Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for "Childhood's End," Syfy Channel's three-part, six-hour TV adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's classic novel which many had previously deemed unfilmable.
"Compelling," "shocking," "thought-provoking," "disturbing," and ultimately "rewarding" - these probably are the descriptions found in the early reviews of the series, directed by Nick Hurran and starring Charles Dance, Mike Vogel, Colm Meaney, and Julian McMahon.
Variety commends "Childhood's End" for reaching a grand scale that is still understandable by the average viewer. It does also point out that the mini-series, despite being based on a classic sci-fi novel, was influenced by recent sci-fi movie hits such as the gleaming overbearing flying saucers in "Independence Day" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Other lesser influences mixed the sci-fi horror such as "Signs" and "Children of the Damned."
An article from the The Wall Street Journal agrees, citing its cast whose performance made the entire fantastic plot believable.
On the other hand, We Got This Covered echoes that even non sci-fi buffs would be captivated by the unpredictable events unfolding in the series. The site gave an extensive summary of the show: "Childhood's End" is about an alien invasion, one that seems to be benign at first, but is couched in a secrecy that can either save humanity or destroy it. The Overlords position their flying saucers over the major cities of the earth and offer mankind peace, prosperity, scientific advancement, and the end of everything that plagues the planet, from illness, crime, poverty, to discrimination.
While almost all of the world's population and governments embrace this offer, a few feisty skeptics band themselves as the League of Freedom to discover the Overlords' true intentions - and to create a weapon that can fight them, if necessary. Heightening the suspense is the invisbility of the Overlords; their leader Karrelen (Dance) speaks in his sophisticated, educated voice to personal guests or as a broadcast to millions of people, but always unseen.
"Childhood's End," based on Arthur C. Clarke's novel, will air on the Syfy Channel from December 14-16, 2015.
Join the Conversation