Okay, that's a complete lie. After watching two episodes of Outcasts, it's nothing like Caprica, or even Battlestar Galactica for that matter. If I had to compare it to anything, in fact, I'd say it's more like Survivors meets Firefly (with a much brighter visual style). However, the overall context, and indeed the style of filming and presentation, is very clear. Outcasts is basically trying to be the UK version of hit US sci-fi series like Stargate, BSG, Caprica, etc. Not that that's a bad thing, it does manage it, and very well, I fully enjoyed seeing the British take on these popular and well-done sci-fi hits.
For those who don't know, Outcasts is basically a new BBC series that started recently, with very little fanfare, set on a world called Carpathia. The year is 2040 (though I feel it would make a bit more sense if it was 2140), and due to massive crises on Earth, including overpopulation, pollution, and massive political and social upheaval, drastic steps have had to be taken. The recent discovery of a planet newly named Carpathia, after the ship that rescued Titanic survivors, has proved a godsend to humanity, as it falls within the habitable zone, has existing flora (tough no fauna), and is only five years travel from Earth given the current space-faring capabilities of humans in the show. The plot follows the earliest settlers from Earth, as they colonize Carpathia and proceed to build a new society in the town of Forthaven, while also dealing with mistakes from the past and new arrivals from Earth who move to cause something of a stir among the colonists... and yes, it is much better than it sounds.
It's ended up getting mixed reviews, though mostly positive, with critics generally agreeing that the series should stick around and has a lot of potential if it is given a decent chance to build up and develop its story (which it is doing rather well, in fact). However, ratings haven't been the best, and as such the BBC chose to move it from a Monday primetime slot to a late night Sunday slot instead, which I feel is completely defeating the purpose. The critics say that it could be good if given a chance, so the BBC decide to sound its death knell instead. Really good planning there. Smooth.
Personally, I really enjoy this show. I've just seen the first two episodes on iPlayer and will watch the next two tomorrow, with episode five coming on Sunday apparently. The characters are good, and there's a decent plot with just enough hidden to keep you wanting more and to hook you, without being overly silly like most US shows tend to become. The filming is great, with some really nice shots in the first episode, and the cast play their roles really well, particularly Eric Mabius (as Julius Berger) and Hermione Norris (as Stella Isen). Overall, I agree with the critics, it does have massive potential, and I really want it to stick around. Sadly, though I'd be exceptionally pleased, I'd also be somewhat surprised if it lasts longer than a single series, given the way the BBC have apparently just given up on it and have relegated it in the time-slots.
So, really, the big question here is, have any of you seen Outcasts? If so, what did you think? Like it? Hate it? Indifferent? And what do you all think of the news about the BBC changing the time-slots, and their reaction to the audience ratings so far?
For those who don't know, Outcasts is basically a new BBC series that started recently, with very little fanfare, set on a world called Carpathia. The year is 2040 (though I feel it would make a bit more sense if it was 2140), and due to massive crises on Earth, including overpopulation, pollution, and massive political and social upheaval, drastic steps have had to be taken. The recent discovery of a planet newly named Carpathia, after the ship that rescued Titanic survivors, has proved a godsend to humanity, as it falls within the habitable zone, has existing flora (tough no fauna), and is only five years travel from Earth given the current space-faring capabilities of humans in the show. The plot follows the earliest settlers from Earth, as they colonize Carpathia and proceed to build a new society in the town of Forthaven, while also dealing with mistakes from the past and new arrivals from Earth who move to cause something of a stir among the colonists... and yes, it is much better than it sounds.
It's ended up getting mixed reviews, though mostly positive, with critics generally agreeing that the series should stick around and has a lot of potential if it is given a decent chance to build up and develop its story (which it is doing rather well, in fact). However, ratings haven't been the best, and as such the BBC chose to move it from a Monday primetime slot to a late night Sunday slot instead, which I feel is completely defeating the purpose. The critics say that it could be good if given a chance, so the BBC decide to sound its death knell instead. Really good planning there. Smooth.
Personally, I really enjoy this show. I've just seen the first two episodes on iPlayer and will watch the next two tomorrow, with episode five coming on Sunday apparently. The characters are good, and there's a decent plot with just enough hidden to keep you wanting more and to hook you, without being overly silly like most US shows tend to become. The filming is great, with some really nice shots in the first episode, and the cast play their roles really well, particularly Eric Mabius (as Julius Berger) and Hermione Norris (as Stella Isen). Overall, I agree with the critics, it does have massive potential, and I really want it to stick around. Sadly, though I'd be exceptionally pleased, I'd also be somewhat surprised if it lasts longer than a single series, given the way the BBC have apparently just given up on it and have relegated it in the time-slots.
So, really, the big question here is, have any of you seen Outcasts? If so, what did you think? Like it? Hate it? Indifferent? And what do you all think of the news about the BBC changing the time-slots, and their reaction to the audience ratings so far?
