DVD Review: Survivors

Survivors

(Warner Home Video, 733 minutes)

http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/survivors-2008-complete-seasons-1-and-2-15521.html

When Terry Nation was forced off Survivors due to behind the scenes politics, he looked to different media to finish the story he had begun. His original vision was written and recorded in the form of a novel, allowing fans to judge for themselves which was the superior narrative. Over thirty years later and it would seem things have come full circle for Survivors as Nation’s story is once again given new life on television.

Following the premise of the original, a massive virus outbreak wipes out a good portion of the human race leaving behind an eclectic group of “survivors” who couldn’t be more different save for the fact that they each have lost everything. Shots of empty cities recall familiar scenes from post apocalyptic films albeit on a more intimate scale. By the end of the first episode the group has found each other decided it would be more beneficiary to them to work together.

The core group consists of various personalities that mesh surprisingly well given their differences. Abby is the de facto leader of the group as well as the mother figure. She is also unique in the fact that unlike everyone else who is immune to the virus, she had contracted it only to recover. Greg is a loner seeking only to leave behind the city and rebuild his life. Anya is a doctor, hiding her profession from the others out of shame at not being able to save anyone. Al is a rich playboy, having been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He happens upon a newly orphaned Muslim boy named Najid who he decides to look after. Rounding out the group is Tom, a former convict willing to murder to get what he wants.

Over the course of the series, the group comes across other survivors who have succumbed to the animalistic tendencies. It also appears that a small fragment have the government still exists, trying to bring order to the chaos around them. There is also a fourth group consisting of scientists who may or may not be connected to the virus’ origin.

While the original focuses mostly on survival, the new series deals more with discovering what was behind the pandemic and how it happened. Obviously the group evolves more into a family with romances blooming and conflicts arising.

If there is one drawback to the show, it’s that it has no real ending. Sadly a third season was never commissioned, leaving major character’s fates up in the air ala Carnivale. If viewers can get around not having a conclusive ending, then the series is a must see for sci-fi buffs.

Survivors - B+