First Look: 'Revolution'

The track record for post-apocalyptic TV shows is not a promising one. Most of them don't last more than a season and it's not uncommon for them to be yanked prematurely, leaving lots of unanswered questions for viewers.

The NBC drama "Revolution" comes from J.J. Abrams and Eric Kripke and is set in the near future. The pilot opens with a quick at look at what happens when everything from power to technology suddenly shuts down. The story then flashes forward to 15 years later, when a local militia leader attempts to track down the answers to why the lights shut down and how they can be repaired. His violent search for answers shapes most of what happens in the premiere episode.

While it's too early to give this a formal review, I will say that "Revolution" pleasantly surprised me. The show quickly moves to a more traditional action series, with the type of energy and fight sequences Kripke honed with "Supernatural." The first 90% of the episode is nearly mythology-free, before viewers get glimpses at the mysteries that will likely fill the first season of the show. The identity of the militia leader becomes clear and a secret organization that appears to be hoarding technology is revealed.

I liked it overall and the pilot (directed by Jon Favreau) is sharply written and well-cast. In particular, Billy Burke and Tracy Spiridakos do a great job balancing the need for an emotional undercurrent with their roles and the desire of viewers to see some kick-butt action.

My own fear about this show--and I'm guessing it'll be the fear of many viewers--is that I'll end up investing time in a show that won't have a resolution if it's cancelled. The  best thing NBC could do would be to promise viewers that win or lose in the ratings, they'll get the answers that wrap up the mysteries of "Revolution."