HaveWisdomWillTravel

Solid actors, good casting, clean technical execution, nothing superfluous.

Nice to see mother son struggle in this high tension backdrop for a change.

But the plot contrivance level is heavy-handed, and it gets more and more outrageous as the story world widens into international waters.

The producers also presented the female lead as the story driver, but then they also dumbed her logical faculty down to the point of absurd idiocy in order to force plot-jumps.

This show has plenty of that American style drama annoyance: supposedly smart characters don't probe each for elaboration after someone dropped a giant plot bomb, "Oh so that's what happened, I'll see you later."

The second season finale surprise was so contrived it was like the faceless enemies are mind-control demigods.

But given the high production value and resources, I expect it to be on par or better than The Bridge/ Broen. Still, the solid cast managed to hold it together and delivered a watchable show.

I love good scifi from The Expanse, Raised by Wolves to Altered Carbon, (Norwegian) Ragnarok, am clearly not a purist. Most high rating Scandi-anything shows have worked for me.

But I'm also super bored by time travel theme (after overdosing on 12 Monkeys, Fringe, Centurion) to the point that I couldn't sit through the 1st season of Dark.

The only recent time travel shows that managed to grab me are Outlander and The Nevers.

What stands out with Beforeigners: it is not obsessed with the "technical correctness" of time-jumping. It has hyper specific time travel "era points", fast pacing. I also like the subtle but lethal humor about Vikings and religious doctrines. It's almost like the story is not very serious, but at the same time, it is also making specific moral/ socio-cultural/ political points.

The cliff hanger at the end of first season is very daring and enticing. Overall, I've been entertained, so, highly recommended.

To begin with, I never liked Jennifer Aniston as an actor or celeb. I'm meh with Steve Carell's self-conscious comedic style. I'm just lukewarm okay with Witherspoon.

But the writing and directing soon melted my wall of skepticism. This is probably the best role ever written for Witherspoon. Then even Carell started to gel with this character. Then EVEN Aniston showed acting chop and courage!

The casting is on point. Memorable performance by Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup and Karen Pittman.

The tone is stern but not preachy, humorous but not glib, an amazing achievement in itself given the super challenging backdrop and sexual harassment subject matter. Those who like the Good Wife/ Good Fight will really like this.

Looking forward the next season.