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Night One, Part 1. S1 : E1. TV-MA | 45 min | Aired: 12.15.14. Fifty-one years into the Ascension’s journey to find a new world, the first murder onboard the spaceship reveals the cracks in the isolated community.
- Hard sci-fi returns to Syfy.
- Verdict
By Max Nicholson
Posted: Dec 14, 2014 6:32 pm
Note: This is an advance review of the first two episodes of Ascension, which premieres on Syfy this Monday as a two-hour presentation. Spoilery details will be kept to a minimum...
It may be hard to remember in this post-Sharknado world we live in, but there was a time when Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel) was a beloved hub for science fiction drama -- 2004's Battlestar Galactica being a prime example of that. Later, the network's focus shifted to broader genre shows like Eureka, Warehouse 13 and Being Human, all of which had decent followings but were never quite on the same acclaimed, "serious" level as Battlestar. Now, the genre station is looking to get back to its roots with several upcoming series, starting with Ascension, a new six-part miniseries airing as a three-night event on Syfy.
Inspired by the real-life, never completed Project Orion that began under the Kennedy administration, Ascension follows the passengers of the USS Ascension, a massive generation ship that -- in this series -- actually succeeded in launching in 1963 over fears that the Cold War would end in nuclear desolation. Unfortunately, halfway through its century-long journey to Proxima Centauri (which is to say, it picks up in our present), a young woman's murder -- the first ever on-board the ship -- causes the crew to question the true nature of their mission. Worse yet, they're approaching the point of no return.
Naturally, the murder-mystery aspect makes Ascension stand out from other space operas, but the thing that will probably jump out at you the most is its high-end, retro style. Since the ship launched over 50 years ago, it's basically a time capsule; clothing, technology, moral values -- they're all entrenched in the 1960s. It's a unique take that is felt throughout the first two episodes and factors heavily into the plot. It's kind of like Firefly in that way, combining two distinct genres to create something all its own. Here, Ascension hooks you almost immediately with a long take of the ship's interior set to Elton John's "Rocket Man." Even though that song didn't come out until 1972, it still perfectly sets the tone. That's because it's not afraid of toying with expectations.
Honestly, there's a lot more I could say about Ascension, but to delve any deeper would give too much away. All I can really say is, tune in and see it for yourself. If you're a fan of science fiction, mystery, drama or all the above, Syfy's latest miniseries will be right up your alley. While it may be too early to tell, the show definitely feels ...
- Max Nicholson
Dec 15, 2014 · Subscribe to AfterBuzz TV's YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/afterbuzztvAll playlists: https://www.youtube.com/user/AfterBuzzTV/playlistsAFTERBUZZ TV -- A...
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Ascension. TV-14 Drama • Science fiction • Miniseries. Night One Season 1 Episode 1. Fifty-one years into its journey into space, a murder occurs on the spaceship Ascension, prompting an investigation. Cast. Tricia Helfer, Brian Van Holt, Gil Bellows, Andrea Roth, Brandon Bell, Tiffany Lonsdale, Ryan Robbins, Jacqueline Byers, Brad Carter. Rating.
Dec 16, 2014 · Fifty-one years into its hundred-year journey through space, a murder occurs among those aboard the U.S. Orion Class Spaceship: Ascension. The body of Lorelei turns up on the ship’s “beach”, and Executive Officer Aaron Gault is asked by Captain Denninger to investigate.
Dec 16, 2014 · If you sat out night one of Ascension, stop reading now as there are huge SPOILERS below. The set-up is as simple as it is effective: the USS Ascension has been floating in space for 51 years on its way to a distant star system where human civilization can continue away from Earth.
Fifty-one years into its journey into space, a murder occurs on the spaceship Ascension.
