Seaquest DSV - Season One collects all 23 episodes of the hit television series that originally premiered in 1993 and combined elements of science fiction with underwater adventure.
The four-disc set stars Roy Scheider, Jonathan Brandis, Ted Rami, Rosalind Allen, and was produced by Steven Spielberg. The series saw a number of special guest stars including Charlton Heston, William Shatner, Seth Green, Kellie Martin, and Kent McCord.
Although the series was science fiction and set in the near future, the show doesn’t go too overboard with a “futuristic” look which helped it seem all the more believable. The series takes place in the 21st Century, and follows the world’s colonization of the ocean floors.
To help in this new wave of expansion, most of the world’s countries have formed the UEO -the United Earth Oceans- as a military organization to police it and protect those who are making a new world for themselves. Of course, not everyone is happy with the new UEO or the way colonization has taken place, and they have set out to reclaim the ocean’s floors for themselves.
To help keep the peace, the UEO relies on its newest submarine – the Seaquest DSV and its crew. The undersea vessel is captained by Nathan Bridger (Scheider) – the original designer of Seaquest who is convinced to return to active duty. The ship is also fitted to house more scientific exploration aspects so that it is not viewed as just a military vessel. This also adds to some tension between some of the military crew and the science crew.
Scheider knows how to play the role of the leader
Rounding out the cast is a kid genius named Lucas Wolenczak (Brandis) and a “talking” dolphin named Darwin – who happens to be Bridger’s pet and actually talks through a computer’s translation of his sounds. The show’s pilot episode quickly sets up the premise and several of the first season’s plots. We are introduced to the ship’s crew, and many of the more quirky characters.
Scheider seems at ease in the role of Bridger – a retired scientist and ex-Navy man who lives alone on an island. He wants nothing to do with Seaquest at first, and is actually kidnapped by his commanding officer to get him on the submarine. Once there, Bridger can’t help but be overwhelmed by the progress made on his original design, and doesn’t notice that the ship has left dock. After he does, it is too late to turn around, and slowly he begins to take command.
There is a whole back-story about the death of Bridger’s wife and his son that involves a promise he made not to return to service. He has to set that promise aside when a “pirate” sub, ran by Seaquest’s former captain, begins attacking colonies. Scheider is forced back into action, and finds that he belongs on Seaquest and exploring the underwater world.
The pilot is really one of the best episodes of the season, and shows that the series will deal with themes that range from environmental protection to more classic science fiction elements. They also throw in some new age type themes, and even some action from time to time.
Seaquest doesn’t go too overboard with a “futuristic” look
The series, which was an early success for the network and still maintains a large fan base, may fall a little flat on people who were not already familiar with it. The show borrows a bit from the formulas of past science fiction shows, most notably Star Trek, and sometimes is a little more heavy on the science than on the action.
These borrowed elements can be seen in the show’s use of the Brandis character - that fills the role of the “smart kid” who is able to both teach and learn from the captain - and even in the use of the dolphin – that manages to save the day more than once. The second episode is an example of how some of the season slows to a crawl since it mostly deals with Darwin getting sick and Bridges having to decide whether to finish an important experiment or save a member of his crew – by that I mean the dolphin.
Although the series may lack for some people, it is extremely well written, and enjoyable if you give it a chance. The special effects are still impressive, and the fact that the series does take place on our world adds to some of the entertainment. There are no bizarre aliens like Star Trek, but the mysteries of the ocean are more than enough to provide some good action adventure.
The cast does a good job of bringing their characters to life, and Scheider knows how to play the role of the leader. He is the centerpiece of series, but doesn’t eat up enough of the screen that other characters are not able to develop. The first season does a good job of getting you interested in the plots, the characters and wanting to see what is going to happen in season two.
The DVD comes with more than 30 minutes of deleted scenes that are included in the various episodes.
Brandis fills the role of the “smart kid” who is able to teach and learn from the captain
Whether you’re a fan of the series, or sci-fi in general, Seaquest DSV has something to offer you, and will entertain if you take the time to give it a chance. It does borrow from past series, but adds enough “new” to bring some originality to the screen. It has a solid cast, and plots that continue to build throughout the season. I would recommend the set to any fan of the series, or anyone wanting to take a chance on something new.
Seaquest DSV – Season One is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD’s database for more information.
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