Alcatraz

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 16, 2012
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 148 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 148
  3. Negative: 20 out of 148
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User Reviews

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  1. Burning_Lettuce
    Mar 20, 2012
    8
    At first, I felt like this plot wouldn't work. How could you take an old prison and give it the "Lost" treatment? However, it works. You wonder why each prisoner has just shown up back in the real world. Thankfully, the well written story is fleshed out. It doesn't have nearly as many of those "huh?" moments Lost had, and that's a good thing.
  2. hoops2448
    Jan 19, 2012
    8
    Despite some solid gold gems of cheese in the scripting department, Alcatraz is a well set up, well structured mystery show that can walk the line between heavy hitting serialized storytelling and easy going procedural. The show follows Detective Rebecca Madsen as she hunts down inmates of Alcatraz who all disappeared in 1963 but are suddenly coming back in present day San Francisco, notDespite some solid gold gems of cheese in the scripting department, Alcatraz is a well set up, well structured mystery show that can walk the line between heavy hitting serialized storytelling and easy going procedural. The show follows Detective Rebecca Madsen as she hunts down inmates of Alcatraz who all disappeared in 1963 but are suddenly coming back in present day San Francisco, not having aged. It's classic JJ Abrams with the central mystery being deep and complex. However the thing that makes Alcatraz work is the procedural element. The criminals/cases of the week are genuinely creepy and menacing with the show really getting the idea of The Rock being the house for the 'worst of the worst'. The pilots case is borderline generic but the 2nd installment is a great self contained story with a little sprinkling of the deeper mystery put in for good measure. Of all the new shows this season, only Boss has been better. The acting is good with Sarah Jones being an empathetic lead, Jorge Garcia providing some much needed comic relief as well as an interesting dynamic to the show. Sam Neill does what he does best in acting mysterious and self aggrandising. If there is any downside to Alcatraz its that it plays like a Fringe spin off with Fringe's first season being heavily procedural as well. However despite the similarities it probably shouldn't be that big a problem as Fringe developed into one of the best genre shows on television today, so this reviewer has high hopes.… Expand
  3. BKM
    Jan 17, 2012
    7
    Based on just two episodes, I'd say that Alcatraz is promising. Several things will have to be tinkered with it it is to survive for the long haul, however. The characters need more fully developed, Garcia needs to do more than simply rehash his role from Lost and there needs to be a more complex mythology in place as opposed to the one central mystery that series is built on. For now,Based on just two episodes, I'd say that Alcatraz is promising. Several things will have to be tinkered with it it is to survive for the long haul, however. The characters need more fully developed, Garcia needs to do more than simply rehash his role from Lost and there needs to be a more complex mythology in place as opposed to the one central mystery that series is built on. For now, though, I'm on board.… Expand
  4. martinex
    Feb 2, 2012
    7
    I'll watch for a while but this show seems a bit formulaic. It's almost like Alcatraz is being used as a vehicle to launch a series of mundane capers. Sam Neil seems miss-casted as Emerson Hauser. At least it got that awful Terra Nova off the air.
  5. Mwazzup0
    Feb 10, 2012
    9
    Not enough mistory. Well don't get me wrong the first mistory is good but no more? No more mistory has been showed but what happens in the first. LOST had alot of mistory and supernatual things happen this is only focusing on one. Don't get me wrong good show but if anything needs inprovment its the supernatual element.
  6. Knicksfan7
    Jan 23, 2012
    9
    Alcatraz is a very good show with a great amount of potential for the future. From the first two episodes I am excited. The story is absolutely genius. The only thing I havent liked through the first two episodes is the acting, the acting so far is only so-so. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the actors in the show, especially Garcia, ive loved him from the very start of Lost, but they justAlcatraz is a very good show with a great amount of potential for the future. From the first two episodes I am excited. The story is absolutely genius. The only thing I havent liked through the first two episodes is the acting, the acting so far is only so-so. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the actors in the show, especially Garcia, ive loved him from the very start of Lost, but they just don't seem to be 100% in the show, the acting so far seems a bit weak, but it should improve (hopefully). I can definitely see the similarities to Lost greatly, anybody else notice the music was the same from Lost? It really sets the tone of the show, I loved it in Lost and I love it in Alcatraz. Alcatraz has great potential with a genius story and great characters, the acting needs improvement but thats all. Give this show a shot, its worth an hour of your dreaded monday, trust me, it definitely makes mine better. 9.5/10… Expand
  7. berminha
    Feb 17, 2012
    7
    Based in the first one and the second episode, this follows the same writing of lost , alternating between the present time and past time about the characters, not so innovative . Otherwise , it has some gripping moments witch suggest the series are going boost
  8. spadenx
    Jan 23, 2012
    9
    (This is after episode 3)
    The show is interesting (both the main story and the side stories of the criminals). The acting is good but I do not like Sarah Jones as a lead. If you are a fan of lost then you will like this show. I enjoy it and cant wait to see what happens next.
  9. IamRhino
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great awesome great
  10. shannonhmurphy
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    Best new show of the year. the story line is interesting, the writing is phenomenal and the acting is superb. The premier was fantastic and I was immediately wanting more! Can't wait for next week.
  11. Moviemaan
    Jan 17, 2012
    7
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  12. ih8thaters42
    Jan 21, 2012
    9
    I didn't think I would like this show. I'm not a big J.J. Abrams fan. I watched lost. I got hooked on lost. I wasn't really satisfied with lost, I had just invested so much time into the show I had to know how it ended. Fringe's second and third season was great. It's fourth is terrible, so obviously when I heard of a new J.J. Abrams show I had less than high hopes, and wow was II didn't think I would like this show. I'm not a big J.J. Abrams fan. I watched lost. I got hooked on lost. I wasn't really satisfied with lost, I had just invested so much time into the show I had to know how it ended. Fringe's second and third season was great. It's fourth is terrible, so obviously when I heard of a new J.J. Abrams show I had less than high hopes, and wow was I blown away. The acting is fairly good for a TV show, but the story is really getting me somewhat anxious. Whats going on? Why are the inmates coming back? Who is the lady who was shot? How did Sam Neil's character know that the inmates would be returning? So many questions. So few answers so far. All I can ask for is that this is not another show where the answers are few and far between. I want lots of answers that open more questions and many many twists, but this is J.J. Abrams....i'm still upset over lost...… Expand
  13. Mr_Rager
    Jan 22, 2012
    10
    I give this a solid review in part because of Sam Neill's performance, but also because of the fact that although containing some typical plot elements, it offers a fresh take on crime drama. The hit shows CSI, Law & Order, etc, thrive on the comfort of a typical structured story. This adds new elements, and the show as a whole deserves a chance, especially because the writing could onlyI give this a solid review in part because of Sam Neill's performance, but also because of the fact that although containing some typical plot elements, it offers a fresh take on crime drama. The hit shows CSI, Law & Order, etc, thrive on the comfort of a typical structured story. This adds new elements, and the show as a whole deserves a chance, especially because the writing could only improve if it is well received, with a fair amount of money dedicated thus far. It is also worth noting that Sam Neill is a well qualified actor who usually only works by choice, he does not have to act for any reason other than enjoying it, enabling him to be selective. That tells me there is some promise to the young show.… Expand
  14. Wilshere
    Feb 14, 2012
    7
    The serial began only recently, but already it was of interest to many, and I am no exception. ;) The first three series I liked. The only thing to be feared - monotony. I do not want to have each series started and ended the same way. There will be one way or the writers will present us with many surprises, time will tell, but for now look ...
  15. lincoln927
    Feb 22, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am really glad I found this show. I like the good mix of current day to flashback ratio, something to be expected of a JJ Abrams product. -Sam Niel is a bit too cryptic for me but probably only because I am dying to get more details about his true intentions and what is going on in his secret bat cave. -Doc is great, I love the comic book nerd thrust into the reluctant hero role. Jorge Garcia is great at playing that part. You could argue it is a similar role to Hurley but he is the best at it.
    -Madsen is the only annoying part for me. She comes on just a little too strong. She took the fact that her grandfather went from prison guard to inmate with a quirky smile. Not the reaction I would have had.
    -The flashbacks on the rock are at their best when the scene involves the warden. I really like his character the best. All in all the writing is good, the plots are well thought out, and the veil is lifted just a tiny hair of an amount with every episode, again a JJ Abrams specialty.    … Expand
  16. Midge115
    Feb 29, 2012
    9
    Alcatraz is just the most addicting new show on TV right now. Whether it be because of its great actors (Jorge Garcia, Sam Neil), its engrossing story, its interesting characters, or its simply creative idea- it tops every other show currently on. The show tells a great story through episodes that are more like short stories, allowing for people to start watching the show late in theAlcatraz is just the most addicting new show on TV right now. Whether it be because of its great actors (Jorge Garcia, Sam Neil), its engrossing story, its interesting characters, or its simply creative idea- it tops every other show currently on. The show tells a great story through episodes that are more like short stories, allowing for people to start watching the show late in the season without missing anything too important. It's gripping and addicting and I just can't have enough of it. As soon this first season comes out on Blu-Ray, I'm buyin' it.… Expand
  17. orchid
    Apr 1, 2012
    9
    Excellent show. I've been to Alcatraz and it was scary as **** They've really done well twisting this story every which way and making you really think 'what actually happened.' Its interesting and thrilling :)
  18. SwarleyStinson
    Mar 31, 2012
    7
    Right from seeing the 1st trailer of this show, you know that the inmates have time traveled and you just want to know why. Unfortunately you have sit through several episodes of a fairly bland, CBS style show before the Sci-Fi kicks in. There are many weird illogical things like the the fact that nobody, cops or criminals is particularly surprised that time traveling happens, and theRight from seeing the 1st trailer of this show, you know that the inmates have time traveled and you just want to know why. Unfortunately you have sit through several episodes of a fairly bland, CBS style show before the Sci-Fi kicks in. There are many weird illogical things like the the fact that nobody, cops or criminals is particularly surprised that time traveling happens, and the criminals from the 60s who have only been in this time for a few hours somehow know about cell phones, rather than just standing staring in the window at PC World thinking 'WTF is that?'. The typical JJ flashbacks are back, breaking up the 'action' of hunting the criminals with scenes from inside the prison in the 60s that don't really add anything to the story and are just an annoying distraction. Overall its good, but not very good, or as good as it could have been.… Expand
  19. SeanMcGunnigle
    Mar 5, 2012
    7
    Okay show with a hot actress in Sarah jones who is a joy to look at but too predictable after you find out whats going on. Step one find out which old prisoner is killing people, step 2 go find and kill or bring him back to alcatraz for questioning, and step 3 do it all over again. The fat guy is distracting in how massive he is and the whole time on screen your not focused on his actingOkay show with a hot actress in Sarah jones who is a joy to look at but too predictable after you find out whats going on. Step one find out which old prisoner is killing people, step 2 go find and kill or bring him back to alcatraz for questioning, and step 3 do it all over again. The fat guy is distracting in how massive he is and the whole time on screen your not focused on his acting just wondering how a man can get to that size. People love Sam Neill mainly because of Event Horizon and Jurassic Park so now he can do no wrong probably in the mind of many. Like that fat man is a comic book writer and loves all these past criminals but lost interest in the show after 3 episodes.… Expand
  20. BradM
    Mar 9, 2012
    7
    Alcatraz is another interesting show with a scifi twist from Fox. Although it took a few episodes to get going into the plot, the show has a heartbeat and i think it has a lot of potential. The writers are obviously talented b/c they give you enough information per episode to make you feel like you learned something, but not too much to spoil the overall plot. A very interesting watchAlcatraz is another interesting show with a scifi twist from Fox. Although it took a few episodes to get going into the plot, the show has a heartbeat and i think it has a lot of potential. The writers are obviously talented b/c they give you enough information per episode to make you feel like you learned something, but not too much to spoil the overall plot. A very interesting watch for anyone who can think outside the box. Intrigue and the mystery surrounding the disappearances are what is driving the show, so let us hope they don't try too hard to make it edgy or too realistic. I know I'd like to see where this show can go. With all the horrible reality tv out there, I commend Fox for at least trying to think about real shows still.… Expand
  21. Amadigi
    Mar 30, 2012
    7
    There is a great frustration during this show, because explanations about the mystery are not known and clues are very rare, but we learn to appreciate the characters, especially Rebecca and Dr Diego Soto, during the investigations
    However, if the fantastic side is not shown, it's always present I wish a new season for learning more about the story ...
  22. imhellspawn1
    Mar 8, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alcatraz was a great show loved it about the 63's but unfortunately FOX Cancelled the show and left us with a cliff hanger did Rebecca live or die? we can hear the time of death but not the full report if she died or lived.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best TV Season of 2012
16
#16 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
76
#76 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jan 17, 2012
    40
    The characters are so TV cute (and in some cases TV pretty) and the storytelling so mechanical, that I couldn't give myself over to it either way.
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  2. Slate
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Jan 17, 2012
    40
    Soto helps the mood of the show with his wry attitude and occasional gee-whiz-ardry, and he helps to move the plot along by stating facts that Rebecca would otherwise have to pause and look up.
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  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Jan 17, 2012
    60
    There is something to like in Alcatraz's smooth momentum. The show has a spirit that comes through in spite of the flavorless cheese crumbles piled atop it.
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