Travelers: Seasons 1 – 3 Review
9.5 / 10. Original sci-fi time travel drama with fresh ways to shape the future and an effective ensemble cast. *MINOR SPOILER*
Travelers is a Canadian-American Sci-Fi TV series created by Brad Wright for Showcase and Netflix.
In a bleak post-apocalyptic future, which isn’t seen, scientific advancement allows Teams of five ‘travellers’ to have their consciousnesses sent back in time and transferred into the mind and bodies of present-day ‘hosts’ - chosen as they are seconds away from death to avoid disruption of the time line. Their task is to prevent a series of events which lead to the apocalypse.
The transfer function is a clever part of the dynamic. The body takeover scenes work well, and the countdown timer is effective. The traveller must then use their hosts’ original identity as a cover, which is learned from social media, historical and public records.
A team consists of a Historian, a Medic, two soldiers and a leader. The historian has deep knowledge of events that occurred in the 21st century, thus being to intervene in specific events. Missions are dictated by the ‘Director’ in the future who monitors the timeline, and they must follow a set of strict protocols including: the mission comes first, leave the future in the past, don't take a life or save a life, unless otherwise directed.
The storylines aren’t predictable and encompass the main story arc and more personal character tales, showing that it isn’t just the missions which are difficult to navigate, but also 21st century day to day life.
Some of the science is a bit confusing- but overall it makes sense if you just go with it. It is at heart a Sci-Fi show, but also incorporates people and family drama well, as the Travellers also assume their hosts’ complicated lives, inherit their families and must hide their real identities (Protocols 2 & 5). The ethical implications of this weigh heavily on the team, and other teams exist which play into the main storyline…
The likeable characters are played by a fantastic ensemble cast. Eric McCormack is engaging as Grant, in a more serious role. MacKenzie Porter is excellent as Marcy and I LOVE David (Patrick Gilmore).
I’ve loved this show and am sad to see it end, but I think it had a great run and am pleased the finale tied up the plot lines, but left some things to ponder over and make up your own mind about.
The usual question in time travel applies – can we really ever change what’s pre-destined?