Reviews

While this show features a reasonable premise, the science and originality is sadly lacking. The set is bland, characters are two dimensional, and the episode plots are highly derivative. A few of the actors show some complexity in character development. Some of the acting is just plain bad. The writing varies in quality between episodes but tends towards the simplistic and obvious.

This all pales in comparison to the horribleness of the science. Of course, being SF it is largely *amazing* futuristic science, but one of the issues I have is the science isn't internally consistent. Weird SF science is fine, but when the script contradicts itself in awkward circles it's just painful. The script also includes frustrating explanations such as a two minute spiel on what an element is vs a molecule or making a protein hydrophilic to dissolve it in water (when it was in blood previously already). They also have ridiculously low water supplies on this huge spaceship. I can't think of all the stupidity as I must have blocked it out. Don't watch this if you like your SF to make sense.

It's ok to watch if you're not expecting much and spend half the time on your phone.

The makeup on the men in particular on this show is TERRIBLE, at least it is in season 1. It bothers me so much it actually takes away from the admittedly good drama. It can be a bit peachy in tone, it tries to get its audience to think a certain way, but it isn't too obnoxious in the way it does it.

I remember going through my midteens with this show, but never saw anything particularly special about it. Watching it now, I realise many of the episodes, particularly in the first season, have some refreshing new ideas for a scifi and do not fall into the same worn out clichés.

Their ideas of the world relying further on deep sea resources by 2032 is partially being borne out, as we drill and mine ever deeper. While the mid 90s 'futuristic' computer graphics makes me wince even now in 2010, let alone for 2032, they had a go. Best of all is the massive submarine itself, Seaquest, the design of which still looks good to this day. I like the multi language and culture emphasis, and the way Seaquest seems to zip all over the world rather than just stay along the coastlines of the Western countries.

As for the negatives, the plot lines sometime wander into being a touch over moralistic, and the acting can at times be distinctly sub par. However, I do think this show still has something to offer - particularly the first season.