If early reviews are to be believed, "Revolution" may be the spark that NBC needs to resuscitate its ratings. The series, created by Eric Kripke of Supernatural, and produced by J.J. Abrams of Lost fame, has big shoes to fill. Taking place in a post-electricity America, audiences will follow the story of Charlie Matheson, a crossbow wielding heroine in search of her kidnapped brother and mysterious uncle, a man who may hold the answer to turning the lights back on. Charlie is accompanied Maggie, her father's ex-girlfriend, Aaron, a techie, and Nate, another archer with questionable allegiances. Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito assumes the role of a militia leader who is relentlessly tracking down Charlie's group.
A passing glance at Revolution may betray more than a few similarities to The Hunger Games, something which critics have taken special notice to. The Boston Herald asserts that "Revolution is the first TV series to take inspiration from The Hunger Games franchise," while the NY Daily News admits that Charlie Matheson is "almost a direct lift from Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games, right down to the bow and arrow." This truly is the year of the bow. Despite the show's familiar premise, Revolution seems to have struck a chord with reviewers, igniting both curiosity and skepticism about the show's fiction and direction. Critics paint the show as somewhat of a departure from J.J. Abrams past work.
The NY Daily News writes, "While Revolution was [produced] by J.J. Abrams, who also created Lost, this one feels different. It relies less on mystery and more on physical action, like a video-game-style scene where Miles, Charlie and their small band wipe out what looks like about a hundred bad guys."
USA Today notes that Revolution leaves "the 'who' and 'how' behind this world-wide blackout as blanks to be filled in later."
The Boston Herald plays a similar tune, saying that the show"poses numerous questions, and to the credit of everyone involved, delivers some surprising payoffs that other shows would hold for weeks, if not seasons."
Reviewers were both intrigued and confused by the show's narrative. The Washington Post praises the dystopian vibe, stating: "we see chaos, violence, government collapse-but also community gardens in cul-de-sacs. It can't help but be interesting."
USA Today wonders "why a country that managed to have law, order, government, guns and industry before electricity couldn't hold on to them after, or when people had the time to relearn sword-skills, or how people who seem to be in a state of social and economic collapse still manage to get their hands on makeup, hair products and well-tailored clothes."
"Not to say it may not have answers. It just needs to provide a few of them, and quickly," the critic adds.
Season Premiere Trailer