'Survivors' S01E01: Part One

Survivors debuts in impressive style, with an episode that skilfully introduces the concept of the show, central themes and ensemble cast. Free from the action set-pieces that often dominate the sci-fi genre, this 'reimagining' of the 1970s cult classic rewards the audience's attention and provides plenty of thought-provoking material.

The tone of the show is unremittingly dark and realistic, and helps to successfully generate the whole 'what if?' scenario in viewers' minds. The government's response to the virus crisis is certainly authentic, with the spin machine assuring the public that the situation is under control when the opposite is true.

The only moment that shatters the illusion arrives during the motorway kickaround towards the end, when an intrusive non-diegetic rock song accompanies the visuals. It's a shame, as it takes us out of the bubble that's been so painstakingly created and reminds us that the whole project is a constructed artifice.

There's a bit of fun to be had guessing who will and won't survive until the end credits. The twist involving the resurrection of Julie Graham's Abby works well, because Spooks has shown that the BBC aren't afraid to kill off the supposed female lead early on in the series. However, in this case the poor Doctor Who contingent are the sacrificial lambs, as the surprisingly touching Freema Agyeman and Shaun Dingwall bite the dust.

A remarkable consistency is present throughout the performances. In particular, Max Beesley deserves credit for creating such a compelling anti-hero in Tom Price. The scene in which Tom slays the prison officer, a character who tries to enforce the old notion of justice in the 'new' world, is especially electrifying and ambiguous. Tom is seen here as a vicious, unrepentant murderer, yet he did offer the chance of a peaceful resolution beforehand.

Killing is second nature to Tom, but how far will the other characters go in order to secure their survival?

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