Before we begin: I just don’t even understand what is going on this week. My heart goes out to Texas and all those affected. If you’re in need of some escapist TV, read on.
I have recently come to terms with the fact that SyFy is my CW. No really–as a member of Team Normal, I was starting to feel a little broken that I didn’t watch The Vampire Diaries, The Carrie Diaries, the…Arrow…Diaries, etc. I do, on the other hand, have a weakness for things like Haven, Warehouse 13, Lost Girl, and now: Defiance.Defianceon SyFy network is a new show that feels a little like some really rich Firefly fans created a substitute for the show they love and miss dearly. Seriously, I can’t imagine how expensive this show is–the CGI, huge cast, elaborate sets and costumes, the fact they got defiance.com?!!–there are some rich superfans behind this production.
The other reason this show is getting so much attention is that there’s a video game that corresponds with the TV show–I have to admit, even though I’m not a video game person, this seems like a brilliant idea. If they can make this work, it could be such a no-brainer for future shows in this genre.
The Gist
So it’s 2046 and about 30 years ago, aliens came to Earth. That didn’t work out so smoothly, and the planet looks totally different now. Defiance is a town where aliens and humans [try their best to] coexist, in what used to be St. Louis (though I think the only reason they chose St. Louis is because it has the most futuristic looking landmark).
Disclaimer: I am really terrible at remembering character names, especially with big ensemble casts. The important ones are Nolan, our brusque hero, and his adopted daughter/partner in crime, Irisa (who is some kind of alien).
These two appear to be nomads who scavenge what they can from abandoned spacecraft, until they happen upon Defiance and end up staying a while. Lots of fighting ensues.
The Firefly/Joss Whedon Connection
I make the Firefly comparison because it’s inevitable: the show is set post-alien invasion, with a decidedly western feel. There’s a gunslinging, wisecracking, rough-around-the-edges leading man, a mysterious(ly dangerous) young lady, and even a bonafide companion professional slooze. Plus, Julie Benz is the mayor. Because everything goes back to Joss, eventually.
This is a matter of WHEN, not IF.
I don’t mean to say Defiance is anywhere near as good as Firefly–certainly not yet–but I give it credit for going there so boldly. I didn’t warm up to the hero (Nolan) until about an hour into the 2-hour pilot, in part because he seemed more like an actor playing a sci-fi star in a commercial spoof than a drifter looting ships in 2046. If you know what I mean.
The Twilight Connection
As if you needed another reason to watch, Harry Clearwater is one of the big players in town. Take a look at his family:
And then take a look at their rivals, the other powerful family in Defiance:
Huh. Something about that makeup just seems…familiar.
Really now, who in the production team is a Twihard? There is no way this is a coincidence.
All in all, I found myself at the end of the pilot without realizing it had been two hours instead of one. Pretty impressive for a pilot! I’ll definitely keep my eye on this one, and report back if it becomes a must-watch.
Defiance airs Mondays at 9pm EST on SyFy. All images from the Defiance site.
Did you catch the Defiance premiere? What did you think?
