Revolution (2012–2014) User Reviews

Rought start for a great show

[slash83_mus · 8/10 · 13 May 2013]

Revolution is one of those shows that gets buried under a load of criticism for showing the viewers a future they can't identify themselves with. All of a sudden plot holes become so important to the general public, they use every single one of them to burn the show down, even if these plot holes haven't had a chance to be explained by the writers because the show is only half-way in it's first season.

The entire show is based on a fictional future where every single piece of electronic equipment started failing, all at once, by some mysterious and unexplained force. Being thrown back to medieval means of living for several decades, the story picks up when several individuals start looking for answers to this mystery, helped by rumors of one of the governments being able to 'turn back on the lights' shortly. In the years following the black-out, governments worldwide have fallen, lacking their entire infrastructure of communication and transportation, thus unable to govern millions of people. Civil wars lead to the formation of several smaller governments, those who came out on top in the struggle for survival in the aftermath of the disaster.

What follows is a pattern of discoveries, solving the mystery piece by piece by a band of unlikely heroes, ranging from kids to grown ups, each with secrets of their own. Every episode answers some questions but raises even more.

This pattern is hard to find when you first start watching the show. In the first few episodes, the writers overwhelm the viewers with tons of questions. This strategy isn't yet paying off, a lot of viewers stopped watching because they find the show too mysterious, too full of unexplained plot holes and unlikely character motivations.

But here's the thing: Most of the things criticized about this show actually makes sense, as long as the viewer is ready to suspend his disbelief for some time and allows himself to emerge into the world the writers have created for the viewers. It might feel like a pool of quicksand at first, but giving this show time to develop is key to enjoying it the way the writers intended.

To be honest, I cannot understand almost all the negative reviews on this show. Based on what reviewers tend to write about the plot holes and seemingly impossibilities, I bet every single one of them structurally dislikes fiction, especially science fiction. How do these people not dislike movies like Star Trek, the Jacket, the Fifth Element, Mad Max, Escape from New York, Blade Runner, the Terminator or RoboCop, to name just a few? These are filled with plot holes, fictional future governments, unlikely characters and unexplained mysteries yet these are all loved by many or called 'cult', rarely being criticized like "Revolution" is.

Add to the equation this show is written and produced by people responsible for hit series like Lost and you know on forehand most questions will be answered only after many episodes, in a very slow pace, if at all. Try watching 10 episodes of 'Lost' and ask yourself: Do I understand what is going on? Because you simply won't. That's the point, you must allow yourself to be emerged in the mysterious world created by the makers of this show, suspending disbelief until they think the time has come to answer some questions you've had for over 20 episodes or so.

For me personally, all this show lacks is a feel of a solid team of writers, producers, directors and actors: the first 10 episodes or so feel a bit sloppy, like the entire crew couldn't really get used to the scope of the show's heading. But trust me, it gets better and better, and after several episodes the characters seem to feel more at home in this strange world of mystery, improving the quality of the show on each episode.

Is this a great show? It is - if the people behind it get a chance to steer clearly towards their goal and so far, it feels like the show is hugely underrated by so many, criticizing it on every minor plot hole.

Or else, maybe those people should stop watching science-fiction altogether...

I don't get all the hate.. this is a good show!

[harinduonline · 8/10 · 11 October 2013]

This is a good script well directed. Actors are talented and have chemistry, not the kind of one you usually see. but nevertheless they have a good thing going on.

People usually attack these kind of shows with plot-holes and technicalities. But countless shows with huge plot-holes managed to stay on air because of the level of entertainment they produced. Off the top of my head Stargate SG-1 which ran for 10 season made 2 spin-off shows and straight to DVD movies frequently showed English speaking aliens with American accents. In my opinion that hasn't got anything to do with science or fiction it's merely something they had to do to make the show work in long-term. Revolution is doing the same thing with "diesel engines not working without electricity" and "batteries working after just sitting there for years".

More about the show, Revolution has a very unique way of story-telling. Flash-backs often surprises with hard-to-guess past events that led each character to different points in present. Actor Billy Burke is a natural at portraying Miles Matheson, a highly trained ex-military man with unpredictable emotions towards his peers. Action scenes often include well choreographed sword fights, gun fights and a lot of explosions. The show in no-way seems low budget or badly directed and has the perfect balance of violence and family-friendliness.

If you skipped this show because of any technicalities or potential clichés of post-apocalyptic earth, you might have read. Take it from some who almost skipped it, you should give this show a chance because it will surprise you.

Promised so much but with so many problems

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 May 2014]

It's 15 years after all electricity has gone out. The modern world has collapsed and replaced by brutal dictatorships. A Monroe militia led by Tom Neville (Giancarlo Esposito) has come to an idyllic farming community. A fight breaks out and Danny is taken prisoner. His sister Charlie Matheson (Tracy Spiridakos) and others including Aaron Pittman (Zak Orth) try to rescue him. She tracks down their uncle Miles Matheson (Billy Burke) to help. The Monroe Republic is run by Sebastian Monroe (David Lyons) and Miles used to be his second in command. Monroe is holding their mother Rachel Matheson (Elizabeth Mitchell) prisoner. She was a scientist involved in the project that went wrong. The project manufactured nanobots that are now spread worldwide sucking up all the electricity.

This promised to be so much better. It started with a lot of promise but also a lot of problems. First it skips 15 years ahead robbing the series of many opportunities. It does flashback every once in awhile but the jump in time creates a vision of the world that is very questionable. Then the first notion was that ammunition was scarce which seems again questionable. Then they seem to drop that notion. That is how the series went. There were pendents. Then nobody cared. It's just not well thought out before they started. The show keeps trying to change course to fix things. Every time there are revelations, something needs to be fixed. It never gets realistic enough but it did try. It got canceled after two full seasons.

Electricity or Electric Current?

[bartning · 7/10 · 24 October 2012]

The premise of _Revolution_--that electricity does not work--is both simple and complex at the same time. However, is that really the show's premise? Moreover, there are twelve devices where each one allows electric current to flow in a local area around it, and, apparently, having all twelve of these objects could let electricity flow again all over the world. While the show hasn't explained all the particulars--almost all of them really--it works because those who make have kept it plausible. It also works because of the premise, something I appreciate very much--so far at least.

One recognizes the similarity characters in _Revolution_ have with others in the sci-fi genre, but like similar traits appear in different species, is it caused by similar traits occurring in evolution along different lines, or is it borrowing or developing from past characters--developments in the same species in other words? Many have noted the similarity of the Charlie Matheson character to the Katniss character in _The Hunger Games_. Did they develop independently at the same time, or did the Charlie Matheson character come from trying to build on the success of Katniss? Is it like Leibniz developing The Calculus at the same time as Newton, or is it like Einstein further developing Newtonian ideas on physics? Again, it's both simple and complex, but I hope the show can keep it plausible, something that's going to continue take knowledge of electricity and how it works as well.

Some questions about electricity came to mind, some of them resulting in more knowledge after research. Has just alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power gone out, Man's ability to produce it? What about its existence in nature, lightning and static electricity for example? Online research indicates lightning's a form of static electricity, so can we differ static electricity with AC and DC? Neither AC or DC will work then? Can _Revolution_'s writers and others involved in making the show keep it simple, complex--and plausible? So far, the show hasn't confronted obvious or complex pitfalls, but it's not out of trying to avoid them. At least it doesn't seem that way yet. However, I don't remember any lightning storms for instance, and what about electricity working somewhat. It didn't all go out instantaneously in the pilot. How can only man-made electricity not work, or is it all forms electricity? One idea that comes to mind is having all electricity fail to work down to a certain altitude, but even that would make people wonder. What about someone jumping off a cliff with a glider? Would electricity work? Does lighting stop completely or at some level before the ground? Again, does the fact that the power went out as in a quick but rolling blackout get into the mix here? Further study shows that lightning and static electricity, while DC in a way, also are not even DC, current but an "accumulation of electrical charges on the surface of a material" (School for Champions, n.d.). Moreover, while DC in nature, static electricity "is called 'static' because there is no current flowing, as there is in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electricity…" (ibid.) Anyway, the show's going to require research to keep it plausible.

This review has asked some of the complex questions. _Revolution_ remains plausible in my eyes, and I'd like to see it remain so. Electricity has a lot of importantance to all of us in one way or another,and I hope the writers research it so that the show's premise remains plausible. From the effect electricity in the real world today has on those who don't have it to those who design things that use it, the lack of electrical current at least and the exceptions to this in the show's version of the world interest fans and potential fans alike. Who's to say it isn't plausible with the way science works, the exceptions Einstein found in physics for example? Does the show already have some consultants with knowledge about electrical engineering? Though it seems those who bring us _Revolution_ have knowledge about the premise, they really should have advisors with the right background if they don't already. The show's writers, directors, actors, and producers must endeavor to keep the show plausible. Really, instead of the premise being that electricity does not work, so far we've only really seen the premise be that electric current does not work. Though only a subtle difference, let's keep the show with its premise plausible, simple, and complex so that it remains a great show—improves even!

It's not as bad as everyone says...

[taayhdd · 10/10 · 21 May 2013]

In 'Revolution' the power is out, militia has taken over and the government has fallen. I feel as if the reviews on this series don't do it justice. It could be argued that it isn't the most realistic portrayal of what would happen if the power went out but, who actually knows what would happen? For me, I watch movies/series to entertain myself and this is exactly what this provides, entertainment. I don't watch movies or films and question their attempts to get it close to reality, I appreciate the entertainment. The character development is good in my eyes, 'Monroe' and 'Miles' used to be leaders of the 'Militia'. Miles dropped out from power and Monroe has now gone insane with his power, after killing thousands they are both pretty much cold- hearted, which leads to some gruesome deaths. They keep dropping clues and hints about how and why the power was turned off. The characters have good links with each other and every episode is more entertaining. After nearly watching the first season of 'Revolution' I am happy to say that it is awesome, I am kept very entertained through out and feel emotion to some characters.

Also if you love 'Breaking Bad', ''Giancarlo Esposito'' is in Revolution and he plays an awesome character, similar to his Breaking Bad role. I recommend this series if you want something to watch. I give it a solid 7/10.

Give it time.

[jordancressey · 7/10 · 7 June 2013]

A slow burner for sure to start with but recently it's been very good and I've been impressed with the possibilities of where it can go, the current plot and characters have been average so far but I feel there is so much more to come here from Revolution and I'm always eager to see where the plot will go.

As for the complaints about the realism of it, ridiculous. It should not take away from the audience how white the clothes of the characters are, if you're not picky on factual details and enjoy entertainment then I suggest this program to you, as for a rating, I think it's currently about a 7 but has potential hence the rating of an 8.

Lame effort from Eric Kripke

[findingdevotion · 1/10 · 19 September 2012]

To describe the premise as unrealistic would mean nothing as nobody should expect realism from what is essentially a post-apocalyptic sci-fi flick.

Watching something like this should lead to "what-if" scenarios, help you identify with more or less complex characters that beg you to care for them. Making a series out of something like this would allow the writers to embed details that allow characters to grow and plots to capture the audience for at least a season. And much like it is with meeting a new person, the pilot of series is expected to offer a perspective of what is to come.

But we have none of that in "Revolution", which is a truly awful series under all aspects.

The series would have us believe that a cataclysmic event left the world without electricity. This is fine, it is a bold premise that demands to know "how could this have happened", since it seems to defy any reason. The writers hint of a future answer and this is good.

What is bad? All that follows make no sense. We are given a 10-years after world, with decrepit ruins of the civilization.

Wait ... what, ruins? In my country we have blocks of flats that are over 50 years old and still stand strong without any maintenance whatsoever (sure, they look like crap, but they stand and are inhabited).

Next. Henchmen firing muskets? Why? You don't need complex technology to make bullets for the mechanical repeating rifles. They had those in the wild west before electricity. (FAQ on this is false: yes, making modern ammo is difficult without electric machinery but that doesn't equal revert to musket - in fact revert to musket poses huge problems because even if ammo can be anything, you need to first manufacture the weaponry as existing weapons have rifling bores, moreover to make simple rifle bullets you don't need the same process as the more modern ammo and they would still be compatible with a lot of modern guns).

Next. Can these characters be any less likable? A hot-headed teenager and her brother, a Justin Bieber-lookalike?

Next. Lacking electricity, how can people be alive? (most cellular processes require electricity - passing electrical charges along, brain processes are completely dependent on this) How can anything be alive? If you rub some material on your hair, is there any static left? Hell, since we're at it, what keeps molecules together? Have electric charges been replaced by something else? If so, and in fact those mysterious amulets just regulate this state, it means people can be alive only around them.

Next. How does that woman communicate using her computer? It would mean that an entire network runs continuously from her house to her counterpart. That means, the entire line has electricity running smoothly between her computer, to whatever router she is using, to her counterpart's computer (assuming a simple setup) is allowed to have electricity (otherwise the signal would die as soon as it got out of the range of her amulet).

Halfway through the pilot I was truly hoping that at least the Bieber- double would die in agony and soon after came the simply horrible hotel fight where I saw the evil henchmen pause for almost an entire minute to give the wonder-soldier time to stare in disbelief at his teen niece. Almost a minute the brain-dead henchmen just stand there not taking a shot. Even in cheap C-movies they at least try to give something to do to the henchmen to give the good guy a break (eg: moan as they stand, pick themselves up, slow-motion take, etc), but not here!

And in the end we are fed the incredibly cheap cliffhanger of the doctor typing on a dismembered computer. Why dismembered, may I ask? If she simply didn't keep her old computer in one piece and was forced to build one from scrap, what exactly prevented her from finding/making a case too, just to keep those precious components that remind her of a more civilized time, safe?

I Look forward to it each week!

[awishandadream · 10/10 · 12 May 2013]

I was shocked to see all the negative reviews. Perhaps I feel different because I'm not really looking for reality when I watch TV. I'm looking for entertainment. I'm looking to take a break and relax. (Most generally I have enough reality in a normal day, but if I'm looking for more on TV, I'll turn on the news) As for Revolution, I really enjoy the Drama. I find myself drawn into what the writers, and actors give with this show each week. There are some characters, I love to hate, and others I'm cheering on! I now make it a point to watch it when it comes on, or if I can't - I make sure the DVR is set, and watch it later. :)

oh a bleak future we face....looking good and having high school equivalent drama

[jennie_hoon · 26 September 2012]

For me it looked like a regurgitated "Lost". And as much as I love PAW fiction, I had a difficult thing with some things… not the how, what and where, but rather the softening up and romanticizing the harshness of a potential reality. Yeah, I know...its Hollywood.

I found the characters mainly looking like they came out of an Old Navy commercial…with perfect teeth and hair, and clothing that was amazingly stylish. Obviously someone had power to keep the straightening irons working...and the skills that survived well were dentistry, cosmetology and fashion design.

The planes falling from a flat spin from the sky instead of a diminished trajectory...still having navigation lights on didn't lend to realism in the beginning.

A detail that I laughed about was when they walked upon an RV on its side…with an open window to crawl into…and found the interior looking pretty much brand new after 15 years. There were others but I let them go at that point. Maybe I need to watch more episodes, but after the first show, I'm not sure if I have the time to watch it.

Worth a 2nd Season

[jasoncallan13 · 7/10 · 6 June 2013]

Just watched the Season 1 finale, actually pretty satisfying. People have been really hard on this show, and early on for some good reasons. Eric Kripke, JJ Abrams and Jon Faveraeu combined to create a show that attempts to combine the mythology of 'Lost', the desolation of 'The Walking Dead' and the hubris of 'Game of Thrones' with mixed results. Riding the structure of a good premise, they made a horrible error by attempting to cast Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos) as the star. While easy on the eyes, she just doesn't have the chops to carry a show, and with this ensemble cast she shouldn't have to. Following the Damon Lindelof model from 'Lost', the show runners listened to their audience and changed course for the 2nd half of the season. They finally let Giancarlo Esposito (Gus from 'Breaking Bad') be his awesome self rather than diluting his talent and refocused on Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet from 'Lost') as the real antagonist. This is much longer form story-telling (1st season was 20 episodes) and the writers need to be careful, however they seem to have righted the ship (characters need to die, TV audiences are too demanding these days and want more realism) and I will be watching Season 2.

Post apocalyptic middle America soap opera

[stfual · 2/10 · 29 October 2012]

I've given Revolution five episodes because I love post apocalyptic dramas and films generally but this really is awful. Forget the fact that the plot is full of holes and general stupidity. Apparently 18 years after wars and the end of civilization everyone has discovered the secrets of moisturizer, hair gel, makeup, and they have invented the non-electric travel iron and curling tongs. Also they have access to an endless supply of clean push up bras and flimsy outfits.

I suggest the producers go live in a third world country for a while where most waking hours are spent focused on survival and getting enough to eat and drink, and where the balance between male and female power shifts dramatically when democracy and regulation is removed. Also see how fast the trains go when you have no idea if the track ahead has a cow or a tree on it.

While the "Walking Dead" staggers into soap opera territory too often at least it clearly recognizes the difficulties of just surviving and meeting basic human needs while trying to move to a better world of lofty moral standards.

Revolution has the moral philosophy of the film "Taken" in that as long as the very annoying, sobbing,teenage white virgin drama queen girl and boy are OK everyone else can die for them without anyone caring.

Everyone involved with Revolution should quickly watch the 1984 BBC drama "Threads" and start again before it gets the cancellation notice it currently deserves. Also please kill off that sobbing girl.

I love this TV show!!!

[luissiana1988 · 10/10 · 9 March 2013]

First of all i don't write reviews,so i wasn't planning to do one now,but the main review on this page and the ratting got me all MAD!!!I saw the 10 episodes in 1 night and i wanted MORE.It reminds me of LOST with the flashbacks and the moments when i realize that one character is not that good or that bad.

The show cut me to the core with the story of having no electricity,and how the world would manage the situation,to the point that i think all the time what i would do in that situation.The characters are very well constructed,strong individuals,you want to be them,you love them you hate them.From my point of view the image is nicely done,how the show is filmed,i appreciate the work these people put into this,how they manage to create this fabulous future,everything is fine by me!!!!

Writing this,hopefully will get in the first page and people will read it,and hear me when i say,it's a great show to watch,is fun and it will get you away from this world,that is all we need after all,escape,let our imagination roll.

Some things just make so little sense they're hard to ignore

[ToddTee · 6/10 · 30 October 2012]

The premise is absurd to begin with, since not only does the power go out, but autos stop running, etc. Makes no sense.

Most of the story takes place 10 years after the power went out, and people are wandering around with not so much as a backpack, yet the men are always clean-shaven, everyone's hair remains neatly groomed and, though they never change or wash their clothing it remains clean; and isn't frayed after 10 years!! Makes no sense.

I've tried to like this show because some of the actors are capable, and do a good job, but the premise is so implausible, and the plots equally so, that I just can't watch it anymore.

Typical JJ Abrams Drek

[riverzak · 1/10 · 20 September 2012]

What we have is another production by JJ Abrams. Unfortunately that translates to BAD. In an interview, Abrams claims that the science makes sense. Sorry. If batteries (electro-chemical) don't work then neither do people. Our bodies run on electro-chemical processes. So there goes the science. But crap science, after all, is a staple of JJ Abrams. After all, in Star Trek he had Spock watch the destruction of the planet Vulcan from the surface of another planet in another star system WITH HIS NAKED EYES! Next I have to wonder how, after fifteen years, people can still be wearing fresh, white, machine-made clothing. I guess it wouldn't look good to have everyone walking around in sheepskins. Bu why not leather? Last, but not least, there is the JJ Abrams specialty. Billion-to-one coincidences. Again, in his absolute drek of a reboot of Star Trek, one coincidence (among so many) was having Kirk marooned within walking distance on the same planet as Spock and Scotty. In Revolution, the three questers enter a random building after entering Chicago. The first person they talk to is (what a bloody amazing coincidence) the very person they are looking for.

I can't imagine how anyone who puts so little thought into his work and who treats his target audience with such contempt still gets to do what he does.

I think this actually shows promise....

[wstephen1972 · 21 September 2012]

There seems to be a lot of negativity hanging about this show. I just watched the pilot, and y'know, I was either in a super mood and nothing was putting me off it, or I guess it just wasn't all that bad.

For a pilot, I've seen worse...a lot worse. OK the acting was a tad wooden, and I agree with another reviewer's comments about why the buildings/cities were in such a mess, I mean, people should see how old some buildings are in Scotland, and see some of the people that live in them, yet they don't look as badly kept/overgrown as the buildings in this show. Yes, the premise of the story is a bit far stretched but really people, give it a go, I can see so many ways they can take this show, and I genuinely don't think it's meant to be as serious as perhaps AMC's The Walking Dead, which another reviewer refers to as the way to go with this show. It's a totally different type of beast (ok the acting's bad, but they aren't zombie bad).

The ending did kind of make me wonder why the lead's dad didn't use his little piece of jewellery to keep his electricity going, I mean, I was a little upset when he gave his daughter the giant tub of ice cream and she had to wade through the whole tub just because it was going to melt (poor kid). I am kinda curious to find out who the person is on the other end of the computer though, so I'm defo sticking with it.

I'm also intrigued about Monroe, as this is the chap that was in 'The Cape', and all I can remember about that show was how much eye makeup he seemed to wear. I'm hopeful he'll be better in this show....

I think people have been taking their serious pills prior to watching this show. My advice? Switch your brain off, and give it a go, there's worse out there.

Just watched episode 2 and gotta agree with aggieborn from Washington, DC, USA, the second episode did actually make me think about a few things, so yes, I still say this should really not be taken seriously to the point of "this can happen and this can't happen in real life", but as well as just enjoying the fun elements and CGI I actually think they could make a decent show out of this if they work on some of the things they bring to light. Good shows get dropped (I liked Secret Circle for example) but shows I thought sucked for the first couple episodes (Buffy to name but one), ended up one of my fave shows ever to the point where I watched all 7 seasons again quite recently, so I say again, give this show a go, you might just like it...

This Storyline Will Take Time to Develop...

[cmwill-1 · 6/10 · 27 September 2012]

I watched the pilot episode because I'm an Eric Kripke fan (and a long-term "Supernatural" fan boy, admittedly). With this in mind, I was expecting a storyline which blends an unbelievable plot with well-rounded characters, a slow-building plot, and a cliffhanger ending which leaves us worrying for the characters mental and physical well-being. Where this pilot does wrong, in my opinion, is fall victim to "George Lucas Disease." GLD is when we're given a very loose storyline with almost no character build or occurrences which make us give a rat's ass ('Star Wars: Episode 1,' take a bow, please.) After a very strong opening to this pilot, we're thrust several years into the future and simply told in a straightforward fashion who the good guys are, who the bad guys are, and how terrible the world has become without electronics. This would be forgivable if the characters had layers to their personalities rather than subscribing to purely-Jedi-or-purely-Sith dialogue. The action scenes are simply eye candy with very little motivation behind them (again, I'm reminded of the lightsaber fights in the 'Star Wars' prequels). That's not to say they're not entertaining to watch, but only that they're frustrating to the point where you're left wondering "why did that fight happen RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT and why did it even matter?" I really hope these highly-choreographed fights were only written into the show to catch the attention of channel surfers, because they served no greater function (in MOST cases) in terms of character development or plot movement. I give this show a 6 out of 10 because although it was lacking in everything I looked forward to seeing, it has such a bold premise that I can't reasonably expect to be blown away by the pilot alone. This show will take a lot of time to grow, since the pilot's convoluted with characters we don't know much about or care much about. But hey, it took at least two episodes for me to start loving 'Game of Thrones,' and even 'Supernatural' has its early hiccups. My final opinion is, future episodes would do well to cut back on the action and focus more on what specifically drives the characters, why they care about each other (I mean,seriously, the lead characters falls for a dude just because he looks attractive?), and how the actions surrounding them are effecting their inner psyche ('Supernatural' was a heavy-hitter on the latter, which is why the show has such an unbelievable fan base).

Love it!!

[aroraessence · 10/10 · 19 May 2013]

This is another one of my must watch shows.I love the concept of the show and think that the actors are great.I see so many bad reviews for this show but not me.I love to sit down and watch whats gonna happen next.I like the idea of some people knowing why the lights went out and watching everything unfold.I love how the show is progressing and throws in those twists about certain characters.Its one of my favorite shows of the week.Although I am a person who likes fantasy,sci-fi,and not so much reality TV shows.Give it a watch you might be surprised at how good the show really is compared to all the negative reviews.I think this is one of the better shows on right now.I give it a 10.More like this please.

Can't stand people that write reviews after the pilot episode

[vikingfan-126-976360 · 6/10 · 14 October 2012]

I have watched every episode so far and I hate that I am writing a review now because it is way too early, but I feel that I need to write this because of the idiots that quit watching after one episode. The first two episodes were difficult to love, but pilots often are not amazing. I think they could have done a better job with the pilot instead of jumping to 10 years after the power outage, but I am glad that the show is turning itself around. Since the first two episodes, I have really enjoyed the show. I was a big Lost fan and I have been waiting for a show to replace it. The Event was good but canceled, Terra nova was bad and now we have Revolution which I think may end up going for a few seasons if people would just give it a chance. So far I find myself involved in the show. Give it a chance. I rarely find myself giving up on a show after only a few episodes.

A waste of electricity watching it

[darkeyes9090 · 1/10 · 27 September 2012]

The show is, to elegantly sum it up, quite horrible. As so many have noted, the science (planes fall straight down out of the sky, muskets, no steam power etc.) is bad enough, but could be ignored with suspended disbelief, if the remaining criteria for a well done show didn't also fall flat.

When one has to point to the CGI as being the only saving grace, there is a problem. The actors are bland at best and annoying at worst. They neither look nor behave as though they come from a dangerous post apocalyptic civilization. The action is terribly repetitive and formulaic. The dialog is boring and only serves as a filler between overly long fight scenes, which themselves do not serve the plot.

In the end what we get is a lot of nothing with a smidgen of plot that is revealed in dribbles and we are supposed to be tantalized enough to keep coming back for more. I might dvr it and watch the last five minutes of each show.

The idea of a post apocalyptic world without electricity excited me, but this show is a real loser. It is more the pity as there are some fine actors involved.

I do not understand this trend of formulaic sci fi with expensive budgets and excellent producers etc. turning out high tech versions of Space Family Robinson. I believe it is insulting to audiences.

To make myself hated even more, I also think that Walking Dead after the first great season is terrible. Endless dialogs revealing lives that I could care less about interrupted by zombie attacks.

I really like this show.

[melis541 · 10/10 · 12 October 2013]

I feel as though people may have watched MAYBE the first few episodes and then casted it off. I to agree that the first six or seven episodes are horrible but I continued to watch and fell in love with the show. Once Danny is found the show really kicks off, and gets even better when he dies. I don't really look that much into the behind story and if it would happen and what not. It's TV... It's supposed to entertain you not be something you stress over.

At some parts I feel as though they move to fast. I want to know more about how they survive without the power and what they did the first few years to get to where they are now. Lets do a whole flashback episode!

I think the characters are not nearly as awkward as they were when they first started the show. They are really growing into the show. Right as season one was ending I was really fed up with Charlie. Still am actually but I am sure that she's not going to be nearly as annoying because they are putting something in motion that the rest of us haven't seen yet.

All in all I love this show. I think people aren't giving it the chance it deserves and I feel that this show has even more potential coming up. :-)

Lots of potential, we'll see if they use it.

[mikeb-natoli · 7/10 · 9 October 2012]

Ignoring the fact that a lot of the science doesn't make too much sense, the concept behind the show is a great one. "Revolution" tries to differentiate itself from others in the post-apocalyptic genre by taking place 15 years after the blackout that shut off all of the power across the world. The weakness in this move is that the characters have seemingly adjusted to life without power, and a kind of equilibrium has been reached. We do get some looks at the period after the blackout through flashbacks, some of which are the show's best moments.

As far as the writing goes - well it's predictable at best. After watching four episodes, we are starting to see some more depth to the characters rather than the shallow, flat characters introduced in the first episode. The motivations for the characters' actions are not well explained, and in some cases appear just to advance the plot.

And the acting - There is an interesting mix for the cast on this show. For example, Elizabeth Mitchell is great as always playing Rachel (especially her performance in episode 4). Also, Maggie's character is portrayed skillfully, adding far more depth than other characters. Miles is an interesting character, although the same character has been exploited many times before (Han Solo?). Captain Neville also makes all of the scenes with the militia although his character could be written out better.

Charlie as the main character, she could be a lot better. Her character is rather uninteresting - an odd mix of Katniss Everdeen and a sad abandoned child. I do think her character has potential to go as the story progresses, as long as the writers are not afraid to take away some of her (almost annoying) strict morals that cost the group.

Overall, the show has a lot of potential, and this was most exploited in episode 4. I think if the writers can make the story a little more believable, and give some more motivation for the villains (I like being evil isn't very intriguing), this show can be great. I plan on holding out a few more episodes to see where they take the story!

Good Idea, Horrible Execution.

[austinzeller · 3/10 · 29 September 2012]

The whole blackout thing, where the world is without power, is a really interesting subject, however, the story line that was chosen is down right awful. The main character, Charlie, is more obnoxious than Jar Jar Binks in the first episode of Star Wars. The show basically consists of Charlie sobbing about her brother and being outrageously clique and stubborn. In addition to the fundamental problems with the show the whole blackout scenario is pushing the limits. The show states that even batteries and motors will not work, I can see how one could create a world without electrical power but to completely stop the functionality of batteries takes the work of some black magic. Now unless they incorporate Gandalf into the story line I do not see this a feasible scenario. Please, don't waste your time with this show and go read a book.

Seriously.. is it that BAD? No!

[strongmedicine · 10/10 · 9 October 2012]

I read the reviews and expected the worst turkey mankind could find and watched 4 episodes of this show (only 4 episodes are out as of date) and now i cant wait for the 5th.

Everyone is a critic these days it seems. Even i but seriously i have to defend this show :D - Well.. the acting, nothing wrong with it. The story is interesting and there can be so many twists and turns to this its just unfair to call doom on a show after 2 or 4 episodes! The setting is perfect for a post apocalyptic scenario.. we get look-backs and memories of the chaos that took place right after society fell and the kind of anarchy that would take place. Murder and violence for survival etc and then there's a now, 15 years later.. its a nice contrast.

Someone mentioned in their review:

"What is bad? All that follows make no sense. We are given a 10-years after world, with decrepit ruins of the civilization.

Wait ... what, ruins? In my country we have blocks of flats that are over 50 years old and still stand strong without any maintenance whatsoever (sure, they look like crap, but they stand and are inhabited)"

Is that the kind of reviews this show's gonna get?

I have to say that you shouldn't discuss things you know jack about. I live in a place where a mine have swallowed half the town and made it unsafe so large parts of the city have been sealed off for a long time.. and you have NO idea what nature will do in a few years to structures if left untended.. It's like stepping into the wastelands of Mad Max being there! The buildings in the risk zone looks WORSE than everything shown in this movie after 10 to 15 years. Roads crack, buildings fall apart because vegetation blow it apart.. Seriously.. comparing 50 year old buildings in your BLOCK in functioning city to what it would look like in a civilization that collapsed is... well thats just stupid.

Have a nice day, enjoy the show!

Classic Drama and Not Bad...

[isaack2 · 7/10 · 8 March 2014]

I usually don't comment on any movies or drama on this site, but I must say that this drama is entertaining and lots of action.

I just started watching this series 2 weeks ago and I must say I wasn't expecting it to be this entertaining. No boring moments.

Do not let a negative review put you off because what others may like is not necessarily what I/You would like :)

A good way to express your opinion about a movie/drama is to watch it first, then you can make an informed review.

This drama reminds of Almost Human, Arrow, Nikita, Falling Skies, Homeland, Persons Of Interest. I am also a fan of Vampire Diaries, Crossing Lines, Hannibal, The BlackList, Marvels Agent Of Shield, The Following and many more I can't remember. Not many people would love some of these dramas mentioned but who cares :), I Love them.

I'll Keep This Simple!

[kadianpusher · 1/10 · 30 September 2012]

Okay, I wasted 2 hours of my life watching the first 2 episodes. Unfortunately on IMDb, you are required to leave 10 lines of review to get it to post. I could have reviewed this show with 2 words.... IT STINKS! But I can't get it to post with so little about the show. Okay, let me try harder. Oh, the show has terrible acting, and I was hoping the main character (Charlie) would fall on her own arrow. Annoying character that you cannot feel anything for and actually root against. I was hoping one of those Hunger Games kids would suddenly show up and take her out. Also, the story, it seems written by high schoolers! Do the writers think their audience is ignorant. Just because 60% of Americans can't find their own country on a map doesn't mean..... Okay, maybe they are. Let's move on.... Oh I think I've typed enough now to get this posted, so where was I? Oh, Revolutions.... It STINKS!