Helix [SyFy - US] [** Spoilers **]

Richard Dower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiOXG8dVib4

Mr E

Let's go completely nuts today, and add some information about the show.

SYFY REUNITES WITH RONALD D. MOORE GREENLIGHTS NEW SCRIPTED SERIES “HELIX” FROM SONY PICTURES TELEVISION FOR 2013

MOORE AND LYNDA OBST SERVE AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

NEW YORK – March 7, 2013 – Syfy is giving a 13-episode greenlight to Helix (working title), its newest original scripted series for 2013, it was announced today by Mark Stern, President of Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. Helix is Executive Produced by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), Lynda Obst (Sleepless in Seattle, Contact), Steven Maeda (Lost, CSI: Miami, The X-Files) and Cameron Porsandeh, who wrote the pilot, will serve as Co-Executive Producer. The series will be produced by Sony Pictures Television.

Helix is an intense thriller about a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control who travel to a high-tech research facility in the Arctic to investigate a possible disease outbreak, only to find themselves pulled into a terrifying life-and-death struggle that holds the key to mankind’s salvation or total annihilation.

“With its well-drawn characters, taut drama, and incredible production team, we couldn’t be more excited to see this intense thrill-ride of a series come to life,” said Mark Stern

Helix is expected to begin production early in 2013 to debut later this year.

stevenmu

Looks interesting, and with that production team it'll definitely be worth a watch.

Sounds a lot like his The Thing prequel, assuming there were some ideas he liked in his draft that he decided to develop.

Mr E

New Trailer....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIthI2sKfu4

pixelburp

It does have a strong vibe of X-Files and The Thing coming off it; the latter is only inevitable I guess, monsters and paranoia in the Arctic is only ever going to invite comparisons with John Carpenter's classic. The premise still seems a little thin for a 13 episode show, could do with a bit more detail.
Still, looks promising and dark, horror-tinged Sci-Fi is rare enough these days so will keep an ear to ground about this one. That said; "we're not just breaking international laws, we're screwing with the laws of nature". :rolleyes: I guess I better not hold out hope for decent dialogue, or that they might avoid the 'science is amoral and invariably runs amok' clichés...

pixelburp

There's an extended trailer out, giving a little more backstory to events; dialogue still comes across as very schlocky but still fairly intrigued by it all:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI4R2WY11yM

Skerries

so it's kind of like The Andromeda Strain mixed in with The X-Files "Ice" episode

groovie

Interesting article on this here.

JP Liz V1

Good to see Billy Campbell back on tv again, likeable actor

jenjenten

anyone check out the two part opener?

Mr E

It's no BSG, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not sure there is enough story to fill 10 episodes (in Antarctica anyway), but we'll see.

pixelburp

Mr E wrote: »

It's no BSG, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not sure there is enough story to fill 10 episodes (in Antarctica anyway), but we'll see.

I believe each episode in the season of 13 will cover a 24 hour period, so hopefully that'll keep the stakes and tension high throughout.

It was a decent enough pilot & second episode anyway, and while the pacing wobbled there was enough tension and atmosphere to keep me watching. It also passed the 'ick' test, which is important if your story is based around a horrible disease. Going by the promotions it looks like they won't spare any blushes so that'll help sell the threat if nothing else.

That said, the dialogue was very perfunctory, full of the kind of exposition you'd expect early in a show's lifespan, and the less said about the needless relationship complications, the better; a really lazy and tired way to create conflict. It might also help if the actors had any chemistry together, but they flatline. Some of the other characters need work too - the company director being the most egregious example; I guess to hook the viewer they've gone for the most overly villainous portrayal, so I hope over the coming episodes the lines are blurred a little.

Pretty enjoyable opening two episodes. If it does keep with the 24 hour period per episode then it could fill out the entire season. This kind of show would suit a style similar to American Horror Story, with each season being different to the previous.

Mr E

Episode 3 is out and was superb! Much better than the first two. I'm well and truly behind this show now.

Excellent third episode. Really reminiscent of 28 Weeks Later, especially the outbreak scene.

PhiloCypher

Wtf is with the ridiculously incongruous Title card music ?

pixelburp

PhiloCypher wrote: »

Wtf is with the ridiculously incongruous Title card music ?

juxtaposition of horror with whimsy; the playing of 'do you know the way to san jose' throughout the first episode was for the same effect. It can highlight the macabre nature of horror if its set to the tune of something inappropriate...

PhiloCypher

pixelburp wrote: »

juxtaposition of horror with whimsy; the playing of 'do you know the way to san jose' throughout the first episode was for the same effect. It can highlight the macabre nature of horror if its set to the tune of something inappropriate...

I get that and I'm all for its use in that scene you mentioned and tv shows in general so long as it is not overused, but as title card music ???

Basq

The bad reviews have swayed me off this, but I'm tempted now that the third one seems to have gotten good reviews.

Might give it a shot.

titan18

Basq wrote: »

The bad reviews have swayed me off this, but I'm tempted now that the third review seems to have gotten good reviews.

Might give it a shot.

It's worth watching imo, better than a lot of crap on TV now

jenjenten

saw the third....interesting choice of cast....but billy campbell is terrible....it relies alot on enviromental sounds to add dread, but fails imo. it alsorelies on choppy editng and out of sequence edit to add dread and horror, again fail.

these tropes imo are poorly executed and gimicks imo.....not sold on this show at all. that theme music is the most WRONG thing on tv for many years!

stevenmu

So I'm the only one who loves the music? It's been stuck in my head all weekend.

And I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling they're going to do something more with it, like it has some kind of hidden meaning.

pixelburp

PhiloCypher wrote: »

I get that and I'm all for its use in that scene you mentioned and tv shows in general so long as it is not overused, but as title card music ???

stevenmu wrote: »

So I'm the only one who loves the music? It's been stuck in my head all weekend.

And I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling they're going to do something more with it, like it has some kind of hidden meaning.

No, I kinda liked it myself; it really jarred, in a good way, after that creepy and mysterious first scene - it was quite unsettling.

Glad to hear the third episode improves on things, I think I'll hold off on indulging 'til the it airs though. It's easy to be overly harsh on the first clutch of episodes in any series, and while the first two episodes have their problems, I saw enough good points to think the show could develop in a positive direction - in any case, very few shows ever manage to knock it out of the park on the first attempt.

PhiloCypher

Overall I quite like the show but I came across this review of episodes 1 & 2 that picked up on a lot more plot holes then I had initially.

http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/helix/28833/helix-episodes-1-2-review-pilot-vector

Patty O Furniture

Mr E wrote: »

Episode 3 is out and was superb! Much better than the first two. I'm well and truly behind this show now.

Yeah i liked it, enough to keep you going, but i didnt realise the third one was out as its scheduled for the 17th http://epguides.com/helix/

Without going off topic i did see it in various places, but thought it was fake? which RSS site is a good one that's proven, as i use showrss at the moment

pixelburp

PhiloCypher wrote: »

Overall I quite like the show but I came across this review of episodes 1 & 2 that picked up on a lot more plot holes then I had initially.

http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/helix/28833/helix-episodes-1-2-review-pilot-vector

I wouldn't class half of those points as plot holes, most of that 'review' reads like ridiculous internet pedantry - oh noes, their electric-prods are 2 foot long for polar bears, when evvveryone knows their reach is 5-foot. LOL! :rolleyes:

The main problems with this show are character-based, not the irrelevant minutiae around its setting. The Idiot Ball gets handed around just a bit too much, and the awful writing of the main female characters are the most offensive things here - not the presence of wind turbines. Dropping the love triangle would be a good start...

Coconut Joe

A great companion show for Spoils of Babylon, makes both funnier.

Potatoeman

I did like the start where they admitted the base was out of their jurisdiction. Its been bugging me when American shows have government agenies flaunt procedures and jurisdiction. I wad soon disappointed when they stopped this. Taking off protective gear and choices endangering everyone.

PhiloCypher

pixelburp wrote: »

I wouldn't class half of those points as plot holes, most of that 'review' reads like ridiculous internet pedantry - oh noes, their electric-prods are 2 foot long for polar bears, when evvveryone knows their reach is 5-foot. LOL! :rolleyes:

The main problems with this show are character-based, not the irrelevant minutiae around its setting. The Idiot Ball gets handed around just a bit too much, and the awful writing of the main female characters are the most offensive things here - not the presence of wind turbines. Dropping the love triangle would be a good start...

I agree the cattle prod and wind turbine thing don't bother me at all but he is spot on about the issue of there being a research base with 10(?) basement levels in the Arctic which even at its thickest isn't more then 12-15 feet thick. Thats a pretty big logic fail unless as the reviewer said it is giant sub(or an even more out there theory, a disguised Alien ship), why not just set it in the Antarctic?

JP Liz V1

brian_t wrote: »

Helix starts on Channel 5 next Monday 20th January @ 10.00pm

Kinda thought SyFy UK would pick it up

pixelburp

Episode 3 was very enjoyable, and like any competent thriller it escalated the stakes & threat while throwing some extra minor mysteries into the pot. I'm definitely on-board with this show and look forward to seeing how things pan out.

It still lacks a certain spark, and I think that's down to the characters. They're too thin and the only texture so far is a tedious romantic quadrangle that demeans to the two (invariably attractive) female leads. And while it's cute to withhold motivations from the audience for the sake of a mystery, when the others' defining characteristic is that they're hiding something, it's a poor substitute for depth.

Oh and side-note: the avclub review made a funny point about the blonde scientist - for anyone who watches Archer, she's basically a live-action Pam

Antar Bolaeisk

pixelburp wrote: »

...competent thriller...

Can't believe you'd compare this thing to a competent thriller, it's entirely and completely daft.

Episode three for me was no improvement, it just compounded all the problems of the pilot. The bit where

the satellite was blown up causing the internal communications to fail was the final straw

. I won't be sticking around for more, even with the prospect of Seven of Nine in the coming episodes (and I'm not generally one for complaining about how stupid a show can be).

pixelburp

Antar Bolaeisk wrote: »

Can't believe you'd compare this thing to a competent thriller, it's entirely and completely daft.

Episode three for me was no improvement, it just compounded all the problems of the pilot. The bit where

the satellite was blown up causing the internal communications to fail was the final straw

. I won't be sticking around for more, even with the prospect of Seven of Nine in the coming episodes (and I'm not generally one for complaining about how stupid a show can be).

In the sense that they're maintaining the impetus and pacing, yes, I'd call it a competent thriller. I've watched many a series where the pilot has had all the energy, drive and mystery, only for things to grind to a halt by episodes 2/3 and beyond. To be fair, this show hasn't slammed on the brakes just yet.

As for the satellite dish thing, seemed like a poor excuse to keep the two leads in the dark that little bit longer, but I don't think its the show's larger crime really. I'm sure virologists and chemists are jumping up and down about the science's depiction mind you

jenjenten

Antar Bolaeisk wrote: »

Can't believe you'd compare this thing to a competent thriller, it's entirely and completely daft.

Episode three for me was no improvement, it just compounded all the problems of the pilot. The bit where

the satellite was blown up causing the internal communications to fail was the final straw

. I won't be sticking around for more, even with the prospect of Seven of Nine in the coming episodes (and I'm not generally one for complaining about how stupid a show can be).

+1.....i think its woeful stuff, a tv show pretending or trying to be something it isint. The opening theme music sums up how much of a joke this show is.

Anyone with a PS3 or 4 and a US account set up (takes all of a few minutes) can download the first episode in HD for free. Best if all is the fact that a lot of networks are now looking at streaming and downloading figures when considering renewals so you can do your little to help the show.

TerrorFirmer

Just watched episode 4 there. I have to say, it's the sort of show that just when I feel like I'm about to give up on it, it hooks me with an indescribable something that keeps me interested, however mildly, in the following episode.

It's not overly clever, or well scripted, or even even acted; the characters are a bit rubbish, the production values are questionable; but, somehow, I find myself looking forward to the next episode...sort of.

Still watching, still interested. We'll see where it goes.

pixelburp

It keeps throwing mystery on top of mystery, which helps keep things cooking over. Of course, sooner or later you have to start tying things together, which is where it might all fall apart. The reveal about Walker was pretty intriguing. Just wish they'd sort out the characters; the fact all the morally compromised characters are basically the only non-white members of the cast also seems just a little too uncomfortable. As you say, it's far from perfect but has enough steam to keep a person watching for now

jenjenten

I think its dreck..... i am giving it one more before i watch Gold Rush on fridays.

wandatowell

Brain candy, I enjoyed the first episode.

Tristram

I watched half of the newest episode before I got bored and wandered off. Doubt I'll return to it. Pity as I thought there was promise.

naughto

Last ep was weak to be honest,I'll stay with it 4 another while.Cant see how they will get a 2nd season out of it

Patty O Furniture

There's enough in it to keep me going for a while, as something about it as pixelburp said about piling on the mysteries just to find out more on it, but wonder will it be sorted out sooner rather than later.

Goldstein

I'm out after 5 eps. I gave it a good chance but time to call a spade a spade. Really disappointing to see a legend like Moore associated with this garbage.

Mr E

Weakest episode yet. I'm losing faith in the show, but next week's injection of fresh characters might give it a kickstart.

pixelburp

Yup, another mystery is thrown onto the fire, gah; maybe with the new characters a more convincing character dynamic will establish itself. I realise I'm coming back mainly for the mystery and premise; it sure as hell ain't for the characters. Alan & Sarah are such awful, dull, pious leads the show falls apart when they're around. Killing

Doreen

off was a huge mistake, the show lost one of its brighter character sparks

Patty O Furniture

Yeah why did they kill

Doreen, the only fun character there!

off, the new characters have to give it a go, for a last min reprieve as the same happened to Defiance in which it put me off the same way.

brian_t

This has been struggling on Channel 5 losing half its viewers since the pilot (dropping to 500k).

The channel is putting it on Hiatus and bringing it back later in the year on 5*.

http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2014/02/channel-5-moves-helix-sister-channel-5/

jenjenten

brian_t wrote: »

This has been struggling on Channel 5 losing half its viewers since the pilot (dropping to 500k).

The channel is putting it on Hiatus and bringing it back later in the year on 5*.

http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2014/02/channel-5-moves-helix-sister-channel-5/

^ same on SyFy.....show is 13 and done. I see Jeri Ryan/7 Of 9 is on the show......:)

Patty O Furniture

brian_t wrote: »

This has been struggling on Channel 5 losing half its viewers since the pilot (dropping to 500k).

The channel is putting it on Hiatus and bringing it back later in the year on 5*.

http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2014/02/channel-5-moves-helix-sister-channel-5/

When i saw in the listings that it got moved to midnite & got bumped for Can't Stop, Won't Stop Hoarding & Car Crime UK, is a bad sign all right

Pushtrak

I haven't started watching this, but as a general question, when ye hear of a new show on Syfy, do ye go in to it neutral, expecting it to be good, expecting it to be crap, or what? I can't bring myself to have much expectations for anything from Syfy personally. I don't have a very positive opinion on them generally.