatums, shouting, or pontificating clichés. The show's greatest strength is its casting. Andre Braugher and Scott Speedman are up to the task, if only they had better writing to work with. I keep finding myself wishing that if only such-and-such or such-and-such character didn't exist, I would be a lot less annoyed with the tedium they bring to the plot. I'm up to four of those characters now: the Chief, the desperate wife, the lobbyist (or is she a prostitute?), and the generic dumb sub crewman #1 (or #4, or #15, take your pick, they're all pretty dumb). At its most irritating, the show's writers have a very superficial and outdated understanding of modern submarine warfare and, more embarrassingly, military culture. Depth charges? Really??? What about what they really use to fight subs since the 1950s, like ASROC and anti-sub torpedoes? Battlestar Galactica, space opera scifi that it is, did a much better job of describing authentic soldiers and sailors and putting them in plausible combat situations. It's as though the writers were children playing with toys in the backyard and putting it on film for us. So why did I give it a six? Because I still have hope they'll get better material to work with, and because The Shield was operating on a much higher level.
Update: after 8 episodes, it's bad. Too many plot holes. Too many clichés and stereotypes. Too many stupid characters. I hope to see some of the cast in better things in the future, but I also hope never to watch anything else these writers make in the future. They should pursue other careers.
Update: after 8 episodes, it's bad. Too many plot holes. Too many clichés and stereotypes. Too many stupid characters. I hope to see some of the cast in better things in the future, but I also hope never to watch anything else these writers make in the future. They should pursue other careers.
VERY BAD. The storyline is completely implausible!!
michaeljustgreat28 November 2012
And that makes this TV series not worth spending your time viewing it. The actors are not particular appealing too!! And I must say that I am very open to a wide range of possibilities so when I say that the storyline is completely implausible, it really must be this way.
I stopped watching this TV series only after 3 episodes, doing my best to give it a fair chance to convince me that it was worth watching, only to realize that it was simply not!
Here is what the storyline says: "A US sub picks up Navy SEALs and receives an order for a nuke launch. Due to the circumstances of the order, the Captain refuses to fire. After escaping an attack from another US sub, the crew and SEALs take refuge on a small island." As you can see, a US sub-marine attacking another one is surely not even thinkable but when you watch this TV series, it is even more obvious that the events shown to happen in such circumstances are not plausible at all!
Here are mostly TV series and a few movies that I highly recommend, as I watched them and enjoyed them a lot.
--------------------------------------------------------
There are a few classics in science-fiction TV series:
---Smallville
---Star Trek: Enterprise
---Babylon 5
---Earth: Final Conflict
---Battlestar Galactica
---Star Wars (6 movies so far and counting)
---Jupiter Ascending (a movie)
all deserving 15 out of 10 because they are all very special TV series for the quality of their stories and for the amazing actors that they have. Are these TV series perfect? No, as they sometimes have "filler" episodes that are not too great and they also sometimes have "holes", illogical elements in the main story or in the individual stories of particular episodes. Despite sometimes the presence of these very few shortcomings, these TV series are really unique and special in many ways that you will nevertheless enjoy them greatly.
Other TV series that are excellent but not necessarily science-fiction? Here is my list of other excellent TV series that you will appreciate a lot:
--A few more science-fiction:
---Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (it is science-fiction)
---Caprica (it is science-fiction)
---Babylon 5: Thirdspace (it is science-fiction)
---Space: Above and Beyond (it is science-fiction)
---Defying Gravity (it is science-fiction)
---The Tomorrow People (it is science-fiction)
---The 100 (it is science-fiction)
---Almost Human (it is science-fiction)
--Non-science fiction:
---24
---24: Live Another Day
---Dexter
---The Vampire Diaries (it is fantasy I could call it)
---Breaking Bad
---Kyle XY (it is slightly science-fiction)
---Nikita
---Damages
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I stopped watching this TV series only after 3 episodes, doing my best to give it a fair chance to convince me that it was worth watching, only to realize that it was simply not!
Here is what the storyline says: "A US sub picks up Navy SEALs and receives an order for a nuke launch. Due to the circumstances of the order, the Captain refuses to fire. After escaping an attack from another US sub, the crew and SEALs take refuge on a small island." As you can see, a US sub-marine attacking another one is surely not even thinkable but when you watch this TV series, it is even more obvious that the events shown to happen in such circumstances are not plausible at all!
Here are mostly TV series and a few movies that I highly recommend, as I watched them and enjoyed them a lot.
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There are a few classics in science-fiction TV series:
---Smallville
---Star Trek: Enterprise
---Babylon 5
---Earth: Final Conflict
---Battlestar Galactica
---Star Wars (6 movies so far and counting)
---Jupiter Ascending (a movie)
all deserving 15 out of 10 because they are all very special TV series for the quality of their stories and for the amazing actors that they have. Are these TV series perfect? No, as they sometimes have "filler" episodes that are not too great and they also sometimes have "holes", illogical elements in the main story or in the individual stories of particular episodes. Despite sometimes the presence of these very few shortcomings, these TV series are really unique and special in many ways that you will nevertheless enjoy them greatly.
Other TV series that are excellent but not necessarily science-fiction? Here is my list of other excellent TV series that you will appreciate a lot:
--A few more science-fiction:
---Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (it is science-fiction)
---Caprica (it is science-fiction)
---Babylon 5: Thirdspace (it is science-fiction)
---Space: Above and Beyond (it is science-fiction)
---Defying Gravity (it is science-fiction)
---The Tomorrow People (it is science-fiction)
---The 100 (it is science-fiction)
---Almost Human (it is science-fiction)
--Non-science fiction:
---24
---24: Live Another Day
---Dexter
---The Vampire Diaries (it is fantasy I could call it)
---Breaking Bad
---Kyle XY (it is slightly science-fiction)
---Nikita
---Damages
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Uninteresting, incoherent and ridiculous
nofb20 April 2013
This series looks like it has been written by a child with too little or too much imagination, it's hard to tell which.
Firstly it is completely unrealistic, both in the plot and on the technological level.
An artefact to make a submarine instantaneously disappear, communication with a diver from a submarine in deep water (that would require ELF with a *very* long antenna for the poor diver), people watching from the submarine at mid-depth, missiles cruising at insane speeds... are just plain ridiculous and really distract from the interesting part of the story.
Or lack thereof actually.
Because the plot resembles to an incoherent succession of badly digested theme-based episodes, each of which has a kind of moral related to the theme. And we see Spetsnaz attacking a small lost island, a submarine crew invading land, a US secretary of defense going all the way to this island to engage talks with the captain of a rogue submarine (whereas they apparently have video-conference available at some other time), people delivering message on TV to their family, gas attacks (with time-limited bizarre effects), ... and so on.
So in conclusion, the plot is shabby at best, on the edge of uninteresting, within a completely improbable and inconsistent universe. Better than 24? I would say, even worse.
1 point for the nice island vistas.
Firstly it is completely unrealistic, both in the plot and on the technological level.
An artefact to make a submarine instantaneously disappear, communication with a diver from a submarine in deep water (that would require ELF with a *very* long antenna for the poor diver), people watching from the submarine at mid-depth, missiles cruising at insane speeds... are just plain ridiculous and really distract from the interesting part of the story.
Or lack thereof actually.
Because the plot resembles to an incoherent succession of badly digested theme-based episodes, each of which has a kind of moral related to the theme. And we see Spetsnaz attacking a small lost island, a submarine crew invading land, a US secretary of defense going all the way to this island to engage talks with the captain of a rogue submarine (whereas they apparently have video-conference available at some other time), people delivering message on TV to their family, gas attacks (with time-limited bizarre effects), ... and so on.
So in conclusion, the plot is shabby at best, on the edge of uninteresting, within a completely improbable and inconsistent universe. Better than 24? I would say, even worse.
1 point for the nice island vistas.
Headshakingly stupid and ridiculous; another proxy for high school
morandb14 October 2012
Ignore this review if you are part of ABC's target demographic (Grey's Anatomy, Revenge, Scandal, Nashville, ...) because this show is very much in that vein.
However, if you come to the show based on its ads, you will likely be very disappointed. It is a soap opera that makes absolutely no attempt to work within its supposed context, or to even leverage off its context. For example, some of the prominent errors could have been trivially avoided with a simple Wikipedia query. Many reviews talk about all the details, big and small, that this show got unnecessarily wrong. I spotted so many that my expectation is that it would be far quicker to list what it got right.
The characters are similarly ridiculous. My reaction to many of the male characters was that those parts were written for women. The third lead character Lt. Grace Shepard is played by an actress (Daisy Betts) who brings to mind Anne Hathaway in both appearance and mannerism, and this makes it hard not to notice that her story line seems inspired by "The Princess Diaries".
Even if your knowledge of the military and the Navy comes only from a couple of good movies or novels, you will constantly be saying "Wrong", "No way", "Stupid" and "Why the **** would s/he do that?".
And the politics underlying the events would seem absurd even if the national and international leaders were 14 year-old psychopaths.
I have to believe that ABC got a pitch for yet-another show that was a proxy for high school and asked to have it tweaked a little. Rather than school itself, how about a field trip? Not an airplane, but a cruise ship. And rather than the usual proxy settings (medical, legal, fashion,...), how about the military? Change that cruise ship to a submarine. And cruise to a exotic location, I know, a Pacific paradise.
However, if you come to the show based on its ads, you will likely be very disappointed. It is a soap opera that makes absolutely no attempt to work within its supposed context, or to even leverage off its context. For example, some of the prominent errors could have been trivially avoided with a simple Wikipedia query. Many reviews talk about all the details, big and small, that this show got unnecessarily wrong. I spotted so many that my expectation is that it would be far quicker to list what it got right.
The characters are similarly ridiculous. My reaction to many of the male characters was that those parts were written for women. The third lead character Lt. Grace Shepard is played by an actress (Daisy Betts) who brings to mind Anne Hathaway in both appearance and mannerism, and this makes it hard not to notice that her story line seems inspired by "The Princess Diaries".
Even if your knowledge of the military and the Navy comes only from a couple of good movies or novels, you will constantly be saying "Wrong", "No way", "Stupid" and "Why the **** would s/he do that?".
And the politics underlying the events would seem absurd even if the national and international leaders were 14 year-old psychopaths.
I have to believe that ABC got a pitch for yet-another show that was a proxy for high school and asked to have it tweaked a little. Rather than school itself, how about a field trip? Not an airplane, but a cruise ship. And rather than the usual proxy settings (medical, legal, fashion,...), how about the military? Change that cruise ship to a submarine. And cruise to a exotic location, I know, a Pacific paradise.
Could have been good,but got overwhelmed by too much stupidity
spkelsekladden12 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This was so promising by the first episode than it just fell flat This show started out great, when I first saw the pilot episode I was hooked, I couldn't wait for number 2.But than it went down hill fast. There are so many unanswered question that they hope will keep you watching, but in reality just make you role your eyes. The first thing you do in a case of a coup or a mutiny is shooting those who oppose you. You simply can not let them live, they will try to overthrow or undermine you at any chance they get. Not to mention it's important that those who serve under you don't have anything to go back to. That's the one thing these conspiracy shows always do wrong. They never shoot those who undermine their authority I could look away from all the inaccuracy about navy standard and women on subs. All the patriotism BS however is boring, stupid and unnecessary. The show would be much better of just using the suspense of trying to survive. The man in charge make all the wrong decisions and would have lost the trust of he's team. That's one of the things that really annoy the heck out of me with this show,no matter what hardship the sailors/soldiers have to go through every time the captain make a idiotic decision, they always go I/ we don't blame you sir. Have the navy managed to wipe out human nature?
**SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS *** When they got attacked in episode 2, they had a perfect ambush planed, but the leader was so afraid that he might be shooting on American special forces coming to kill them, so he stood up and warned the attackers, which turned out to bee Russians by the way (just so he could shoot them with out loosing viewers) Several of he's men got killed, yet no one seem to blame him for it. But if he hadn't warned the attackers he's men would actually had survived and the Russians spetnaz would have been killed. To make things even worse they start negotiation with the local mob boss whom has several of the marine's hostages, instead of just taking them by force. Even better how the H**** did they get a hold of the nuke codes, I mean the plot is suppose to be that some rouge government inside the government sent the nuke order. But I thought the president carried the nuke codes on him at all times I got even more stupid when the captain compares the loss of a soldier,( a loss he could have prevented) to the fact that he's son (whom apparently died in friendly fire in Afghanistan long time ago) won't get a proper burial until he surrenders.And of course nobody blames the cap. I mean com on that's just to stupid.
**SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS *** When they got attacked in episode 2, they had a perfect ambush planed, but the leader was so afraid that he might be shooting on American special forces coming to kill them, so he stood up and warned the attackers, which turned out to bee Russians by the way (just so he could shoot them with out loosing viewers) Several of he's men got killed, yet no one seem to blame him for it. But if he hadn't warned the attackers he's men would actually had survived and the Russians spetnaz would have been killed. To make things even worse they start negotiation with the local mob boss whom has several of the marine's hostages, instead of just taking them by force. Even better how the H**** did they get a hold of the nuke codes, I mean the plot is suppose to be that some rouge government inside the government sent the nuke order. But I thought the president carried the nuke codes on him at all times I got even more stupid when the captain compares the loss of a soldier,( a loss he could have prevented) to the fact that he's son (whom apparently died in friendly fire in Afghanistan long time ago) won't get a proper burial until he surrenders.And of course nobody blames the cap. I mean com on that's just to stupid.
Why this show was cancelled
maddiefinch775 April 2013
Why was this show cancelled - I have no freaking idea. It had it all: a brilliant cast, an exciting story line, a great setting and immediacy. Typical for Shawn Ryan's creations it is a mind bender, operating in the grey areas of morality and therefore making it hard to tell who are the goodies, baddies or the just plain crazies. The performance of Andre Braugher as Captain Marcus Chaplain needs to be congratulated and even the casting of veterans like Robert Patrick and beauties like Australia's Dichen Lachman weren't enough to get the ratings. Lucky for the fans, the cancellation was in sight early enough to allow writing of a proper ending and tying up of all lose ends. If you like your shows with real characters, human conflict and unwavering heroes - this is one for you.
Last Resort is a definite 10
whermantodd6 November 2012
I can see the many I am amongst in the reception of this show. Not since "Crimson Tide" has this addition been added to a submarine story that dares to show WHAT IF a conspiracy of U.S. government, wanted to make a naval vessel be accused of firing missiles NOT FIRED to start an international mayhem, what would the Captain and crew be faced from NOT following a contrary order from a secondary command post versus Washington DC? Reader, do you have ANY idea how close the writers are pointing the audience to events of past happening? The Captain symbolizes a discerning person who knows HOW protocols are designed to assure that ATTACK procedures are not blindly followed. 911 has gotten how many Americans to NOT think of what happened that day in ALL THE MAYHEM? My commendations to the writers of this t.v. script how far and long this series will go.
Complete Fantasy (and not in a good way)
gsfsu4 October 2012
There are too many flaws in this dreck to list them all but suffice to say it is unrealistic in virtually every way. If you are the type of viewer that expects plausibility in your military/political dramas you will be totally disappointed. If, however, you are unfamiliar with the U.S. Navy and its ballistic submarine force and it doesn't matter to you that missile sub sailors can double as special forces land soldiers or you believe that it is permissible for junior officers and/or enlisted crew to question orders of national security and argue with the captain you might enjoy it.
The scenery is beautiful and there are plenty of close-ups of all the pretty sailors (some are even female) and the captain gets to clench his jaws frequently enough to make viewers believe he is a serious officer (although he and the Chief of the Boat call each other by their first names).
The only thing worse than watching this fabricated fairy tale is acting in it.
The scenery is beautiful and there are plenty of close-ups of all the pretty sailors (some are even female) and the captain gets to clench his jaws frequently enough to make viewers believe he is a serious officer (although he and the Chief of the Boat call each other by their first names).
The only thing worse than watching this fabricated fairy tale is acting in it.
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