Helix Season 1
DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:
For fans of medical epidemic SciFi without actually being zombie or apocalypse – this show is a treat. Such shows require isolation – so we have a setting in the Arctic for this one. The characters are well-developed, consistent, and worthy of ones time. Sets, lighting, costumes, directing, writing, music, camera, and especially casting – all high quality. A most satisfying season with a successful and conclusive story arc. Note that Season one and season two are quite different types of shows – although they have many characters in common. Season one is closer to SciFi while Season two is closer to horror. Both are wonderful in their own ways.
Hiroyuki Sanada was the stand out actor for me in season one. He brings gravitas, mystery, and a keen sense of style to the show. Billy Campbell is the protagonist and is consistently engaging throughout. Kyra Zagorsky brings her game to season one before she absolutely blossoms in season two, which can also be said of Jordan Hayes. These are the two female leads. (Are real people as beautiful in real life as these two?) But, anyway… The primary antagonist in season one is Jeri Ryan, of Star Trek fame, gorgeous, deadly, and with such disregard for any life but her own. Season two has a variety of antagonists; one being Neil Napier – who also has a role in season one – but since he plays either coma or an infected zombie in season one, it’s easy to see why season two was a better vehicle for him, given that he was conscious for it… The Iago (and Adonis) of season one is Mark Ghanimé – who, like the rest of the cast, is a treat to watch. He get’s face-time/plot importance in season two also. Matt Long inherits this as season two progresses.
This show will probably appeal more to those who enjoy thinking and who enjoy strangeness than those who don’t. There is nothing straightforward about this show. The medical explanations devolve into jibber-jabber every now and then, but then again, they still remain within the cannon of this show and so get a pass.
The music is so ironic. Reinhold Heil (formerly of Nina Hagen’s band), is the composer. The theme song sounds quite a bit like that of British television’s ” Hotel Babylon. The 60s/70s pop adds a bizarre counterpoint to the trials and perils of the characters. Initially, I did not see how they were appropriate – but, well maybe after my third time through this show – I really got how nifty these musical selections were. Others may well disagree. I think season two makes the reasoning and effect of the musical selections more clear.
I’d recommend this show. It’s really fun to binge. And season one prepares you for the main event, season two!
– alistairville
From the moment I heard that weird 60’s music as the word Helix was written across the screen, and it ended on a down note with blood dripping off the X, I had chills and a suspicion there might be more to this show than meets the eye. As in most newbie stories, this one was tough to get to know because it has a rather large cast of very fine people.
There isn’t a lot I can say without violating spoilers, which I would not have liked, but if you aren’t watching it and you even remotely like thrillers and sci fi, either buy the episodes from Amazon.com from the beginning for $1.99 (I have never said this yet, haven’t found a show good enough to spend hard-earned salary on). But do buy it and watch it in order.
If you are in the early episodes, take everything you think is happening and toss it. Just sit back and enjoy one of the best sci fi shows in a very long time. It’s not for everyone because it is quite deep and you have to think a lot. Also, know-it-alls in labs who live to point out every error they make ruin it not only for themselves as well as for others because this is FANTASY, people.
My husband was an officer in the Air Force. It has taken me years to get him off the ceiling during either NCIS (he just cannot watch NCIS LOS Angeles – his loss. I love it!). So, put work aside and just relax and watch. The story that emerges is not what you think and it is GOOD. VERY GOOD. Highly recommended but only for those who can suspend whatever they know!
-Kate Fredericks
this show is pretty intense. it is “scary” and you are always waiting for something bad to pop out. theres a lot of soap opera quality to this show (for me), but i have to say I can’t help wanting to see what happens next. there’s enough weird and original stuff here to make you think, what the heck are they going to do with that. its interesting in that way. and of course, creepy scary. there are parts that are a little slow and kind of who cares moments (at least i didnt care), but overall, it has a hard hook that once you start watching its hard not to keep watching. I’m writing this review after episode 4. And the thing they find in the snow (not at the beginning of the episode which was weird enough), but at the end of the show, well… that was unexpected. wonder where they are going with that? I give it 5 stars for being very suspenseful and for just sucking you in. I like walking dead too, but this is creepier and faster overall, which is a good thing. many people said a mixture of zombies and the thing. definitely a “the thing” aspect to it. be careful if you don’t watch to watch too much tv, dont watch one of these episodes b/c it will suck you in!
– Movie Scumbag
DVD Wholesale Main Features:
Actors: Hiroyuki Sanada, Billy Campbell
Format: Multiple Formats, Subtitled, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French
Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: July 1, 2014
Run Time: 531 minutes
