The premise is interesting, the characters are somewhat likable, but what could have been a interesting drama that explored current issues and found alternative solutions, turns into more of a oversimplification, naïve and idealistic view of country management.
It isn't all bad. The series does explore some realistic issues that would be involved in a situation such as what they find themselves in. And its hard to write a drama on this premise without jumping the shark a little to initially establish it. So have to give them some credit for bringing what is probably realistic situations, even if it is spaced in episodic form, to bear amongst personal drama.
However, that personal drama permeates everything in this show. I feel that sometimes by forcing it to try to appeal to a larger audience, they lose the audience that could have made it a cult sensation. Much of the show is about personal relationships, and even though its decently acted and the characters are somewhat interesting, it clouds the whole theme of the show to the point where the actual important elements and issues the show is trying to uncover is hidden amongst it and is taking away from how complex these issues are.
For example, the show brings up the issue on immigration. The show could really explore the arguments, the different points of view, the different angles of belief and key political points of each option. Instead it darts around personal situations and interpersonal decision making, splattered with some very basic opinions which aren't really explored before they sort of come up with a decision. Anyone who knows anything about law and politics would understand that The Republic of Sarah, in the real world, would last about the same time it took to write this review.
Its disappointing because this could have been an excellent show, similar to a present day Star Trek TNG style exploration of humanity and sociology. But instead drama plucked from a hat, and painted in a way to try to make it seem realistic.
