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It never fails. Just when I get completely hooked on a TV series—a smart, thrilling, distinctive series—it inevitably ends up on the network’s chopping block. This season’s casualty was ABC’s FlashForward—a gripping adventure that’s sure to live on in fans’ DVD collections.
FlashForward explores the aftereffects of a worldwide blackout that took place on October 6th. For a couple of minutes, everyone on the planet blacked out—and each one was given a glimpse six months into the future.
For the show’s characters, the effects of the blackout are monumental. They’re political. They’re life-changing. And some are extremely personal. Some see an unexpected pregnancy. Some see a broken marriage and broken promises. Some find hope. Others find fear. And some—like FBI Agent Demitri Noh (John Cho)—see nothing at all.
Agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) sees himself in his office, hiding from armed men while studying a giant board filled with clues to the blackout’s cause. So while the world struggles to recover from the death and devastation caused by the blackout, Mark begins searching for answers.
Many of the pieces of this fascinating mystery come together in unexpected ways. Though some clues come from the FBI’s investigation of the blackout, other pieces of the puzzle come together backwards, sparked by Mark’s memories of his flash. The mystery is truly mesmerizing. The writing is clever—and often surprising. And the more the pieces come together, the more twisted and challenging the story becomes.
What really makes FlashForward worth watching, though, is more than just its action and suspense; it’s the show’s captivating concept—and its characters. After the blackout, the entire planet has been given a completely different outlook on life—all based on one brief glimpse into their future. Some, finding hope for a new beginning, a new life, or a new romance, set out to make their visions come true. Others, fearing what they saw, do everything in their power to change the future. And still others are forced to face with the knowledge that they’re destined to die sometime in the next six months. It’s such a thought-provoking scenario—one that will often have you wondering how you would react in the same situation.
As the season progresses, you’ll find yourself becoming more and more invested in the characters and their stories. You’ll be frustrated by the choices that Mark and his wife, Olivia (Sonya Walger), make. You’ll hope that Demitri will find a way to change his destiny. You’ll wonder whether Bryce (Zachary Knighton) will find the woman that he’s willing to travel around the world for—or whether he’ll find the same love somewhere else. Though some of the stories seem somewhat disconnected—especially the one involving Mark’s AA sponsor, Aaron (Brian F. O’Byrne), and his daughter—most become wonderfully interconnected. And the characters often make surprising decisions—so you’ll never really know where each story is going.
Of course, the season isn’t perfect. The show occasionally tends toward melodrama—and the season does have a few slower moments. But the show’s main downfall seems to be the massive, months-long, mid-season break, which killed the momentum—and, most likely, the entire series.
Fortunately, despite its untimely cancellation, the show’s finale is still somewhat satisfying, answering a number of the season’s ongoing questions. But it also gives a glimpse of what could have been in the second season—and when it all comes to a close, you’ll be left wanting more. You’ll want to know what will happen next for the characters that you’ll come to know and care about. But, unfortunately, those questions will be left unanswered.
If you’re still mourning the end of the series, the five-disc DVD collection will help you relive your favorite moments. Even if you weren’t a regular viewer throughout the season, though, it’s still worth picking up FlashForward on DVD. The show may not go on this fall, but its clever concept and gripping mystery make this short-lived series one that you won’t want to miss.
DVD Review:
If you’re a devoted FlashForward fan, the extras included in the five-disc DVD release will make you miss the show even more.
In addition to the extras that were featured on the season one, part one release (including one that explores the Emmy-winning effects used in the show’s pilot), you’ll also find a fascinating making-of feature (Architects of Destiny), 10 deleted scenes, and five behind-the-scenes featurettes that delve deeper into a specific set or scene. You’ll meet Yûko Takeuchi (Keiko), a popular Japanese star in her first American role. And you’ll get to know a little more about the mysterious kangaroo.
Many of the extras are worth checking out, depending on your mood. If you could use a good laugh after watching the intense finale, check out the blooper reel (which shows, among other things, Joseph Fiennes’s apparent inability to put his car in park). But if you have the time (or the attention span) for just one of the set’s special features, make it Architects of Destiny—a feature that highlights the show’s best elements.
