The Revolution Will No Longer Be Televised: This Week’s Sci-Fi TV
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This is how the Revolution ends, not with a bang but a whimper. Yes, NBC’s apocalypse drama Revolution will officially close up shop after this week’s episode, bringing an end to a maddeningly uneven show that often showed promise, but rarely did anything with it. Still, with two full seasons, it’s outlasted many of its science fiction forebears — Firefly and Almost Human spring painfully to mind. But while both of those shows inspired passion in their fan bases, it’s hard to find that level of enthusiasm even from Revolution’s consistent fans. I’ll always think of it as one of those shows I just kept waiting to get good. Sort of like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., except S.H.I.E.L.D. actually did eventually get good.
Okay, that’s not entirely fair. Revolution definitely picked up a head of steam during the back half of its first season, and to its credit it delivered on promises to answer the show’s biggest question — What caused the blackout? — sooner rather than later. But with that domino dropped, season two seemed once again to struggle to figure out what Revolution was supposed to be about. The nature and intentions of the now self-aware nanites was by far the most interesting element of the show, but it was overshadowed by the brewing revolution of the title, between our heroes (and villains) and returning elements of the former United States government. If your show is called Revolution, it’s not a good sign when the screen time devoted to that revolution has me checking my watch and reaching for the fast-forward button. Sadly, Revolution has run out of chances to get it right.
Revolution’s series finale, entitled “Declaration of Independence,” airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC.
Miles (Billy Burke), Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos) and Monroe (David Lyons) launch an attack on the Patriots, but must improvise a risky new plan in order to halt the oncoming war between California and Texas. Out for revenge, Neville (Giancarlo Esposito) sets his sights on President Davis (guest star Cotter Smith). Meanwhile, Aaron (Zak Orth) and Rachel’s (Elizabeth Mitchell) efforts to save Priscilla (guest star Maureen Sebastian) from the nano-tech has unexpected consequences.
MONDAY
Metal Hurlant Chronicles (Syfy, 10/9c) — “Three on a Match” & “Cold Hard Facts/Red Light”
’Three on a Match’: Three astronauts survive a crash, but a leak in their hull forces them to fight over the last of the oxygen.
‘Cold Hard Facts/Red Light’: One man will do anything to escape a fortified prison that is controlled by strange creatures; and a person from the 21st century is found frozen alive and brought back to life by scientists in the year 2312.
Warehouse 13 (Syfy, 9/8c) — “Endless”
In the series finale, the team learn that Warehouse 13 will be moving to a new location country and are asked by Mrs. Frederic to contribute to a time capsule, which they do after reliving the moment that defined their relationship to the top-secret storage facility for supernatural artifacts.
WEDNESDAY
The 100 (The CW, 9/8c) — “I Am Become Death”
Murphy (guest star Richard Harmon, Bates Motel) returns to camp claiming to have been held captive and tortured by the Grounders, and Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and Bellamy (Bob Morley) have very different opinions on how to handle his return. Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos) sneaks away to find Lincoln (guest star Ricky Whittle) and returns with a serious warning for the 100. Meanwhile, a mysterious virus strikes camp forcing many to be quarantined, and Jasper (Devon Bostick) pulls off a heroic move.
FRIDAY
Continuum (Syfy, 9/8c) — “So Do Our Minutes Hasten”
Kiera’s relationships are put to the test and she’s forced to confront some uncomfortable truths while working with Dillon on an investigation. Elsewhere, Julian puts himself in the spotlight by exposing a corporation’s dirty deeds; and Alec deals with the pressures of his new role at Piron and with a revelation made by Carlos.
SATURDAY
In the Flesh (BBC America, 10/9c)
Kieren’s relationship with Simon takes an unexpected turn, provoked by PDS sufferer Freddie trying to win back his childhood sweetheart.
Orphan Black (BBC America, 9/8c) — “To Hound Nature in Her Wanderings”
Sarah joins forces with an unlikely and untrustworthy ally, following a trail of clues that she hopes will lead her to the origins of the clone experiment. Cosima and Delphine make a discovery that could prove to be the key to treating her illness. Alison finds herself in unsavory company at rehab.
SUNDAY
Believe (NBC, 9/8c) – “Collapse”
When Bo (Johnny Sequoyah) has a premonition of a tragic event in the New York City subway, she convinces Tate (Jake McLaughlin) to help her in stopping her vision from becoming reality. A confrontation with FBI Agent Ferrell (guest star Trieste Kelly Dunn) in the subway station quickly changes course when an explosion leaves them trapped underground. Meanwhile, Dani (guest star Mia Vallet) proves herself to Skouras (Kyle MacLachlan) as she settles into her new home at Orchestra.
