IR TV Review: THE ARK - EPISODE 1 [SyFy]
The idea for "The Ark" is not unlike certain elements of "Passengers" with a tinge of "Stargate Universe". Coming from the mind of Dean Devlin, one of the original producers/developers of "Stargate", the context of cinematic might be a possibility. The issue with "The Ark" that it plays a little below the grade of what better sci-fi should be. The initial episode of "The Ark" meant to set up a sense of tension and texture but it actually seems more forced than anything else. The characters, especially the two young whiz kids in play are seemingly trying so hard as characters and as actors, that the intent comes off fairly cartoonish. Granted the entire basis is about the fact of what would-be "Lower Decks" personnel taking command of a generational ship, the chaos doesn't seem to bring out the best (not that it necessarily has to). It is more about jockeying for position.
Even in a series like "Andromeda" where certain characters at points came off not so likable, one hoped for a change of heart in certain approaches. Save for the head of maintenance who is effective with a chip on her shoulder, there is not much to play for improvement. The mechanics of the ship play a big part in the initial episode pointing to a mystery but it also uses the context of "The Martian" where the consequence and effect of action show what is really happening internally on the ship. The person steering the ship per se is Lt. Sharon Garnet who has two other lieutenants at her side, both helping and hindering. The intent (along with the two wonder kids) is to show perhaps that they will all stick together but there is something to hide (as the plot tries to introduce). The special effects also, while not too complex in the first episode, don't seem to be as effective as they should. Granted the series was made in Serbia likely for budgetary reasons (production design inside the bridges and compartments though is quite good) so time will tell if the crew settles into a certain methodology to create a standard of life and survival. C
By Tim Wassberg
