Terra Nova, released in 2011, had the potential to be an excellent series with an intriguing dystopian plot. Still, its chances of reaching its full potential were hampered by poor character development, subplots, and storytelling choices. Many viewers expressed disappointment and disdain for the series, leading to its eventual cancellation. However, I believe it is crucial to take a step back and analyse why Terra Nova, despite its flaws, still held a promise that could have made it a hit with the right tweaks.
The good premise
The show’s intriguing premise was set in the distant future, where Earth’s overpopulation and devastation forced humankind to find alternative ways to survive. In the year 2149, Earth has become uninhabitable. Humanity’s only hope for survival rests in a daring plan to travel back in time through a portal and establish a colony in prehistoric times. The series showed great promise with its intriguing storyline and the dazzling visual effects that brought the exotic, dinosaur-filled world to life.
However, friction between science-oriented researchers and power-hungry leaders created conflicts on how to proceed in this new world.
The protagonist problem
The thematic focus on human resilience, adaptability, and struggle for control was a great foundation for a gripping narrative. However, the show’s insistence on making the main protagonist, Jim Shannon, a cop, failed to resonate with the viewers. This may have been due to an overabundance of cop-centred dramas or the fact that his experience as a police officer was irrelevant to the challenges faced by the settlers in the Terra Nova colony.
Shannon’s role as a police officer often caused the show to revolve around solving crimes and catching “bad guys” rather than exploring the fascinating world the writers had created. This weakened the unique elements that made Terra Nova a breath of fresh air in the realm of science fiction television. The emphasis on Shannon’s cop background felt forced, rendering his character two-dimensional and unrelatable.
Uninspiring teenage subplots
Whilst I’m not opposed to teenagers in a show like Terra Nova, the teenage characters had subplots that did not mesh with the show’s central theme. It’s worth noting that weaving adolescent storylines into a science fiction show about rebuilding from scratch can provide depth and present unique perspectives. However, Terra Nova lacked that finesse. The teenage characters and their subplots often felt uninspiring, clichéd, and disconnected from the primary plot, creating unnecessary distractions rather than enriching the story.
Controversial opinion – It showed promise
Despite these shortcomings, I believe Terra Nova still showed great promise. Its concept was novel and had the potential to explore various aspects of human nature when thrown into a completely new world. While a strong plot and a cohesive storyline are essential for any successful TV show, characters are the crucial factor that gives any story depth and staying power.
Had Terra Nova focused on developing complex and intriguing characters and subplots that were more in line with the overall theme, the result could have been a sci-fi series worth remembering.
Terra Nova could have become a remarkable series that had viewers glued to their screens, exploring the complexities of survival, humanity, and ingenuity. With a captivating premise at its core and endless story possibilities, it’s undeniable that Terra Nova had the potential to be a great series had it managed to overcome these shortcomings.
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