NBC
Series Premiere Date: September 24th 2018
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Manifest (Pilot)
Starring: Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina, Parveen Kaur
‘…I’ve tried to lean a little more heavily into the underlying themes I think are kind of relevant to the world right now. The show is ultimately about the possibility of redemption. The possibility of a second chance, being able to explore inside of ourselves and figure out: “What would I change about myself, if I had the opportunity to do that?” And, also, hopefulness about the idea that maybe there’s something bigger than all of us. When so many people are on all sides of the political spectrum and are feeling a great sense of frustration about our lives in big and small ways, that maybe there is something bigger out there guiding us, that will allow us to be a better version of ourselves. I’m hopeful it’ll connect with a lot of people…’ With this above quote by NBC’s Manifest creator Jeff Rake, taken from an interview with The Hollywood Reporter not too long ago, Manifest is indeed shown to us as, I reckon, one of this season’s most anticipated new shows, from any broadcast network, and at any time (inclusive of mid-season shows as well). With the pilot episode now having debuted a few nights ago to critical and commercial acclaim that translated into a big break in ratings; we are left to wonder whether such a show like this, a heavy serialised one at that, can survive in this particular global political climate. Manifest shows us a lot about the human condition, and brings issues of hope, redemption, do-overs and second chances, all to the fore, as this drama, with actors Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh, is arguably one of my favourite new pilots I’ve watched in years, ever since Legends of Tomorrow in the beginning of 2016.
