I want to like this show so much... But it is such a slog. I have no trouble keeping up with other sci-fi and mind benders, but this one just feels either unnecessarily complicated, or does a poor job at conveying what the viewer is supposed to know contextually.
And it moves too fast. I never feel the weight of things that happen. I'm regularly pausing it to ensure I have time to process something that feels like a bombshell (but maybe it wasn't after all).
I quite enjoy some aspects of the show, and sometimes it all comes together nicely. But, then it scatters again, and I just never feel like it's cohesive enough to recommend others watch it.
The first 5 episodes are very strong with sci-fi themes. The last 3 episodes are weak watered-down relationship tropes that honestly the show did not need whatsoever.
Why hook your sci-fi lovers with sci-fi content, then push them away at the end? Did Netflix think that by adding some emotional writing at the end would hook the non-sci-fi lovers? I don't think it serves either type of person. Just leave it out.
With that said, I can appreciate some of the emotional content that was peppered in the first few episodes; It kept the show grounded. But anything more than that was unnecessary.
I still liked it, but I hope season two will trim the fat and deliver mostly sci-fi. It's a very compelling story!
My wife and I watched this show after watching Ripley by the same director, and we were floored by how good it was! Zaillian is masterful in his craft, and I am so excited to see what else he does next.