American Odyssey

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Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 5, 2015
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
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Critic Reviews

  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matthew Poland
    Apr 2, 2015
    38
    American Odyssey wants to offer a critique of the power wielded by institutions, but unlike the best dramas whose structure it apes, the show's storylines aren't strands in an intricate mosaic; they're loose threads dangling from a droopy sweater--unnecessary, cumbersome, and just waiting to be snipped.
  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Apr 3, 2015
    37
    There's perhaps an outside chance that NBC's American Odyssey might not seem quite as impenetrably dull had we not already seen--or ignored--a hundred similar tales of terrorist conspiracies and government coverups. But we have and it does, and there's really no coming back from that.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 54
  3. Negative: 7 out of 54
  1. RichardGonci
    Jun 1, 2015
    5
    I really wanted to like this show (I'm up to episode 9 now.) However, the level of implausibility, and worse, the utter stupidity of the mainI really wanted to like this show (I'm up to episode 9 now.) However, the level of implausibility, and worse, the utter stupidity of the main characters drives me nuts. I almost want all the protagonists to die off for the sake of the species (Darwin effect.) The antagonists are much more richly drawn characters. And, OMG, the "not-widowed" husband is like the Gold Medalist in the dweeb Olympics. I guess I will stick with it as one does with a cloying dessert served up by hosts. I also am coming to hate all teenage children in series of this type. "Madam Secretary," and "The Americans" come to mind. While I am pro-choice in real life, I favor retroactive birth control for these annoying brats!… Full Review »
  2. StanfordMan
    Apr 13, 2015
    10
    We are enjoying this show and can't wait to see how it plays out. Anna Friel is great, and the second episode gave her character a chance toWe are enjoying this show and can't wait to see how it plays out. Anna Friel is great, and the second episode gave her character a chance to show toughness and kindness. The camera work and directing is excellent-- seeing arid Africa in all its dry glory. We look forward to Sunday evening television once again! Thanks, NBC!… Full Review »
  3. thomasjames
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    Reviews so far, based on a couple of episodes, cheat this shows tremendous promise. The promise tip off is the quality of the actors; I'mReviews so far, based on a couple of episodes, cheat this shows tremendous promise. The promise tip off is the quality of the actors; I'm investing some patience because I suspect something unseen is going to emerge. While other shows also tug at my fear the nation is run by morally rudderless pragmatists (Homeland, etc.), this show is different. The main characters are actually sane and their pursuit of the truth may therefore land somewhere I can relate to fundamentally. I applaud the show's writers for tapping the undercurrent of our misgivings about how our government is being led and shining the light on three types of citizens who I think can make a difference: citizen protestor, lawyer, and soldier. I imagine it wasn't easy to frame this and still garner major network support. I for one am going to forgive the "way too many things going on" (other reviews) and take the ride, enjoying the punches that I think are coming. Plus, its art! Nice color and desert scenes!… Full Review »
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