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submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by victron@lemmy.world to c/oldtv@lemmy.world

Created by Jonathan Nolan. A seemingly procedural show that also deals with privacy and sentient AIs and espionage. The series centers on a millionaire geeky dude that developed a computer program that can predict terrorist acts, crime and the like (with some limitations), and his pal, a former Special Forces dude who tries to prevent such events.

The show was super relevant back in the day with all the Snowden, Assange, surveillance and privacy stuff going on. Also raises a lot of ethical issues about privacy, free will, etc.

The main cast are all winners and all have awesome character arcs. It has the NYPD, the CIA and even the Government and the mob. After 4 solid seasons, it was given a fifth and final season to wrap things up, and did it with a bang.

"This is AI done right!"

  • @victron@lemmy.world

"This is like Batman, but the brains/money and brawn are two people, omg!"

  • The same dude.
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[-] typopanther@lemm.ee 5 points 11 months ago

I loved the show, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to watch Jim Caviezel with any seriousness now.

[-] victron@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago

sigh I fucking know, right? The good thing is the cast grows and he no longer is the main character after season 1, also the show gains momentum and still is an absolute banger. But... yeah.

[-] asteriskeverything@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

I tried to get into this show because I'd always see it mentioned on reddit as soo good! And I could never get through the first season.

It's been a minute so I'm not gonna be as accurate on details of what I didn't like but generally it was the formula of each episode was dull and too serious, the overall story is not well formed to be able to get properly invested in it yet, and I don't find any of it really interesting besides the smart guy behind the program and perhaps the program itself. Oh and all taking itself rather seriously.

So I guess how much does it really change, what about it makes it such a huge favorite that is still talked about? I'd like no spoilers or mild spoilers only if possible.

I REALLY wanna like this show

[-] victron@lemm.ee 3 points 11 months ago

I also think that the first season is rather formulaic. But in S2 bigger themes/arcs start shaping up. The cast grows and each new team member (or antagonist) is given proper development, I liked that the show wasn't afraid of becoming an ensemble. Also, they get a dog and as they lean a little more into light sci-fi themes, the show feels less serious or dull, in my opinion.

[-] asteriskeverything@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

Hmm okay I did get as far as them getting a dog somehow. And I remember seeing an episode that felt like it was supposed to be big, like mid season finale or before a break for football or something to take the time slot for a few weeks. But I'll say it involved a boxing ring and it overall felt a lot like a significant plot episode. I still found it dull obviously.

I appreciate your reply! I guess it just still hasn't convinced me. Is there a spoiler you feel comfortable sharing that can be like... convincing but doesn't ruin a ton? Heck what even happens that makes it good cuz it always sort of gave me the impression it flips a switch and suddenly hits gold (sort of like how everyone considers s4 of dexter to be gold, first season of some shows to be bad representations, etc) If you or anyone doesn't mind. I'd really like to be able to get into it, I'm running out of multi-season shows to watch lol

[-] victron@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago

Jesus, where do I even start lmao (in no chronological order) one antagonist becomes an ally, a major cop character dies, Elias returns, a second AI appears, the teams is being chased by said AI, the origin of the machine is revealed, etc.

[-] asteriskeverything@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

Wow thank you! Actually I'm thinking maybe for whatever reason this just isn't for me then. If I give it another shot I'll jump straight to s2 and not try to pick up where I left off on s1. But the groundwork they laid isn't enticing to me even knowing some key points now how complex it gets, I hoped spoilers would pique my interest and it didn't. Thank you very much though you were really helpful actually. At least now if I try again I know how to adjust my expectations.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
20 points (95.5% liked)

Old TV - Not new TV

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