Pilot Review: Odyssey

As far as I can tell, not a lot has been released about Odyssey, beyond the NBC website for it: http://www.nbc.com/odyssey

First Impressions

There’s no trailer or anything for this show, so not much to find out about it. I only have the promotional photo on the NBC site, with their description:

It’s a conspiracy show! Hopefully that can keep this series lively. But after watching a bit of Secrets and Lies, I’m thinking maybe I’m just not feeling shows that are this heavy! I don’t envy anyone in these tough positions, having to stand their ground as everyone judges them and people try to bring them down.

Not to mention I don’t like politics. Or nationalism. I just don’t like overly strong feelings that cause people to disregard reason… Except love. Everyone likes love.

Somehow the complete opposite of Secrets and Lies, this pilot is an hour and a half: longer than its air time will be. (Edit: Actually it was more like 55 minutes – the file I have just has emptiness at the end.)

Natural Storytelling at Its Best

Odyssey is a well-explored story that doesn’t feel slow. Even though the NBC description tells us who our main characters are, “a female soldier, a corporate lawyer and a political activist,” the first episode is a gradual unraveling of their circumstances and involvement in this cover-up. And though they don’t even come together by the end of this episode, this show doesn’t feel boring – it’s interesting and deep and captivating.

All the Feels – in a Good Way.

Unlike Secrets & Lies (I didn’t realize when I watched them back-to-back that they would be such stark opposites), Odyssey doesn’t make me want to stop feeling. A thrilling and yet touching tale, Odyssey pulls on viewers heartstrings, tugs at their desire to learn about the mystery, and builds an emotional roller-coaster they won’t want to get off.

A Surprising Success for Even a Skeptic

I really like this show! I had my doubts: this isn’t usually my type of genre, from the single drawn-out mystery to the politics to the should-be depressing mood of the topic.

Everything about Odyssey is well-thought-out, deliberate, and cohesive. Its characters are relatable and likable. The moods throughout are well-balanced and bearable. Overall, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. There is enough suspense, and enough layers of mystery, to keep me absolutely intrigued, and enough familiarity with the many characters to keep me invested.

While this is a show I would rather binge watch, if only so I can remember everything that’s happening, I absolutely see myself watching this. I hope that others discover Odyssey and take the opportunity to watch it, despite what their first impressions may be, as well!