Pilot Review: Alcatraz

Alcatraz (FOX)
Premiered January 16 at 8pm

I can’t say that I was expecting much from this show, but I was absolutely floored by it. I should have realized that J.J. Abrams usually only puts his name on strong projects, as one of the few fans of the short-lived “Undercovers,” and I actually have only objection, which is the same one that led me to abandon watching “Fringe” after just a few episodes. I’m not a big fan of Sarah Jones, who plays the lead role of Detective Rebecca Madsen, and who I’ve seen before in season two of “Sons of Anarchy” as bad girl Polly Zobelle. I’m not sure that can diminish my enjoyment of the show, however, and I think she’ll grow on me. I am absolutely thrilled about Jorge Garcia being on this show, playing a part perfect for him, as comic book writer and Alcatraz expert Diego “Doc” Soto. It’s a great follow-up for “Lost,” once again allowing him to be believable in a semi-comic role on a serious show. The two of them get such wonderful excitement from subverting Emerson, and it’s a joy to watch. Sam Neill is a superb inclusion in his high-powered, mysterious role, and I’ve so far been quite impressed with the casting for the Alcatraz inmates. This show’s format is very intriguing, and the cinematography is great. The music, by Michael Giacchino of course, is totally spectacular, and one of the main reasons that I loved this pilot. The show delivered on so many levels, constantly featuring excellent twists, including the fact that Emerson was the young officer on the day that everyone disappeared, that Rebecca’s grandfather was actually an inmate, not a guard, and that he’s the one who got her partner killed, and that Lucy was a doctor back in the 1960s. The show is brave to shoot one of its main characters in just the second episode, and its storylines, and guest characters, are quite dark, which makes this show even more interesting. The existence of the new, electronic Alcatraz that houses the newly recaptured prisoners is definitely enticing, and I like how this show doesn’t really address its supernatural components. It’s possible that this show could decline down the road, but I am fully hooked and enthralled at this point. This was one of the best pilots I’ve seen in a long time.

How will it work as a series? Airing a generally standalone second episode immediately after the pilot answers this question, clarifying that this show knows what it’s doing and how to keep reeling in its audience. It’s unclear whether the captured inmates, aside from Jack, will recur, but if each new prisoner is as intriguing as the ones we’ve seen so far, this show is going to rock. The narration said there were 302 men, so that’s a whole lot of episodes in the can.
How long will it last? The show had a strong debut, and presuming that it’s not too expensive, it could last a good long time, especially considering FOX’s enthusiasm for “Fringe,” which is already in its fifth season. FOX could use a fresh hit, and I think this may just be it (“Touch” could also be a contender). A second season renewal could well come soon.

Pilot grade: A