The First: Viagem a Marte

This seems to me like a bait for SciFi fans, 95% drama and 5% SciFi, and that is really fair percentage estimation. Since there is really not much of a SciFi in it at all, rather something that is achievable in science today!

This show has left me stunned and haunted. It is absolutely beautiful, and achingly raw, sad and honest. Don't let anyone convince you that it never "got off the ground" as I see some reviews stating. That is flat wrong. Every single character is complex, human, flawed and totally relatable. Each character's story is developed so carefully and each story line refuses to be rushed. We are so used to 30 second sound bites and immediate gratification in our culture that many people want to be entertained without having to think, go deep and reflect on how the TV show or movie make us feel. This show refuses to cater to our need for rushed results, like fast food for the senses. Be prepared to settle in and take a gorgeous, heart wrenching, heart pounding and stunning journey with each character. Don't expect one-dimensional characters or CGI action scenes. This is an intelligent, thoughtful, beautiful show and every actor in it deserves an Emmy for their performances. I hope this show catches on ignites our imaginations for what humankind can accomplish (with a new and empathetic understanding of the sacrifices required to move the human race into the great unknown). Bravo! I'm hooked and can't wait for more.

While this production has high production values and an excellent cast the show is way too boring to watch unless you want to watch something while you drift off to sleep. Why... because for 6 of the 8 episodes nothing happens... NOTHING!!! If you watch episodes 1 and 8 you not only have the whole story but also the high points of the story. In general the show suffers from labored pan shots that go on way too long, labored close ups that go on way too long, and a script lacking in energy and entertainment. If you simply want a visual distraction that doesn't draw the eye too acutely then this is the show for you. Like I said, good for drifting off to sleep.

Wow what a mess. Firstly this is NOT sci-fi. The entire plot could be overlayed with Sean pen being a doctor in a 1980's hospital series, say a submarine cpatian -- or for that matter a truck driver -- or a partner in a dental practice who is juggling home n work. There is no US of the science or futuristic aspects, no major thought challenge theme from it. it is just there.

All this series is is a pedestrian drama. And it is one that literally uses every single worn out trope and cliché one has ever seen. I challenge any reviewer to even name a single original aspect -- or even well done cliched one in this series.

And really, I get that Sean Penn thinks he is a military vet after playing one in a film, but "the First' clearly makes him imagine he is a film writer since he has acted in films as he is apparently responsible for the post production adding of the bizarre pauses with haiku like voiced overs. Terrence Malik can do that Sean -- you can't without appearing desperate to save this mess. Really Sean, the dirt and the stars are made from the same stuff? Wow, that is heavy. newsflash: Democritus told us this two THOUSAND and five hundred years ago. It's not news.

Contrary to the others here i found it engaging and interesting. if you're after space imagery and spaceships.. no. this is -maybe- a pretty realistic insight into the human, psychological dimension and systems behind such a program. why i liked it? because we often forget the human, interpersonal dimension when it comes to space flight.. it conveys the human behind this excellently. one might argue too much daughter time.. but this is the story... and i find it very understandable given the circumstances.

cinematography: 10 stars sounddesign: 10 stars & i as others already mentioned.. sean penn is really good in this..