You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve heard the hype. Now there’s only one thing you want to know: Which of the new fall shows are worth watching and which should be avoided at all costs? In this continuing series, we give you the scoop on some of the most highly-anticipated shows of the season, with today’s subject being TERRA NOVA.
The Boilerplate: Since these pilot presentations may go through numerous rewrites and casting changes prior to premiere, this by no means should be considered an official review. Rather a preview of what one can expect come Fall.
The Plot: TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in doubt, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past. When scientists unexpectedly discovered a fracture in time that made it possible to construct a portal into primeval history, the bold notion was born to resettle humanity in the past – a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time.
The First Impression: Much to the chagrin of many industry observers who have spent the better part of the past year taking cheap shots at Fox for failing to unveil TERRA NOVA last season, fans will be pleased to discover that it was more than worth the wait. No really, forget everything you may have heard about the show via Twitter, because it not just lives up to the hype, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen on television before. Suffice it to say, courtesy of some truly awe-inspiring visuals from both the dystopian future and the prehistoric past, every one of the Pilots reported 10 million dollar price tag is oozing off of the screen. What’s more, thanks to a stellar cast, beautiful score and the inclusion of a couple of surprisingly stellar plot twists that both SMALLVILLE and LOST fans alike will find intriguing, there is no doubt in our mind that when Fox finally does launch this much-anticipated new series, audiences of all ages will be clamoring to find out what happens next. After-all, it should probably go without saying that Dinosaurs are least of the Colonist’s problems.
The Concern: Despite the fact that we’re already primed to proclaim TERRA NOVA our most anticipated new series of the Fall, it’s not perfect. Which is to say, when our inner-ten year old wasn’t busy marvelling at the Dinosaurs reminiscent of Jurassic Park, we were shaking our head at some of the clunky dialogue and predictability of the plot, particularly where the eldest two Shannon children are involved. Also of concern, is as a result of the what are being touted as groundbreaking industry visual effects, it remains to be seen if Fox can actually deliver on their 22 13 episode first season commitment. That said…
The Verdict: Will most definitely have us rooting for this epically ambitious series. 
TERRA NOVA launches on Monday September 26th at 8PM on FOX (CityTV in Canada)