Dimension 404

These seem to be updated throwbacks to when I was a youngster 50 years ago. Loved the nostalgic feel to the show. I'm only on episode 3 but the show has captured my attention. I actually enjoy that it isn't depending on lots of special effects to achieve good ratings. I'm going to enjoy sharing this series with my family and friends.

I haven't watched the entire series yet, but I feel as though they were aiming for a campy and not too serious sci-fi series. It is remarkably similar to Black Mirror in the layout of the episodes and the theme of the show. In the episodes I watched at the time of this review, I got the feeling that it was a bit tongue in cheek. This sci-fi is definitely not the kind to give you genuine creeps.

I don't think I would recommend this show to everyone. Because the episodes are all separate from each other, just pick whichever one looks the most interesting and if you want to see more? Go ahead.

Dimension 404 drinks better from the source (Twilight Zone) compared to other attempts like Black Mirror and others. Who compares with BM and other series has no idea what TZ was. In fact BM and similar are poor copies of the style and depth allowed in TW episodes. The Twilight Zone was an American television anthology series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including psychological horror, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and psychological thriller; and often conclude with a macabre or unexpected twist, and usually with a moral. A popular and critical success, it introduced many Americans to common science fiction and fantasy tropes. The original series, shot entirely in black and white, ran for five seasons from 1959 to 1964.

This is a good show. Most of the negative reviews below clearly expected something different than what they got, and went in with those expectations rather than taking this show for what it is. The second you see the opening, you will have an indication of what you are about to get. The intro song is a sort of spoof of the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits openings, and that is exactly what you get when you watch the show. This isn't Black Mirror, or the Twilight Zone, or the Outer Limits. What it is is a much lighter, sort of goofy, almost satirical take on the genre that generated these shows. It is funny and not nearly as disturbing. If you never left the 90s and are still looking for that same dark, gritty episodic sci-fi that the Outer Limits did so well, then you are going to be disappointed. If you don't take yourself or your media quite so seriously and want something a little bit silly and fun that still feels strangely like the shows listed above, then this is for you. There are some downsides. Aspects of certain episodes seem dragged out. Montages and transitions often go on for far longer than they need to. The show was produced by a studio used to making 15 minute shorts and, at times, it shows. Overall, it is still a fun show to watch and the primary complaint, that it isn't enough like the source material that inspired it, seems to miss the point entirely. If you want to watch Black Mirror, go watch Black Mirror. Don't try to project your expectations for that show onto this one. But it you take Dimension 404 for what it is, you may just find that you enjoy it.

I have recently started this show, and I have to say that I can't recommend it enough. Do you remember watching The Twilight Zone as a kid? It was kind of weird, kind of goofy, and totally enrapturing? Like a book you couldn't put down, but you didn't know what to think of it?

Black Mirror may have taken the mantle of social commentary TZ reaches for, but 404 takes everything else - a haunting reality that, instead of being this one in 5 years, is something a little different, a little off, and rapidly expands that out into something totally different. It's spooky, it's fun, and it leaves you with a question - but not a sinking dread. Comparing it to Black Mirror is obvious, but not helpful. This isn't a drama set in the future - it's speculative sci-fi with a totally different goal. Watch episode 3 and try and not wonder - couldn't this have happened? Really?

You need to watch 404 because you deserve something fun, whimsical, spectacular, but also engaging and awesome. Fall in love with the zany, and catch onto the ultimate hope in every episode.