This is another under the radar gem, this series was based on the "Tek War" book series by William Shatner. And surprising the series really was a hit, it had a series of TV films, which of course soon lead to this series, so yeah, this series was popular for its time. But as I said for its time, as time went on this TV series including the book series has become forgotten.
This show along with the book series was ahead of its time, it defiantly predates "Ghost in the Shell" which was years later after this series. There really have been that many cyberpunk/tomorrows world detective shows only ones that come to mind are anime series like "Ghost in the Shell", "Psycho Pass", and the live action shows "Almost Human" and "Total Recall 2070" also under the radar gems.
Music is good, I do like the theme which really does sing out technological world. The effects and production value are actually very good up to par. Really like the look of the technological future world which by todays standards is actually very close to our present time. Action is also pretty good I wouldn't say wall to wall since this is more of a detective show, you got some good decent shoots outs and fist a cuff.
Characters are good, Jake Carrigan His character is solid has some charisma and one I honest can emphasize with as he's a person that feels like he doesn't totally belong in the world he lives in, he could be more at home in our present time, which of course makes this guy old fashioned. Despite all the technology around he doesn't let it get to his head or feel it's the singular solution to everything, yes, he does use gizmos but he most of the time uses and rely on his observations, deductive reasonings, and instincts. I really like that it sorts of goes with the old saying "sometimes the old-fashioned ways are still the best ways.
Even like his partner Sid Gomez whom is sort of the technological officer of the bunch as he utilizes technology more which really does help in their operations. But I like that he does sometimes put the toys away and acknowledge and listen to his partner. Both the characters have a good back and forth and sort of represent the relationship between both man and technology working together despite at times in conflict.
William Shatner is solid as Bascom, Will in this is pretty much Will but nothing wrong with that. He's almost like a comic relief as there are some funny moments with him as he interacts with the characters. However, he not all laughs as he's sort of their mentor figure helping them out, much as Zordon is to the "Power Rangers".
I like the look of the cyberpunk world. Personally, I always prefer the nit and gritty look in cyberpunk worlds, but I don't mind the clean look in this show because it helps make it unique. It feels like a place that is livable and I honestly wouldn't mind moving in to, it's a techno savvy world but it feels like in this world most have actually put it to good use, actually bettering society and not always for selfish purposes which unfortunately most have done with new technology on the line.
What really makes this show even more interesting is how prolific it is to what we have going on right now. Some of the technologies in the series we have right now like VR head sets which are now being sold conveniently as well as places where you can use VR machines and play games. Online shopping, I pods, you name it it's there. See this shows that the world of Tek War isn't in the far future, we're starting to life it right now.
I even like the plotlines; each episode is always a different case and thought provoking but most importantly also reveals more details about the world of the future which to me keeps things fresh and causes you to retain your attention. Really like how technology is incorporated into it slowly and suttlely without making things confusing.
And of course the technology is really cool from the handgun Jake welds which is some sort of sonic wave gun to stun enemies and disable technology, to even the stealth scanner mask which I thought was cool where you literally can disguise yourself as any face you want, the VR technology and going into the virtual world even like the look of the VR sequences which looked great the CGI animation is up to par almost like the VR sequences in the film "The Lawnmower Man". The list goes on I really don't want to reveal too much you just have to see the rest of the wonderous toys yourself.
Only bad thing is that the show at times can get a tad confusing, there is a time or two when sometimes something happens in an episode making it hard to follow, which at times make me say "huh". Though same could be said about shows like "Ghost in the Shell" with an episode or two. But like I said this only occurs on an episode or two and it's not that noticeable or long, once your get past that piece of confusion the show is back on track.
It also gets into some heady/philosophical topics like blurring the line between reality and fantasy, organic and inorganic and our perception of both things. But also, social issues that are relevant now like our consumer subculture, the dangers of technological addition and divulging yourself too much into it. But also has a good message on staying human and to continually utilize the old-fashioned ways, if they still work use them. And to not let technology run your whole life. Make it an ally and tool not the answer to life itself.
Overall this is a solid series, though I must warn you this show much like the book series isn't everyone's cup of tea. If you're a sci-fi fan and your really into the cyberpunk subgenre or even into thinking person's Sci-Fi's, then this is for you and like any new tech worth a try. If not, then this show probably isn't your thing.
I personally would love a revival to this series, with today's technology it truly can be done may 'be even better than before. And may 'be make a VR game based on this series which would be cool, let alone ironically make sense. Those are thoughts to consider anyway.
"Tek War" has enough juice to keep you wired.
Rating: 3 stars
