Scorpion

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 268 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 268
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 268
  3. Negative: 86 out of 268
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. reellm
    Oct 2, 2014
    4
    2/5★
    The bigger the spectacle the bigger the audience is what the network was thinking, and the bigger the spectacle the less attention is paid to the logic. So, to recap: big spectacle, not much logic. I know that TV shows have a short time to make a big impression so the details are lost in favor of action but Scorpion pushes it too far: High speed Ferrari-to-jet plane upload through a    2/5★
    The bigger the spectacle the bigger the audience is what the network was thinking, and the bigger the spectacle the less attention is paid to the logic. So, to recap: big spectacle, not much logic. I know that TV shows have a short time to make a big impression so the details are lost in favor of action but Scorpion pushes it too far: High speed Ferrari-to-jet plane upload through a cable? Fun to watch but makes little sense, which is how I would describe Scorpion.
    The characters are barely more than names and abilities, but I would like to learn about them: they are interesting enough to continue watching, but the show has to calm down and breath.

    Verdict: Its an easy watch and the concept and characters are interesting enough. It might be canceled but I cant call it yet.    … Expand
  2. KMV
    Sep 23, 2014
    5
    Seems like the run up to a pretty routine caper show, that attempt to differentiate itself with quirky characters and a somewhat original premise, rather than great writing. Over the top and unbelievable in several places (see car/jet scene), its saving grace could be the actors and the relationships. I'm a softy and I did get a little choked up when the main character told the mom of anSeems like the run up to a pretty routine caper show, that attempt to differentiate itself with quirky characters and a somewhat original premise, rather than great writing. Over the top and unbelievable in several places (see car/jet scene), its saving grace could be the actors and the relationships. I'm a softy and I did get a little choked up when the main character told the mom of an autistic genius that he could help translate her son to her. Could develop into something over time, but I'm predicting a limited lifespan.… Expand
  3. RikerDonegal
    Sep 23, 2014
    4
    Scorpion 1.1 delivers EXACTLY what you expect. Meaning it’s a carbon copy of scores of other shows about teams of geeks/nerds working for the police/government. This team isn't even particularly likable. Yawn.
  4. erom1943
    Sep 24, 2014
    4
    Great idea, but poor execution! I was really looking forward to this show, but was super disappointed after watching. A great concept of putting geniuses together to solve problems, was ruined by a plot that lacked any realism or common sense. I had no problem with the quirky characters, which was actually the only upside for me. Believability is important for a show like this, and wasGreat idea, but poor execution! I was really looking forward to this show, but was super disappointed after watching. A great concept of putting geniuses together to solve problems, was ruined by a plot that lacked any realism or common sense. I had no problem with the quirky characters, which was actually the only upside for me. Believability is important for a show like this, and was absent for this episode. Airplanes unable to find a place to land because of computer and communication problems....so they'll just run out of fuel and crash? Going to shoot them down to save lives? Ludicrous! If the producers and writers don't get real, this show is gone before Halloween.… Expand
  5. kbaybob
    Sep 28, 2014
    6
    We enjoyed the show even though as an airline pilot I can assure you that EVERY SINGLE THING in the show about airplanes and aviation was totally wrong! Remember the fire at Chicago Center. We don't mill around until we run out of gas and crash, we just go somewhere else and land. Flying down the runway to plug an RJ45 connector into a laptop? Really? 1. Why not just land the planeWe enjoyed the show even though as an airline pilot I can assure you that EVERY SINGLE THING in the show about airplanes and aviation was totally wrong! Remember the fire at Chicago Center. We don't mill around until we run out of gas and crash, we just go somewhere else and land. Flying down the runway to plug an RJ45 connector into a laptop? Really? 1. Why not just land the plane and do it. Oh, yes; BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THAT SOFTWARE ON THE AIRPLANE! 2. There is no way to get from inside the airplane's pressurized cabin to any unpressurized area like the wheel well. Period. 3. Why not just put down the flaps and slow to about 130kt instead of 200? 4. There is no network router in airplanes with RJ45 connectors as shown. 5. Even if all the above were workable, lowering the cable into the slipstream would cause it to just be blown straight backwards. It would NEVER get down to where someone could reach it. So suspend disbelief and believe in magic and enjoy the show.… Expand
  6. tvnewsguido
    Sep 23, 2014
    6
    CBS seems to have found their old recipe for the procedural.

    Unlike last seasons' messy "Intelligence," they've developed "Scorpion" in the vein of "CSI" in that the "crime of the week" takes precedence over the characters. This recipe works so "Scorpion" works. It's not innovative and I doubt it will be beloved by any measure but it will fill its slot and provide solid    CBS seems to have found their old recipe for the procedural.

    Unlike last seasons' messy "Intelligence," they've developed "Scorpion" in the vein of "CSI" in that the "crime of the week" takes precedence over the characters.

    This recipe works so "Scorpion" works.

    It's not innovative and I doubt it will be beloved by any measure but it will fill its slot and provide solid entertainment to those who tune in.    … Expand
  7. melbiker
    Nov 28, 2014
    6
    I do like this show a lot and appreciate the genius of the characters, although most of their "fixes" seem a bit far-fetched and miraculous.
    I do have one problem with the writing...This sister character of Walters is poorly developed. No one with MS thinks of this disease as a death sentence nor would go around saying "I'm dying." MS is a manageable disease for most people. My father    I do like this show a lot and appreciate the genius of the characters, although most of their "fixes" seem a bit far-fetched and miraculous.
    I do have one problem with the writing...This sister character of Walters is poorly developed. No one with MS thinks of this disease as a death sentence nor would go around saying "I'm dying." MS is a manageable disease for most people. My father lived for 20 years after having to go into a wheelchair. My sister's disease progressed more quickly, but still, she always held on for hope that there would be medical interventions to help her.
    I have 4 other friends and family who have MS and NONE of them would be as resigned to dying as she is, nor would they ever live in an assisted facility while ambulatory and having ANY ability to care for themselves. She should have been afflicted with something more grave than MS!    … Expand
  8. Abby1885
    Dec 4, 2014
    6
    It's so bad it's good!
    Corny, predictable, and insult your intelligent every chance they get.
    If it's created and based on a real life genius why not show off that, make me watch the episode twice or more to get it don't put it so plainly that my 3 year old would get it the first time. Audience nowadays are smarter than they think. Take advantage of the social media and make them    It's so bad it's good!
    Corny, predictable, and insult your intelligent every chance they get.

    If it's created and based on a real life genius why not show off that, make me watch the episode twice or more to get it don't put it so plainly that my 3 year old would get it the first time. Audience nowadays are smarter than they think.

    Take advantage of the social media and make them figure out the genius move the characters made, there's no need to dumb it down. It may be based on a life of a genius but certainly feels like it's written by a 5th grader.    … Expand
  9. Ray-M
    Dec 5, 2014
    6
    The show is entertaining, easy to watch, and I believe the characters are getting better. Who cares if the actors are not well know. It is fun don't take it to seriously.
  10. YorkMan
    Nov 10, 2015
    6
    Interesting premise to a show. However, as interesting it is as a premise, the execution isn't brilliant.
    The plot revolves around a team of highly intelligent 20-somethings, along with their 'Homeland Security' handler, and an 'average' (yet gorgeous, of course) ex-waitress who is joins the team to act as the 'what's happening?' character to keep the audience attuned.
    The main problem    Interesting premise to a show. However, as interesting it is as a premise, the execution isn't brilliant.
    The plot revolves around a team of highly intelligent 20-somethings, along with their 'Homeland Security' handler, and an 'average' (yet gorgeous, of course) ex-waitress who is joins the team to act as the 'what's happening?' character to keep the audience attuned.
    The main problem with the show is that in order for these uber-nerds to be faced with a representable 'challenge', the scriptwriters have to conjur up blatantly implausible schemes for them to overcome. Unfortunately this renders the show completely unbelievable, and as such (even as escapist entertainment) you sit watching and thinking 'oh, please....' at every macgyver-esque method someone in the team comes up with.
    The suspense is maintained by a near constant barrage of new problems as the episode unfolds, but regardless of the inherent 'threat' to the characters' safety, the good old 'nick of time' escape trope saves the day.
    The overarching story elements, that pervade the series as a whole, are bland and uninspired too.
    Put all this together, and you'd normally get a show which I'd rate 2, or possibly 3 (at a pinch), but...
    The show is held together by very good acting performances from the core cast, which elevates it somewhat. Despite the silliness and 'will they/won't they' nature to not 1, but 2 potential romances, the sincerity of the characters is worth investing in.
    Now we're well into Series 2, we're beginning to see more internal conflicts show up, which is good...
    But the relegation of the 'Ralph' character (the waitress' 9 year old, genius son) from being an integral part of the overall narrative, to a mere 'we'll write him into a script in order to facilitate a specific plot' recurring character has disappointed me immensely.    … Expand
  11. Slmanson301
    Jan 18, 2016
    6
    I came into this show in Season 2. Initially, I was very smitten with the concept of young geniuses solving problems with science, math and engineering. (For the viewer who couldn't understand the point of Katherine McPhee's presence, she's there to balance out the brains with emotional content, and she serves to ground the geeks.) Watched a few episodes and....sad to say, the show isI came into this show in Season 2. Initially, I was very smitten with the concept of young geniuses solving problems with science, math and engineering. (For the viewer who couldn't understand the point of Katherine McPhee's presence, she's there to balance out the brains with emotional content, and she serves to ground the geeks.) Watched a few episodes and....sad to say, the show is more about fantasy than it is about science, math and engineering. That is, it's like a bunch of little MacGyver's who solve serious world problems in completely improbable ways, science, math and engineering notwithstanding. They are, nonetheless, engaging characters, and the show can be fun to watch in small doses.… Expand
  12. jozzams
    Mar 30, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firstly I'll say it's an entertaining show if you can overlook all the parts that don't make sense (or dont' know they don't make sense). The premise for the show is very good, but the execution is terrible. Surely to write about geniuses and highly complex problems the writers should have hired some sort of consultant. Maybe a psychologist who works with gifted individuals, or someone who is a genius hacker themselves, etc. If Bones and Big Bang Theory can do it, I'm sure this show can too.
    The condescension of the main character, Walter, is completely over the top. Yes, he's meant to be incredibly smart, but too much condescension just alienates the audience. He doesn't need to remind the audience regularly that he has a 197 IQ. Also there's the assumption that all geniuses are socially inept. Actually, I'm most of the way through season 1 and I haven't seen him do anything yet that is actually representative of an extremely high IQ and not possible from someone merely with good computer/hacking skills.
    And don't even get me started on the kid, Ralph. A mentally gifted kid belonging to a mother who is completely clueless. By the age of 10, there would have been glaring signs that there was something unusual about this child. Even if he is withdrawn, a teacher would probably have recommended to have him checked for autism spectrum, or an IQ test. I've heard of cases of children teaching themselves to read at much younger ages that alerted their parents. And then there's the fact that apparently a socially inept genius is the best person to help her understand her son, rather than seeking professional help or programs to support the development of a gifted child.
    The next thing, and this really made me laugh, was watching one of the computers in an episode loading Windows 8. If you know anything about computers and programming (even in theory), you'll know this is laughable. Firstly, Windows 8 was **** Secondly, anyone serious about computers/programming/hacking would not be using Windows at all (more likely Linux or other open source operating system).
    There's plenty of other inconsistencies, but these are some of the stupid ones that have stuck with me, and prevent me from being able to enjoy the show fully.
    Basically, if you don't know enough about what they're talking about to know it's wrong, then you might find it plausible.    … Expand
  13. Peacen
    Dec 12, 2016
    4
    Written-for-screen geniuses are becoming textbook archetypes: Never a balance of smart, successful and good looking, no, these characters require conflict, with the opportunity for underdog wins and showing the bullies up from high school. Thus, they require social problems. Big ones, with impressive (but not obscure) names, and walls to keep the well-meaners out, built up through roughWritten-for-screen geniuses are becoming textbook archetypes: Never a balance of smart, successful and good looking, no, these characters require conflict, with the opportunity for underdog wins and showing the bullies up from high school. Thus, they require social problems. Big ones, with impressive (but not obscure) names, and walls to keep the well-meaners out, built up through rough childhoods and curve ball, ptsd-inducing moments in their lives. You don't get to be smart unless you faint trying to order coffee, it seems.

    Out of this mold drops the characters of Scorpion, the ballad of massive intellect standing as America's last line of defense against ridiculous problems involving, most often, the wrong install files, old technology and those foolish enough to attempt using email.

    Elyes Gabel plays Walter O'Brein, boasting an IQ of 197 and social interaction problems which vanish after the first episode, heads up Scorpion, a company of smart people that solve problems too complex for 'normals' (that's you and me).

    He's joined by Happy Quinn (Jadyn Wong, who is listed first because she'd be angry otherwise), the teams resident "mechanical genius" who talks about tools a lot with a gab that makes her sound like she's got a mouth full of gum, Toby Curtis (Eddie Kaye Thomas), behaviorist and mouthy wannabe front man, Sylvester Dodd (Ari Stidham), the funny fat guy that makes childlike noises and talks endlessly... I think he was good at math too... Agent Cabe Gallo (Robert Patrick), their gravelly government handler and father figure, and Paige Dineen (Katherine McPhee), the Penny of the group. That's a Big Bang reference, and is somewhat unfair. McPhee actually plays 'professionally insecure Penny', the person Penny would be if her job depending on not telling the not-dumb people how ridiculous their issues are.

    It's best to go no further before stating I'm a Big Bang fan (Nowadays this seems to be something you have to lead with when discussing this sort of thing. Massive polarization exists). But this is important, because Scorpion is too. Huge fan! Its actually hard not to be because, despite what your smarter big brother says, the science in Big Bang is sound, the stories easy to follow and the concept quite natural. Their social interaction shortcomings are also very well realized. Yes, this dropped off later on because, as characters were introduced and their lives evolved, they too grew. Howard is no longer a perv because he has someone that sees the best in him. But remnants remain: Despite his louder nature, Leonard still wrings his hands in a worrisome manner. Sheldon is, and will always be, a tremendously well written and well played character, with parts of him seemingly misaligned that are, in all truthfulness, defective aspects of him that will never be fixed. This evolution is also a key aspect of why it's still enjoyable to watch. Big Bang is not the original if you look hard enough, but is broadly appreciated for a number of very valid reasons. And the writers of Scorpion struggle with their feelings, because they can do smart people better, dammit!

    My biggest problem with Scorpion is a weak one, even I'm prepared to admit, but it's the truth: I don't know anyone like these people. This is important because I do know intelligent people. An assessment of my immediate acquaintance circle reveals that I know a great deal more smart people, statistically, than I should: Aeronautical engineers, Bio-mechs, Doctors, Actuarial Science graduates. This is a product of my territory endeavours, so it's not surprising, but the truth is that smart people, like 'normals', come in every flavour you can imagine. Almost including the characters in Scorpion. Almost. They're broken, and it's got everything to do with the intentional way they've been written. Their issues do not prevent them from functioning, and functioning well, yet we are constantly reminded they are broken, in need of protecting by Super-Walter. You can't have it both ways.

    Scorpion also feels resoundingly racist. In the figurative sense, mind, but nevertheless, not on episode goes by without the reminder that these four (four and half if you count the kid. Name escapes me. Hardly important) are an entirely separate species to the rest of us 'normals'. This backfired, because it comes across as a supremacist attitude, and that's poor.

    The science in Scorpion is concise if a little too textbook, for what it's worth. But none of it is massively clever, which makes the continual 'normal' talk unfounded. What they accomplish with a bit of math is not inconceivable and what Happy occasionally builds is hardly genius. The key word here for improvement would be "spectrum", and appreciating that, even when you have problems interacting with people, being intelligent doesn't make you obnoxious. Thinking you are does.    … Expand
  14. SteveCampsOut
    Mar 21, 2018
    4
    As much as I like this show, it's suffering from severe plot predictability and an over reliance on the whatever can go wrong will trope. For a show about a bunch of geniuses, the writing and characterizations certainly aren't very smart.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
24
#24 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 24
  3. Negative: 5 out of 24
  1. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    50
    Eddie Kaye Thomas is fun as the occasionally felonious brainiac psychologist, but the rest of the characters are pretty one-dimensional, that one dimension being their social awkwardness.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 22, 2014
    50
    A very good idea but executed in the pilot with too much sap and manipulation.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Margaret Lyons
    Sep 22, 2014
    30
    Scorpion tries to get action-heavy in its final act, with the brain trust preventing an aviation disaster at LAX, and for a brief interlude, the show has a glimmer of momentum--but it's undercut by how ludicrous the whole setup is, how unnatural the dialogue is, and how impossible it feels to care what happens to any of these people.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »