Critical Review of Another Life - A Space Drama with LGBTQ Fantasies and Plot Holes
Another Life, a 2019 series that attempts to merge elements of science fiction and drama, has garnered significant attention for its diverse and complex narrative. However, it also faces several criticisms, particularly in terms of LGBTQ representation and plot coherence.
LGBTQ Representation in Another Life
The show has been criticized for significantly over-representing LGBTQ characters. At the beginning of the series, up to Season 2 Episode 4, only 5 out of 11 characters are portrayed as straight, while 5 are gay, and 1 is lesbian. This disparity is especially concerning given the cultural impact such a show can have. The show's choice to depict such a skewed representation of the population may not reflect real-world demographics accurately, potentially leading to harmful stereotypes that may lead people to believe that LGBTQ individuals are more prevalent in the world than they actually are.
The excessive emphasis on LGBTQ themes in a mainstream series may also alienate viewers who do not identify within these communities, believing that the show is only catering to a specific audience rather than presenting a balanced and realistic depiction of society.
Plot Holes and Technical Goofs
Another Life is not without its flaws. One of the significant criticisms is the prevalence of plot holes and technical goofs. For instance, the use of two timeline approaches for storytelling is criticized for making the narrative feel redundant and boring. Similarly, issues with pacing, where a 61-minute episode could easily have been condensed to 30 minutes, further detract from the show's potential quality. The use of contrasts in character development, where moments of eureka feel unnatural and stoned-like, contribute to the overall disjointed feel of the series.
The practical and visual aspects of the show are also pointed out for their shortcomings. The fight scenes, for example, are criticized for being dull and mechanical, lacking the fluidity and excitement that one would expect from a sci-fi drama. The decision to use yellow lighting in the ship design backfires, rendering the set unwatchable. The writing is similarly criticized for a lack of focus, with technical jargon and character chemistry both falling flat.
Character and Cast Criticisms
Another Life faces significant criticism in casting and character development. The characters are described as flat and robotic, with minimal emotional depth. The acting performances are also underwhelming, with the comparison to The Orville without its unintentional humor being lauded as a positive. The casting decision of Pamela Anderson for a role that required depth and complexity is seen as peculiar and potentially damaging to the show's credibility.
The show's lack of time spent on mourning the loss of its characters is another point of contention. This can make the characters feel less human and relatable, detracting from the emotional impact of the series. The dual timeline approach further exacerbates this issue by making the plot feel repetitive and unexciting.
Conclusion
In summary, while Another Life attempts to offer a fresh perspective on the prequels of popular sci-fi franchises like Matrix and Terminator, it struggles to deliver on its potential due to significant issues in storytelling and character development. The show's emphasis on LGBTQ representation, while positive in theory, is criticized for being overdone and potentially misleading in terms of societal norms. Its technical goofs and poorly executed plot points further diminish its appeal. Despite some positive aspects such as appealing visual effects and themes, these are overshadowed by the negatives, making it difficult to recommend the series to a wide audience.