ADVANCE REVIEW: Snowpiercer Is Too Smooth Of A Ride In New TNT Series
Based on the critically acclaimed film by Bong Joon-ho and the French post-apocalyptic graphic novel, Snowpiercer showcases the destructiveness of the class system amongst Snowpiercer, a train created to protect the citizens of Earth from the dangerous climate change affecting the planet after humans failed to fix the world’s climate.
Coming to TNT on May 17, the pilot kicks off with the story behind the creation of Snowpiercer and the beginning of its journey around the world. The episode progresses with the introduction of its residents. The Tail section residents, including their rebellion leader, former detective, Layton Well (played by Daveed Diggs), and the hospitality crew of first class, including the Voice of The Train, Melanie Cavill (played by Jennifer Connelly). Well and Cavill’s stories become intertwined after a murder is discovered in the front of the train and Cavil seeks out Well’s help to figure out who did it. From there, it’s a game of who can outwit who to reach their own ultimate goals.
This battle to reach their own goals seems to be the running theme of the season when it comes to the characters at play. For Wells, he believes he can get a better life for those in the Tail section by manipulating those in the upper class by pretending to help solve the murder. For Cavil, it is trying to make amends for past sins while also trying to justify her choices for the creation of the train. The downfall though, these characters are not all that likable. Their backstories are far to simplistic for a post-apocalyptic world, which doesn’t allow for the viewers to develop any type of feeling for them. The dialogue between the characters is also too stale to keep the viewer engaged. At the end of the day, you find yourself rooting for no one and essentially hoping that no one comes out as the winner.
What makes this show even harder to swallow is the fact that it just never lives up to its predecessor. Yes, the TV series tries to stand on its own two feet by creating a different story within the world of Snowpiercer, but the beauty and success of its predecessor constantly weighs down upon it. The series fails to take the risks necessary to make the journey for the viewer as wild as it should be. So much so that every twist and turn becomes predictable, right down to the very last minutes of the season finale. For those who want to give it a try, give it a try. For those on the fence, go back and watch the original movie or read the graphic novel.
Grade: C+