Surface – The Complete Series is a fun rollercoaster ride of a sci-fi “popcorn” show with all the elements needed to make it entertaining. At the same time, some viewers may be more than a little disappointed after investing the time to watch the series, and the last episode concludes without a “proper ending.”
Surface premiered on NBC as part of the network’s 2005 fall line-up and ran until February, 2006. The DVD set collects all 15 episodes, some deleted scenes (which don’t really add much to the show), and a “Sci-Fi Special Effects” behind the scenes look (which is interesting but a bit standard).
The series starred an ensemble cast (including Lake Bell, Jay R. Ferguson, and Carter Jenkins) and made sure each episode ended with just the proper cliffhanger to make you want to watch what happened next. Unfortunately, like other similarly themed new series (such as Invasion and Threshold) it failed to gain a large enough audience in time to avoid the network axe from falling.
The series, which was created by Jonas and Josh Pate, was described as “Spielbergian” in plot – a description that fits the show since it draws so much of its story from elements in Steven Spielberg films. This “borrowing” can be seen in a number of episodes – from Rich’s (Ferguson) obsession with an unknown object he draws all the time (Close Encounters of a Third Kind) to Miles’ (Jenkins) bonding with one of the creatures (E.T.). There are even moments of Jurassic Park déjà vu when the little critters run amok “raptor style.” Unfortunately, this familiar use of plot elements may turn away some viewers, and I know it made me feel like cutting the DVD player off many times.
Finding the truth
At its basic plot, Surface follows a group of people (including oceanographer Laura Daughtery (Bell), insurance agent Rich Connelly, and high school student Miles Barnett who all accidentally stumble upon a new breed of underwater species that can grow to massive size and quickly replace humans at the top of the almighty food chain. As Daughtery and Connelly investigate, they discover there is more to this “new” creature than they first thought. They also discover their investigation has drawn the attention of a very powerful and possible government organization that takes keeping the creature secret very seriously.
Meanwhile, Miles discovers a mysterious egg that he promptly puts in his parents’ aquarium. When the egg hatches, Miles gets a new pet with a sweet-tooth for gold fish and poodles. Miles has to deal with parents, his pet’s (named Nimrod) growing appetite, and the kooky side effects that come with him (such as blowing out every electronic appliance in the house).
As the series continues, the creature’s mysterious origins get more exposed and the danger for our cast grows more intense. Unfortunately, the series also sees more clichés, and you start to care less and less about the characters (Miles’ E.T. story really started getting on my nerves).
Get out of the WATER!!
The last episode ends with you wanting more answers and it would have been interesting to see where the show went in the second season. Other dangling threads and season two story set-up elements also go unanswered which leaves you unimpressed with what is now the finished product (NBC could at least let the show do a mini-series to finish up the story).
*The following episode descriptions do contain spoilers. Readers may want to skip this portion of the review
Disc One starts off with episode 101 (which I thought was an odd way to number the episodes) where something is in the waters and Dr. Daughtery is determined to find out what it is and why the government doesn’t want anyone to know about it. Episode 102 sees trouble wash ashore when Miles brings a strange egg into his home and names his new pet “Nimrod.” Episode 103 finds things heating up below the surface as scientist theorize that the creatures cause global warming.
Disc Two episode 104 has Laura taking a dip in the ocean to tag one of the creatures with a GPS tracking device. Episode 105 shows Nimrod is not the typical family pet after a mid-day snack involving the neighbor’s dog. Episode 106 sees the mysterious scientist Aleksander Cirko uncovering the secret origins of the species, and then getting involved in a hit and run for his trouble. Episode 107 calls for drastic measures when Laura, Rich, and Jackson hide to avoid the government agents out to get them.
Disc Three episode 108 has Laura and Rich in some hot water at the bottom of the ocean when the cable to their sub snaps. Episode 109 sees a race against time as Laura and Rich discover just what the creatures are up to on the bottom of the ocean, but are also running out of air. Episode 110 has Laura and Rich reach the surface, but where’s the boat? Episode 111 features the story finally going public if Laura and Rich can get past all the government agents out to get them.
Disc Four episode 112 sees life on the run as Laura and Rich try to avoid capture. Episode 113 finds the dynamic duo exploring an abandon lab that just might not be that abandoned. Episode 114 has family tensions running high as Rich’s wife files for divorce, and Miles has to choose between Nimrod and his family. Episode 115 ends the set (with a bit of a letdown) as a massive tsunami looms over everyone and our cast all head to higher ground.
Even with its faults and clichés, I enjoyed Surface, and would have liked to have seen where the series would have eventually gone. I wish the show would have had a little more time to answer some of the dangling story aspects, and I did think the final episode was a bit of a letdown after all the build up.
Miles and his pet?
Still, the series is entertaining, and maintains a “popcorn” thriller feeling throughout the entire four-disc set. Fans of the series will want to pick up the DVD set and will enjoy catching some of the story elements that might have been missed watching it from week to week. If you never had a chance to see the show on television, I would recommend it for fans of science fiction or anyone wanting something that is simply fun to watch.
Surface – The Complete Series is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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