Extant

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 9, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 161
  3. Negative: 34 out of 161
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User Reviews

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  1. EludiumQ36
    Jul 11, 2014
    3
    The premiere has a nice sheen of tech gloss on it, but I've got real plausibility problems with what they're doing. First, Molly Woods is a highly regarded, trained astronaut and yet she lets an obvious alien form, stereotypically viewable as a former lover, approach and touch her. Second, everyone with any tech chops knows that either (a) she would not even have the option to deleteThe premiere has a nice sheen of tech gloss on it, but I've got real plausibility problems with what they're doing. First, Molly Woods is a highly regarded, trained astronaut and yet she lets an obvious alien form, stereotypically viewable as a former lover, approach and touch her. Second, everyone with any tech chops knows that either (a) she would not even have the option to delete camera footage, or (b) that such a deletion was logged as an intentional act; for heaven's sake, the delete command asked for confirmation! So this is just sloppy screenwriting and cannot be forgiven because it poisons anything that derives from it. Third, Harmon comes back from the dead(?!) and cryptically warns her not to trust anyone. Jeez, is this script straight from The X-Files or what?! I wanted to like this series, I really did, but these plot gaffes betray its former potential since they're not taking the critical element of plausibility seriously.… Expand
  2. jimbo1944
    Aug 22, 2014
    4
    I'm good with Halle's part about the weird pregnancy, ghost of old boyfriend, evil gov't men, etc. Decent srotyline. Don't need the battery kid and her husband. It's a robot for Pete's sake. All that tucking him in & the husband's behavior is lame. I may not last because of that.
  3. Kyle_Fitta9
    Jul 29, 2014
    3
    Extant tries to act like its something its not, using well-known actors to camouflage its hollow and perplexing narrative. And despite it trying to come off as if its innovative, the whole show feels very hackneyed .
  4. JCrow
    Jul 31, 2014
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The premier got my attention. I love Sci-Fi, Halle Berry is starring in it, it must have something to it. Cool robot kid (rise of the machines kinda thing may happen), Aliens? that look like dead friends/relatives impregnating or otherwise probing people ( could be fun to watch ). But alas, all those good possibilities gone by episode 3 due to mediocre acting and same old-same old scripting. The acting is self explanatory as for the scripting it this that gets me. An astronaut comes back from space after a solo mission and it turns out shes preggers, but lets not tell anyone and she gets her government employed doctor to cover for her! Lets let the alien baby be a surprise for everybody. Also, I watch the tapes and now see that there was nobody there and I have some abnormality in my brain but I'm going to keep this a secret from the people that can help me because I'm curious to see where this goes. Hmmm...How about a little more realistic script where we see these people freak out. Almost everyone I know can't keep even the littlest secret yet most shows use this tired piece of you know what to....I don't know why they keep using it, its stupid. Anyway, enough of my ranting, the show lost me and I don't expect it to go very far. To bad.… Expand
  5. silverado
    Nov 6, 2014
    9
    Extant is everything and much more than I expected from a sci fi tv series. It's a series that is especially interesting for women. There is a lot to relate to, for mothers and working women. The plot is from the start on very engaging. You don't need to drag yourself through terrible pilots like many other tv series. The pilot doesnt need sex or violence to sell itself, its the greatExtant is everything and much more than I expected from a sci fi tv series. It's a series that is especially interesting for women. There is a lot to relate to, for mothers and working women. The plot is from the start on very engaging. You don't need to drag yourself through terrible pilots like many other tv series. The pilot doesnt need sex or violence to sell itself, its the great story being told that makes it worth while from the beginning.

    The photography is absolutely gorgeous, with many CGI that really matter. The settings are also mind blowing, each building, room or car is beautifully styled.

    Then we have Halle Berry, she must be the most beautiful woman on earth! Her face is marvellous and she doesn't have had any plastic surgery or botox, her face can express everything. Great actress! Her tv series son is played by a talented child actor, Pierce Gagnon. He is truly intriguing and has a dark undercurrent. I love his part. Im so glad this series has been made, because it has style and the Halle Berry character is a great role model.

    You see, lately I got very bored with all the sex and violence and serial killers and tortured detectives. It's a pity that tv got so obsessed with violence.

    All together I find Extant a classic, very well crafted series that deserves attention.    … Expand
  6. IQ150
    Aug 8, 2014
    3
    Too slow and as a consequence boring. I've now stopped watching as I only see one end to this, which is that the show will be canceled sooner rather than later. With this type of story, there's never gonna be a satisfying conclusion either way, so no reason to waste time on it.
  7. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 22, 2014
    7
    "Extant" is mildly addicting (which made me watch episodes back to back on Wednesdays from 9-11), but the fact that it has an extremely hard to follow storyline made me skip out on the series before the finale. It was a nice affair while it lasted, but I don't see it coming back next year.

    Bottom-Line: Missing one episode will confuse you as to what's going on -- watching all episodes    "Extant" is mildly addicting (which made me watch episodes back to back on Wednesdays from 9-11), but the fact that it has an extremely hard to follow storyline made me skip out on the series before the finale. It was a nice affair while it lasted, but I don't see it coming back next year.

    Bottom-Line: Missing one episode will confuse you as to what's going on -- watching all episodes will still confuse you.    … Expand
  8. TVshowsaddict
    Jul 28, 2014
    4
    Love love love Halle Berry but bored bored bored after the 2nd episode. Another great concept show but I don't see it lasting. You have seen most of the scenes in different tv shows or movies.
  9. KGalbrea
    Aug 8, 2014
    6
    Started out with an interesting premise and well acted by Halle Berry. But now that we are into the meat of the series the writing has slipped dramatically.
    This is the standard way that the major networks always treat Sci-fi.
    I hope they can bring it back up but so far it continues to be predictable and gets less well written each episode.
  10. MovieTVLover
    Aug 21, 2014
    2
    REALLY!

    To predictable to obvious. Acting not top notch. Its going to take more than Halle to make this interesting to me. An unpredictable story line is a good start.
  11. Samahael
    Sep 4, 2014
    6
    there is production value, beautiful scenes- but it is predictable and the acting is not alive. Wooden performances from good actors all around. Characters couldnt be cut more stereotypically. The only thing that that one can get hooked ( if not not fan of HB) is the mystery what is actually going on. Not enough for a good tv-serie of nowadays. Wake up directors - even if futuristic, itthere is production value, beautiful scenes- but it is predictable and the acting is not alive. Wooden performances from good actors all around. Characters couldnt be cut more stereotypically. The only thing that that one can get hooked ( if not not fan of HB) is the mystery what is actually going on. Not enough for a good tv-serie of nowadays. Wake up directors - even if futuristic, it must live and breathe. Fasten the tempo, the first two episodes could have been easily one.… Expand
  12. rich_pl
    Apr 1, 2015
    1
    Wooden presentation, dull monologues, illogical character decisions and just enough plot inconstancy to get on the wrong side of my suspension of disbelief. I cannot think of a single positive reason why I've bothered wasting my time with this series, I keep expecting something exciting or gripping to occur and each episode leaves me wishing I'd spent the time pickling eggs, or anything...Wooden presentation, dull monologues, illogical character decisions and just enough plot inconstancy to get on the wrong side of my suspension of disbelief. I cannot think of a single positive reason why I've bothered wasting my time with this series, I keep expecting something exciting or gripping to occur and each episode leaves me wishing I'd spent the time pickling eggs, or anything... anything but having to watch this.… Expand
  13. ragereview
    Aug 22, 2014
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This started as a potentially exciting new series. Sci-Fi, mystery, thriller - good ingredients for a TV show. However, it suffers from a unbelievably slow plot line, terrible dialogue and the direction of the show feels lost.

    There are many obvious plot holes which are never explained leaving the viewer wondering what's going on and deeply frustrated. The biggest one is why is her house not bugged?

    The main character Molly unfortunately, is either being utterly naive or incredibly stupid for an astronaut to not realise what's going on around her and for some reason has giant balls of bravery when it comes to confronting armed people with machine guns and grenades with no more than her assertive voice protecting her.

    The other main focus of the show is Molly's A.I. son, Ethan. Again, the intrigue is there but he's just very creepy and it feels like a retold story of 'Skynet' from the Terminator series.

    The writers need to add some energy and rhythm to the series if it has a chance of surviving.    … Expand
  14. doced
    Jul 30, 2014
    1
    Obvious fans, or fawns, of Halle Berry find much to like in this cliche-ridden, exciting as a wake, totally predictable, caricature populated show, that suggests those fans were focused on the undeniably pleasant to look at Berry, but oblivious to the tired plot, embarrassingly wooden acting, except by the Humanix, and hackneyed scripts. I like to look at Berry, too, but couldn't bear toObvious fans, or fawns, of Halle Berry find much to like in this cliche-ridden, exciting as a wake, totally predictable, caricature populated show, that suggests those fans were focused on the undeniably pleasant to look at Berry, but oblivious to the tired plot, embarrassingly wooden acting, except by the Humanix, and hackneyed scripts. I like to look at Berry, too, but couldn't bear to watch/listen to her deliver her adolescent lines with as much emotion as a still life. The supporting actors don't provide much of that, either. All in all, I managed to make it through one and one-half shows before deleting them and cancelling the series. It might improve, certainly, but in the meantime, time will be better spent reading.… Expand
  15. James_Pope
    Jul 9, 2014
    3
    Extant's pilot show feels tired and uneven, like the director couldn't quite figure out what tone the series should have. Rather than a narrowly focused, tight narrative, Halle Berry's mostly tolerable performance bounces around the loose confines of a show that doesn't seem to know what it's supposed to be.

    It's not all the bad direction. Extant's plot lumbers around knocking over the    Extant's pilot show feels tired and uneven, like the director couldn't quite figure out what tone the series should have. Rather than a narrowly focused, tight narrative, Halle Berry's mostly tolerable performance bounces around the loose confines of a show that doesn't seem to know what it's supposed to be.

    It's not all the bad direction. Extant's plot lumbers around knocking over the furniture rather than finessing anything. Extant obviously wants to build on shows like Under the Dome or Helix, but instead its pilot feels like it's trying to stuff all the plot points for the whole first season into an hour. Indeed, the most nuanced performance in the whole hour comes from Helix regular Hiroyuki Sanada, essentially recapping his better performance in Helix for the benefit of people who don't watch Syfy.

    I'm not going to give up on the show immediately, but Extant doesn't feel like it has a lot to offer that hasn't been done before, better.    … Expand
  16. ozymandias79
    Jul 18, 2014
    5
    Extant is another case of combing ideas and trying to pass it off as something new. Examples are a robot kid (A.I.) and seeing dead people in space (Event Horizon). It's all a bit dull and will need an injection of originality to garner any kind of following.
  17. BogKid
    Jul 10, 2014
    9
    Excellent start. It is not much of a secret that there are reflections here of "2010", "AI - Artificial Intelligence" and "Solaris" but I can live with that. Considering the level of writing on many of the new network summer shows, "Extant" is a stand-out. Time will tell. I think Halle Berry will carry her part of the show. Let's hope the writers can do the same.
  18. metabad
    Jul 30, 2014
    5
    A new suspense sci-fi series and it's with Halle Berry.
    That made me want to look into it.
    The series starts out interesting but there's one question right at the beginning: Why is this a series with a woman having something strange happened to her in a space mission while her husband has developed an android boy that lives with them as their son at home? These are two themes    A new suspense sci-fi series and it's with Halle Berry.
    That made me want to look into it.

    The series starts out interesting but there's one question right at the beginning:

    Why is this a series with a woman having something strange happened to her in a space mission
    while her husband has developed an android boy that lives with them as their son at home?

    These are two themes that absolutely warrant their own shows, respectively.
    Why put them into one show with them having apparently nothing to do with each other, storywise?

    I immediately got the suspicion, that they don't have enough material for either storyline so they put
    both into one show.
    If I don't learn soon enough what the space theme and the artificial life form theme have to do with each other,
    I'll stick to my suspicion.

    The plot itself feels stretched out. It relies heavily on suspense and atmosphere while things
    really take time to get going.
    Honestly, the first three episodes I saw would have taken half an hour if that were a movie.
    I wonder if the android boy is only there because you want to have 'family issues' in the show.

    All in all the show is acceptable, but not compelling.
    It gives itself a lot of time to develop, maybe too much for some people to stick with it.

    I'll give it a couple of episodes more, but if the pace doesn't pick up, I'm out.    … Expand
  19. horusmaximus
    Jul 14, 2014
    7
    Not yet sold on this one. There are plot flaws that I find rather unbelievable. Seriously, a lone astronaut on year long mission has the ability to manually delete surveillance footage in the station she's occupying and lie about it and get away with that? How sloppy are the software developers and managers of this future space program to allow something like that? Most existing systemsNot yet sold on this one. There are plot flaws that I find rather unbelievable. Seriously, a lone astronaut on year long mission has the ability to manually delete surveillance footage in the station she's occupying and lie about it and get away with that? How sloppy are the software developers and managers of this future space program to allow something like that? Most existing systems nowadays would log the manual deletion if it was allowed at all. I'd also think that anything that goes into the computer on the station would also be immediately forwarded on to Earth. Might seem like picking nits and I know I'm supposed to suspend disbelief for the sake of entertainment, but I do find it a bit annoying. Her best friend being her official doctor seems like a bad idea too administratively. So, ok, the future space program is going to be run by sloppy managers with no sense of backups, security, or common sense. I guess that's plausible considering the current state of NASA etc.

    The acting is pretty good over all. The kid does a good job of being an unlikeable/creepy little robot boy. He gives me flashbacks to the original Damien movie. His "dad'/creator is possibly less likeable in my opinion. Seems like an over-sensitive jerk and get easily offended by reasonable questions and only has insults and combative responses when the obvious questions get asked. He can't be very bright if he didn't see them coming, also it makes him a dangerous person to allow to play around building a new race of beings to directly compete with mankind. His Q&A with the potential investors in his little project seemed like the typical kind of debate where when one side doesn't have a good answer or an answer they want to admit, they just start calling the person who asked the question names. If you don't 100% believe everything out of the mouth of a single zealot-scientist you must be an ignorant caveman etc.

    Not sure where they are going with this one. Is it going to be a catch-all series with 101 different sub-plots like the X-files? You've got possible aliens, robots, mad-scientists, evil administrators, possibly evil immortal rich guys, etc. is it going to coordinate or be a hodgepodge? I'd like to see some genius script writing show up in the coming episodes to tie it all together but I'm not going to hold my breath. Been dissapointed way too many times.

    So I'm giving it a 7 out of 10 to start. I'm hoping they take my criticism into the script and explain it or expand on things. I know I seem over-all negative but its not bad, just not howl-at-the-mood exciting or very original, yet it is far better than another reality show, cop drama, doctor drama, fireman drama and so on. I'll take any scifi I can get. Falling Skies is so bad its pretty awesome, so if this going to stink, I hope they go all the way.    … Expand
  20. ksinks
    Jul 24, 2014
    5
    The concept is very interesting, allowing the writers to explore ethics questions about our scientific capabilities versus our humanity. With such fertile ground there is much to plow through. However, the writing, acting and directing leaves me with a feeling that everyone is just a little too tired to move through at an engaging pace. The storyline and plot could be interesting. For me,The concept is very interesting, allowing the writers to explore ethics questions about our scientific capabilities versus our humanity. With such fertile ground there is much to plow through. However, the writing, acting and directing leaves me with a feeling that everyone is just a little too tired to move through at an engaging pace. The storyline and plot could be interesting. For me, the pacing is off, the dialog and interactions are too light to keep me engaged for any length of time. I hope they employ someone to help them fix what could be a promising show. They have a great cast so the talent is available but the chemistry, timing, writing and direction feel lax.… Expand
  21. Marrissia
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    This is absolutely the best thing I've watched on TV in a long time please don't cancel this series. I love all the suspense and the tension of watching this. i watched the first four episodes in one night. its so addicting. please keep this on.
  22. Bingo99
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Awful...really a horror movie and not a science fiction movie. Entirely too drawn out... Should have been a 4 hr miniseries at most. They clearly stretched and stretched to make this 13 hrs.
  23. wooby111
    Jul 10, 2014
    9
    I will say this. For a summer show, this has brains, heart AND "soul" (regardless of the patriarch John Woods' opinion...which was ironically my favorite scene by a mile). Oh, and I can watch it with the entire family in the room. I'm getting too old to outlast the kids and/ or sneak away to watch True Blood, The Leftovers, etc. Good shows don't have to push the envelope for content to beI will say this. For a summer show, this has brains, heart AND "soul" (regardless of the patriarch John Woods' opinion...which was ironically my favorite scene by a mile). Oh, and I can watch it with the entire family in the room. I'm getting too old to outlast the kids and/ or sneak away to watch True Blood, The Leftovers, etc. Good shows don't have to push the envelope for content to be good, IMO. I'll dock it a single point for the derivative factor, but I'm not looking for someone to invent pizza. Just make a darn good one. And that it is. Roll on, episode 2!!!… Expand
  24. scottnangie9
    Jul 9, 2014
    10
    Excellent start to a great new show. This is a great mix of sci-fi and drama. This is a homerun for the shows creator Mickey Fisher, and the writting, acting and direction are superb for a summer show (this would also give most fall premiers a run for their money). The premier hits the ground running while at the same time allows good character development. Halle Berry really addsExcellent start to a great new show. This is a great mix of sci-fi and drama. This is a homerun for the shows creator Mickey Fisher, and the writting, acting and direction are superb for a summer show (this would also give most fall premiers a run for their money). The premier hits the ground running while at the same time allows good character development. Halle Berry really adds dimension and personality to the lead role. I liked that its sci-fi without being obvious. I am excited to see where the casts takes us, but if it continues where the pilot left off, we are all in for a wild ride.… Expand
  25. hockeyfan1
    Jul 10, 2014
    9
    I had been anticipating this premiere, and did it ever pay off! The pilot was great, I love the story and I cannot wait for more! Unlike James below, I didn't feel that it was disjointed at all. Much like the x-files, many amazing sci-fi shows take a couple episodes to provide all the background information that is needed for the viewer. Good stuff!
  26. JP2050
    Jul 19, 2014
    10
    Extant is excellent drama with sci-fi elements and an intriguing plot, helped by strong performances of Halle Berry and Pierce Gagnon, this tv show go high in the first two episodes. A suprising hit series, full of mysteries storylines, good effects and a solid written.
  27. jerrod
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    Fantastic pilot! A high budget sci-fi with a solid story. TV needs more shows like this. My only worry is that with such a seemingly high budget that it won't get to be completed.
  28. RichardGonci
    Jul 14, 2014
    8
    EludiumQ36 was quite correct in criticizing the lazy/sloppy screenwriting convention that even my 14 year-old son spotted vis-a-vis erasing footage on a space mission. What is this, a reprise of Rose Mary Woods with the 18-minute gap on the Nixon tapes? It's a shame to take us out of an otherwise good story arc by insulting our intelligence. I think there could have been acceptableEludiumQ36 was quite correct in criticizing the lazy/sloppy screenwriting convention that even my 14 year-old son spotted vis-a-vis erasing footage on a space mission. What is this, a reprise of Rose Mary Woods with the 18-minute gap on the Nixon tapes? It's a shame to take us out of an otherwise good story arc by insulting our intelligence. I think there could have been acceptable work-arounds for this problem. On the other hand, a certain amount of suspension of disbelief is critical for any of these summer-filler shows to take us out of out doldrums. This show is infinitely better than the Godawful dreck that is getting "universal acclaim": "The Strain." At least here there are some some more conundrums to work through. An IQ better than a good golf score is required to recount last night's plot-line over the water-cooler to one's buddies the next day... unlike "The Strain." And then, there is Halle Berry, a constant delight to the eye.… Expand
  29. zee67
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    Wow..Didn't hear of the series but when i saw the pilot..it blew me away..Really loved it!
    Nice sub plots, characters and Sci FI all bundled into one..This is going to be EPIC!
  30. DMT
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    Season 1 was about 60 - 70% rating. It is sad to see that this series might be cancelled as season 2 really shows how amazing this series is becoming! Season one gives great background to go back to and was a nice build up to where we are now but if Season 1 was as gripping as season 2 this show would have had much better ratings! I hope more people watch season 2 and get more people into it.
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Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best TV Season of 2014
29
#29 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
60
#60 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jul 9, 2014
    50
    The lead performances are a tad opaque, and the script feels as though it's telling two separate stories that don't immediately seem as though they'll connect in a graceful way.
    Read full review
  2. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Tim Kenneally
    Jul 9, 2014
    80
    Despite the kitchen-sink feel to it all, Extant has much going for it. Berry impressively handles the task of playing a woman who's coming to grips with both a interstellar conception and a laboratory-built “son.” And so far the series has done a good job of balancing the gee-whiz gadget fetishism of science fiction with the need for characters that the viewer will care about.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jul 9, 2014
    75
    Extant plays with genres, mixing sci-fi, conspiracy thriller and scenes from a struggling marriage. It also asks some daring questions about the collision of machine and humanity.
    Read full review
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