Ascension (Netflix)



Ran across Ascension on Netflix that has a 4-/2 star rating, which in Netflix term is well liked show. Watching the first 30-40 minutes will have you trying to figure out the what, where and especially when aspect of the show. My wife was getting a little frustrated because it was not spelling things out clearly the way she likes. It’s rather complicated.

A 6 episode sci-fi drama that has a very interesting mash-up. 51 years ago, the United States secretly launched a giant space craft that will hold a 600 person community for the 100 year journey to another galaxy. The show switches back and forth between the space ship and earth. The earth is definitely present day. The ships crew has appeared to freeze in time. They have the fashion of the 1950’s. So after 2 episodes, I’m not sure at what point in time we are watching ship time. I assume present day. It can be head scratcher. One of the key scenes is the fantastic idea of pulling the camera back from the murdered victim, up  and through various rooms and structures, twisting and turning through some very contemporary compartments and structures and finally outside the enormous ship. Realizing that the political ball, the underground scamming, the ocean side swim all occur within feet of each other inside the space ship. Brilliant reveal.

The thrust of the show is a murder. A murder within a large community on a spaceship presents some interesting dilemma’s. The show also raises more complex views of politics, science and class structure.

The hour moves pretty fast. I know I’ll be following through with this. Not a big fan of the detective murder scenario’s, but there is plenty going on to make the ride fun.