One of the best sci-fi shows ever cancelled, the smart, gritty, and original Odyssey 5 finds the crew of the space shuttle Odyssey witnessing the destruction of Earth, after which an alien bystander sends them back in time in an attempt to avert the disaster. Arriving five years in their past, in the series' present day—these 19 episodes ran intermittently on Showtime beginning in 2002 and ending in 2004—the astronauts have to overcome their dislike for one another, contend with the rippling effects of their interfering in the timeline, and confront all manner of hot-button technological issues, including gene therapy, artificial intelligence, and nanotech as they race to save the planet. Not every episode is an unqualified success, and the X-Files-ish stew of alien invasion and human conspiracy doesn't quite mix, but this is one of the most fascinating SF efforts in TV history, dedicated to exploring “what-if” ideas and their emotional impact on real people (the cast, including Peter Weller as the shuttle commander, is excellent). Even if the abundant R-rated language didn't make this strictly for mature viewers, the intellectual tenor of its scope and aspirations would. Unfortunately, the series ends abruptly with an unresolved cliffhanger. Featuring a commentary track on the pilot episode by Weller and creator Manny Coto, this is highly recommended. (M. Johanson)
Odyssey 5: The Complete Series
Sony, 5 discs, 935 min., not rated, DVD: $49.95 Volume 21, Issue 4
Odyssey 5: The Complete Series
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