Is NBC’s Revolution a Revelation?

NBC’s Revolution - Just another flash in the pan or a full course meal of awesome?

As some of you may know NBC just premiered their latest entry into the Sci-Fi genre, Revolution. Directed by Steve Boyum and Jon Favreau, the story is based fifteen years after the world loses all power. In a world where survival of the fittest means something again, a group of unlikely companions try to find out why the blackout happened all those years ago. What some of you may not know is that NBC has not had the greatest of luck breaking into the Sci-fi genre. Although valiant attempts have been made in the past, there have been few to actually last longer than two seasons. This goes for many of the major networks, which raises a few questions. What is missing from these big budget sci-fi shows that would normally pull us into a series head first? Also, does this particular show have the strength stand on its own?

For example, look at a show like Dr. Who. A show that has been on the air for decades; has countless fans but has props akin to something you might have seen at your high school production of Grease. What separates the Doctor from Revolution? Understandably, Dr. Who makes up for any (for lack of a better word) ‘faults’ with creative storytelling and witty banter. So does that mean having an abundance of money thrown at a show is actually a hindrance? Does it mean that the writers can take a break, or can we have both? A well written and well produced sci-fi show on a major network.

To tell you the truth, I have been looking forward to the premiere of Revolution for quite a while and I enjoyed the pilot quite a bit. A quick glimpse of background, a solid chunk of conflict followed closely by a few impressive fighting scenes all wrapped up in an intriguing cliffhanger? I want this show to do well! Partly to give zombies a rest from eating all of those delicious brains, but mostly because the plot poses an interesting scenario that I’m sure many of you have pondered on your own before. What would you do if electricity was no longer available? How would you survive, or better yet, could you even survive at all? That’s what is so exciting about ‘Revolution’ and I can’t wait to see where this epic story takes us.

Tonight I’m giving you an assignment. After watching the pilot (on NBC or by watching the entire pilot episode below), I want you, the reader, to answer this two-part question: do you think the show has potential to last? And if not, what is missing? Place your bets and leave some of your thoughts in the comments below.