The first pilot episode took a while to gather any steam, and for the first half hour I thought I was watching a Student Drama Production, with every single character cliché over exaggerated as if the show was just trying "too hard" to prove the contrast between the characters.
It's a bit like the show is constantly screaming 'these people would never be friends in real life, but look, they're banding together regardless!'. It feels frustrating and a bit unnatural. Almost like the script is patronising the viewer, as if we wouldn't be able to decipher subtle details and personalities.
However, it's the pilot, so we'll see how the character development becomes a little more refined and mature.
As for the production quality, it's pretty good and comparable to any regular TV sci-fi series. There's some recognisable faces, enough for familiarity (even if all the known actors are playing the same typecast roles that you've always seen them in).
There was just enough action, mystery and sci-fi to keep me intrigued, though I do hope the level of sci-fi will get upped in future episodes. Right now it feels a little bit too subtle, reminiscent of some of the old X-files episodes that ended up feeling a bit too 'regular'.
The surprise right at the end of the pilot was pretty awesome. It shows promise for where the series could go!
So, great potential in the concept and clearly a well budgeted show. However, stereotypical cliché characters leaves you 'tutting' and finding the dialogue quite patronising.
