Review of Manifest

I was very hopeful when I saw the previews for this program. I wasn't, however, hoping for such a focus on the sci-fi (or whatever you want to call it) aspects. Like others said, this is reminiscence of a Lost or similar program in reverse. I had hoped this program would focus mainly on stories of the passengers integrating back into their old lives, dealing with all the changes that had taken place in those five and half years. The focus seems split more than I'd like it to be, although, let's be honest - if this had happened in real life, we can be sure the authorities, the scientists, and everyone else would be following their every move until an answer was found.

That said, I disagree with some who claim the acting is lackluster. The acting is low key and subdued, just the way most real people live. If the actors were overly dramatic, it would change the thrust. This is low key real life behavior or people who are supposed to be genuinely confused. In that regard, I think the acting is fine.

All pilot episodes have to accomplish a lot - they have to capture the attention of scores of people, all with different interests. I suspect better is yet to come. Many shows are discarded by folks before the programs are ever given a chance to develop, one way or another.

I intend to watch this program for at least a few more times. If it goes downhill, that will be it. However, I think it has good potential to last for at least a few seasons and keep us interested.