TV Review: Last Resort 1.1, Pilot
Heres to being 500-feet under and half a world away from it all
The comparisons between a show like Last Resort and LOST are very clear; by the end of each respective Pilot episode, the collection of colourful and layered characters find themselves stranded on an exotic island. Thats where comparisons should stop. This is not LOST and being compared to it will help Last Resort as much as it did Flashforward. The premise involves a US Navy submarine receiving strange and questionable orders to fire nuclear missiles at Pakistan. When Captain Chaplin (Andre Braugher) inevitably questions the source of the orders, hes relieved of his duty and his next-in-command, Sam Kendal (Scott Speedman) takes the reins. When he too, questions the source, a nearby US Navy ship opens fire on the submarine which is forced to take evasive action. From then on, the pilot episode twists and turns itself into a political and military conspiracy show, high on action and tension, but low on logic and coherence. Directed by Martin Campbell, whos achieved fame with movies like Casino Royale, Last Resort is pure entertainment, though I believe it strives to be something more. Characters are set up quickly and the shots within the cramped submarine are handled with a deft touch that brings the audience closer into that asphyxiated shell. The show has been created by Shawn Ryan, famed for bringing The Shield to our screens and itll be interesting to see how he approaches this network thriller. Theres a lot to chew over in the opening chapter of this show and many characters to get to grips with. Joe Prosser (Robert Patrick) seems to pop up sporadically as a challenge to all the protagonists and by the end, the viewer remains unsure whether or not hes been imprisoned or just shot or kidnapped. Its a kindness to describe it as a mess but theres a lot to move through and its passed away far too quickly. Campbell sets up his shots well and theres a wonderfully rousing moment for Braugher to look directly down the lens and let off a little acting steam but other than that, execution is lethargic, loyalties are not cleared up, plot-points are strewn across the floor and you get the feeling that logic doesnt have any say in the matter whatsoever. As a cast, it could be worse; there are great moments, as mentioned, for Andre Braugher as Chaplin and his chemistry with Speedman is a particular highlight. The boats navigator, a determined Daisy Betts, also happens to be the daughter of a high-ranking government official who may or may not be in on the conspiracy; again, its not wholly clear whos who but this is the first episode after all and Ryan and his team can set about creating their world in the next few episodes. A story and plot is definitely set in motion and obstacles are brought up in the form of the island theyve occupied and its rather unwelcoming citizens. Where can this show go? Anywhere; its got scope, it has ambition and its big and bold. Execution was a let-down but it managed to navigate its way through the murky waters with some style and finesse. The second-half was rushed and sloppy but its final few scenes lay the groundwork for something bigger to come. Its not quite the explosive opening many were hoping for but theres some serious potential and a great ensemble cast to be experimented with.