Alcatraz (2012): Review By Corey

In 2010, my world had taken a negative turn. Probably my favorite series of all-time had ended; a series filled with deep, rich characters involved in a complex world-or island should I say? A series that told a massive tale incredibly by the episode. The show was called "Lost", and it's going to take a lot for a show to replace it. Behind "Lost" was The CW'S "Smallville", and just last year that too came to an epic ending. With all of my favorite shows ending, I only have one series left and I assume that will only last for another two years tops: Supernatural. Supernatural is a super engaging, horrific series that also tells an epic story. If there is anything I look for in a series, it's a story-arc. Both "Lost" and "Smallville" had it, and for that I enjoyed watching it. "Supernatural" has that too, but once the series ends I'll have nothing.

That's where Alcatraz comes in, or at least I hope..

Last night was the premiere of a series I've been anticipating since last summer. From the plot summary the show clearly contained an intriguing concept, and like "Lost", I love a show that pulls the audience in through confusion and mystery. Not only did the show "seem" to have the a "Lost" vibe toward it, but it's from the creators of "Lost". Right there, just because of who is behind the series, I know that Alcatraz can easily turn itself into one of my favorite series of all-time; all the show needs to do is keep up with the story, stay interesting, and craft some memorable characters.

After seeing the pilot, I can honestly admit that while the show was entertaining it does need some work.

1) Better characters? From the looks of the show thus far only two characters intrigued me from start to finish. Jack Slyvane is personally my favorite character in the series so far and I can't even tell if he's going to be a main-character toward the story or just a co-character for an episode or two. In all honesty, the show should hold on to this character. He's already the Ben Linus of this series and for them to drop the character would be a huge mistake. He's dark, mysterious, and interesting, and that's exactly what holds my interest. I also liked Dr. Soto, who was played quite well by everyone's "Lost" favorite Jorge Garcia. The character was funny and put some light on the show, but I think the real reason why I liked him so much was because, well, he brought back memories of Lost. As for the other characters, Rebecca Madson (Sarah Jones) and Hauser (Sam Neil), whom are main characters of the series by way, aren't as interesting as they should be. Both characters are stiff, dull, and a tad bit boring for a show like this. Madson is only an exact copy of the girl from Fringe, where Hauser only resembles characters we've seen in thousands of crime/drama shows like this before. This show needs better characters! Characters that'll hold us for a few seasons! Characters that'll make the SHOW!

2) A story? The show has a great concept and the story is certainly there, but by the looks of it the show seems to be taking on an everyday crime/drama series. J.J. Abrams has created another "Fringe", only instead of it being Monster-of-the-Week its Inmate-of-the-Week. Sorry Abrams, but that's boring! Alcatraz should be something like Lost, where the show continues the story by the episode. Certainly, the concept can remain but I'm not interested in meeting a new inmate every week and watching them murder people while the three main characters try to track them down as if it's just another episode of CSI or Law and Order. I won't mind this trail for a few episodes (I'm counting on only ten episodes tops), but hopefully the series will pick itself up from this and try something different with the episode formula because it will get boring quick-really quick!

The ending to the episode was great. The overpowering music and twist brought me back to classic "Lost". It made me realize that Alcatraz has a lot of potential to turn great. As of right now, the series is only good but that can easily change as long as they keep the interesting characters the way they are and bring the boring characters up a notch. If the show doesn't work out, there's always "Being Human" to watch on Monday nights.

Thanks for the read!

-Written by Corey Wood