Scorpion: Season 1 [Blu-ray]

DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:

Having watched Seasons 1 and 2 multiple times and watched the Season 3 episodes to date, Season 1 is significantly better. Better, tighter writing. A clear plan as to how to introduce and develop the main characters plus one-timer characters who help provide backstory. In other words, they knew it could be be a one-and-done series and were willing to take risks that paid off. One risk they wisely avoided was relying on the young geniuses plus one young “norm” to carry the series. Bringing in Robert Patrick was excellent casting. Unfortunately, his authority figure/wise man role has largely been reduced to quips.-Virtualmonk

Scorpion is a series loosely based on the life of real life genius Walter O’Brien and his think tank of prodigies. It is, at its core a case of the week procedural, much like many other shows, but in ways very different. It is action heavy, but it is based around a group whose minds are their skill set. The cast, for the most part is made up of relatively unknown actors, with Robert Patrick and Eddie Kaye Thomas being the most recognizable, followed by Katherine McPhee. Patrick plays Homeland Security agent Cabe Gallo, who has a history with Walter from when Walter was a child. The government ends up hiring Walter’s company, Scorpion, to help with cases that only they can figure out.

The other characters are a Psychologist, Toby (played by Eddie Kaye Thomas) a Mathematical prodigy with OCD named Sylvester, and an engineering marvel named Happy (who is anything but). By a series of events set up in the pilot, they are joined by a waitress (McPhee) who is raising a genius son. She helps them interact with normal people, and they help her understand her son. The larger story arcs of the season deal with character development and character relationships. I think it does really well balancing the larger arcs with the story of the week aspect, to keep it from getting too formulaic, or giving away too much.

The show prides itself on being scientifically accurate, while taking some liberties to make it exciting. The real Walter O’Brien is a producer on the show, and if you watch the DVD extras, the show runners detail how they lean on him and other experts to get as much right as they can. It is easily the kind of material that could make a show way too boring if not done right, and they definitely toe that line well.

As for the extras for those who do get the DVD set, there are commentary tracks on a couple episodes and deleted scenes for a handful of episodes. Then there are numerous behind the scenes and making of features, a gag reel, and a short cast thank you to the fans for supporting the show. All in all, probably a good couple hours worth of extras if you like going through the material. If you are generally a fan of the procedural shows like Bones, Hawaii Five-0, NCIS etc, then this is definitely worth checking out.

– Mike S.

This is a series about a team of geniuses solving challenging crime, investigation, or rescue cases/missions. Each person has their own unique expertise, yet personal flaws and struggles. In the back plot, they struggle connecting to mainstream society. The cases are given through a government agent with a personal, paternal, connection to the leading main character. However, Scorpion is an independent group, who importantly support each other throughout the show. Right at the beginning, a “mainstream” female character is added to provide further help and the understanding of normal society. Also, she has a young genius son that team is helping her understand him. As the show evolves, relationships (and the related issues) develop between certain characters.

I would rated the show at PG. Scorpion is a mix of drama, some comedy, and action. Intellectually, this is designed for adults and older children. I don’t think children would full grasp what is going on. (Either way, you won’t have to run to the TV in dismay if your child accidently flips to the show.) The casting and scrip is excellent. The show and plot lines are smooth and not chopped up. Each episode has its own story, twists and upcoming parts you could only vaguely guess. The dramatic scenes are performed cleanly and with some reality. The main characters are more realist than many shows, such as their looks and personalities. Foul language is not used. What excellence all in one package. Originally, I missed out on some of the original airings of the episodes. Later I was binge watching and enjoying each episode of the series.

-DeepStar

DVD Wholesale Main Features:

Format: Blu-ray, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 5
Rated: Unrated – Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: September 1, 2015
Run Time: 916 minutes
ASIN: B00ZASV1B4