Last Night’s TV – Defying Gravity

defyinggravity

This might also have been called Defying Logic, because, as we all know, stuff in space relies on logic to make it work, and programmes about space require someone to commission them, and that’s why it Defied Logic.

Who, oh who, thought this show was a good plan? Whoever it was, they should be in a position better suited to their talents, such as picking up dog poop, for in commissioning Defying Gravity, that’s pretty much what they’ve done.

In fact, in the States where Defying Gravity took its first faltering – and literally weightless – steps, it’s already been cancelled, so that makes it even more logic defying. Why is the BBC showing a series that – should anyone actually want to watch – doesn’t ever come to a conclusion?

But I’m not in the least surprised that the show failed, because Defying Gravity would be far more at home as a comedic parody series. And if it wasn’t asking us to take seriously its ludicrous storylines and characters, it might actually have worked as a send up of a space mission.

The story includes a mysterious thing that can reverse vasectomies – and in a future where abortion is illegal, it’s a sticky wicket for two of the crew members who shared a one night stand with pitter patter results – and of course, there’s the obligatory commander type who was once forced to leave his men behind… oh yawn.

Haunted by flashbacks of abandoning his men on Mars, and doubtless there’ll be dozens of them, they’ve also attributed some of the cheesiest lines to this character too. There was one that was practically dripping Brie about space being a fool’s game and well then, he’s a fool. I can’t remember the line verbatim because to be honest, most of the show was so stupid it simply bounced off my eyes and ears, but you get the gist.

The writers also chose to explain away the fact that the astronauts aren’t floating around like turds in an unflushed bowl – which again, metaphorically they were and are, it’s just that bad – by having them go into an explanation of how the nano-fibres in their suits keep them “pulled toward the deck electromagnetically.” Oh puleeeeeese. It seems to work on hair too because nobody’s coiffure floated around.

There was a sex scene though where, with magic suits off, the characters did float around; I suppose it saves one of them being left to lie in the damp patch…

“We’re in uncharted territory here” announced one of the crew, but in fact, they’re in territory that’s been done to death, and most it far better than this. That being the case, Defying Gravity is the coffin in which all similarly flesh-crawlingly-pants shows should be buried.

The series is already half dead and given that we know its condition is terminal, I most definitely wouldn’t bother getting ‘into’ it, even if you were so inclined, but frankly, I can’t imagine anyone is.

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37 Responses to “Last Night’s TV – Defying Gravity”

  1. Barry says:

    Am I surprised by this review, not really, when I see it in the light of the long standing and clearly enduring popular pulp that’s piped out to the TV screen in the UK by the media. Come on lets face it, if you want to remain in an illusion of East London, Midlands life or what apparently goes on inside our hospitals then Britains the place be.

  2. Nick says:

    Defying Gravity is one of the better Sci-Fi shows in awhile! Wahoooo

  3. Lisa says:

    What a shame that you couldn’t be bothered to give this show a decent chance. It’s one of the most intelligent, entertaining sci-fi shows on television at the moment. Sadly, it is reviews like this that turn people off of a show that they might otherwise have watched and enjoyed. If you are looking for a semi-realistic, entertaining look at what a near-future space mission might look like, you really should check out this show, despite the drivel that the nay-sayers and critics print.

  4. Natalie says:

    Well, thats a matter of opinion Lisa…I watched, and thought
    Oh my! what a load of crap.

  5. Pat says:

    I have seen 12 of the 13 episodes of Defying Gravity (USA) and have not been disappointed. The cast is outstanding and works very well together. It is so refreshing to watch a series where the characters are developed and the plot is original and has some complexities. I don’t really like sci-fi but this show really caught my interest. It is relevant to real life, our countries could be actually going on missions like this in 40 years.
    Perhaps reality shows are more the reviewers cup of tea?

  6. Sophia says:

    I have watched 12 episodes and although it is canceled, I do not feel like I’ve wasted my time. This show has everything a sci-fi & drama fan wants, and I really hope we eventually get at least a movie to tie things up. I’m going to miss it.

  7. koda says:

    Why does it always go like this? First you get witty, intelligent and plain good show: second douch bags like the above authors write their idiotic comments and then the good show gets cancelled? What does it say about the current world affairs? Well, I think it shows that the public is brain deaqd beyond the repair; it shows that “critics” have no clue what they are talking about and are brain deads too; and finally it shows that good quality, intelligent production ABSOLUTELY has no place on major TV network designed for brain dead people. Arghhhhh!!!!

  8. Natalie says:

    lol @ being brain dead…yeah you could be right! but just
    maybe you maybe can see..its down to everyones opinion. No
    need to be nasty!!

  9. koda says:

    Yeah, whatever…If you didn’t like it why are you hanging out around this website?

    I, contrarly, liked it a lot and am scrambling to find episodes 13 and 14. Anyone?

  10. Natalie says:

    Its not I dont like it..just thinks its a bit sad, thats all
    you dont have to be nasty!!..and im not hanging
    around..im on about 4 sites

  11. koda says:

    And that is how you praise the shows you like?

    “I watched, and thought
    Oh my! what a load of crap.”

    he-he!

  12. Natalie says:

    It was crap koda….but I still watched :o )

  13. Natalie says:

    each to our own …..;-)

  14. Natalie says:

    anywhoooo..I gotta go watch who fathered Heathers child
    waddy ya fink????? ;-)

  15. Greg Robinson says:

    Wow !! you have no patience !!! My guess is you’ve never read a novel, because you couldn’t get the whole plot on the first page. The undercurrent of Defying Gravity is immense, powerful, and life changing. This is the MOST realistically portrayed exploration series that has ever been shown. At least, watch the next few episodes before you pass your judgement !!

  16. brian aardvaark says:

    Defying Gravity is superior programming in every way and the review on this site is bottom of the birdcage material. There is a facebook site to organize around trying to save the show. become a fan and add your voice to the effort.

  17. Natalie says:

    ok will do!..but we all have to speak as we find, & the
    first episode was not good to me..I wont say crap..but
    ffs… it was ;-)

    anyway im gone………………………..for now! ;-)

  18. CryCrazy says:

    Finally a great and smart show and you american idiots dont like it. Where is the world going.
    It has a very strong story and of course if you take Beta just as a thing that can reverse vasectomy, than you dont like mysteries and you are one of the american idiots im talking about. Worst text i have ever read. The pilot episode was not so good, but the ending of the season is just awesome. Fractal called BETA 4EVER

  19. Slavko says:

    1/ Defying reviewers : This is a brilliant FICTION show.

    2/ Don’t bother reading the crap that’s above ^^

    3/ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DG RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  20. Denisse says:

    Defying Gravity is a great show and it’s a nice change from the regular sci fi genre.

    The acting is superb and the storyline is provocative. Anyone can easily identify with the characters and you want to root for them. That’s what keeps me watching.

    It’s clear that the person who wrote this article didn’t even bother watching the show because since you missed it, the reason their hair doesn’t fly up is because they use a type of spray that prevents it from doing so.

    I’m also unsure as to why the UK is giving this show horrible reviews when most of the shows that play in the US from the UK are horrid.

  21. Famox says:

    The show is amazing. It’s a breath of fresh air from violence or reality TV formula that seems to prevail everywhere. Seeing the characters develop is what the show is all about. All I can say is be patient, watch the show, let it gain momentum and you will be positively surprised!

  22. Saul Tigh says:

    Defying Gravity is great. You should get back to Big Brother, if it’s too much for you.

  23. Zecumto Zavindup says:

    Hello
    I am from Russia, who iz this Big brother you talk
    of. can i meet him?

  24. Jon says:

    Sad I was enjoying this show too oh well, one less show to download now…lol

  25. Sakan says:

    Totally agree. ABC thinks flash forward is better than defying gravity. No way!!! FF is horrible not as good as the hype it got. Defying Gravity was probably one of the most unique shows, it explored some deep themes and situations that I have not seen anywhere else on some TV shows.

  26. Sakan says:

    By tottaly agree I agreed with the other comments that Defying Gravity is a GREAT show and it is unfortunate that it got canceled because the general public would rather watch American Idol

  27. Barry says:

    I am already re-watching the first two episodes and waiting on the third next thursday. This is a brilliant series, you certainly pick up on more details the second time around.

  28. Anna says:

    I come to england for holiday.I dont like this programe.
    But I like to read this person writing it very good

    it made me smile

  29. sasq says:

    This show needs to come back! Defying Gravity is awesome!

  30. Fil Salustri says:

    I think DG is a top-shelf show. I’ve written it up at length at http://filsalustri.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/defying-gravity/

  31. James says:

    Your review gets one star out of five. It was lackluster and showed a true lack of understanding what needs to be on television.

  32. Christine Grey says:

    The show, with holes and all, was entertaining and kept me interested. I am disappointed that the show was canceled, and I am annoyed at the aggressive and short-sighted dismissal of this program present in this review.

  33. Natalie says:

    lol! Dont worry…shes been sent to Specsavers today ;-)

    Honestly, how can you be annoyed at someones opinion…….

  34. nogg says:

    This was a good series. Sci fi rocks my imagination!

    The season finale was GREAT! I only wish I was able to watch it in hi-def.

    It’s a niche genre with little to back it up unlike other sci fi franchaises. Given time and word of mouth the audience would have grown.

    It’s ABC, they don’t have the balls like HBO does.

  35. khal says:

    Well I enjoyed the heck out of the whole show – the Halloween episode was the only one that seemed a little out of sync – but that last episode made me cry – terrifically acted – fantastic cast, and the story loop was indeed fulfilled for Season 1, and with gusto – loved it. I will miss the two lead characters a lot.
    Yup, sad to see it go – and you know, over the years I’ve learned to trust my opinion on things, and in terms of movies or shows I’ve enjoyed, this ranks right up there, and that’s rare, rare indeed.
    Good-bye to Defying Gravity, like any good show, you are not forgotten, and made a difference.

    From Khal, the guy working on the NASA MMO with a couple of awesome American partners.

  36. Brian says:

    This is an amazing show; your reviewer should take the time to actually watch the show.

    Bring back DG!

  37. Cathy says:

    This is an awesome series. Watch it all the way through and you won’t be disappointed. It’s even better the second time around and kind of addictive. It’s clear a more creative, intelligent viewer will understand the premise of this wonderful story unfolding.

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