The world of television is a fickle beast, and sometimes, shows don't get the love they deserve. This is the story of one such series, a sci-fi gem that slipped under the radar, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Lake Bell's Hidden Gem: A Sci-Fi Mystery Unveiled
Imagine a world where mysterious creatures lurk beneath the ocean's surface, and you have the premise of "Surface," a show that premiered on NBC in 2005. With Lake Bell, known for her role in "Boston Legal," at the helm, the series had all the makings of a hit. But here's where it gets controversial—critics were quick to label it a "Lost" wannabe, comparing its beach-centric mysteries to the iconic show. James Poniewozik, a TIME Magazine critic, even called it "the wettest of the 'Lost' wannabes." Ouch!
But was it really a cheap imitation? The show attempted to capture the wonder and intrigue of Steven Spielberg's masterpieces, with nods to 'E.T.' and 'Close Encounters.' And yet, it struggled to find its footing. NBC's decision to put the show on hiatus after just ten episodes was a sign of trouble, and the show never fully recovered.
The Rise and Fall of a Sci-Fi Hopeful
The show's fate was sealed when it was put on another hiatus during the 2006 Winter Olympics and eventually canceled. But its legacy lives on, and here's the part most people miss—"Surface" is now easily accessible on streaming platforms like Fandango at Home. You can even watch it ad-free for a small fee, a rare treat for fans of forgotten TV gems.
"Surface" wasn't the only show of its time to be compared to "Lost." The early 2000s saw a wave of mystery-box shows like "Invasion" and "Threshold," all trying to capture the magic of the hit series. But none could replicate its success, and most faded into obscurity. It's a testament to the power of "Lost" that it influenced so many shows, but also a reminder that lightning rarely strikes twice.
Interestingly, "Surface" found a second life with audiences years later. While critics gave it a mere 20% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, general audiences rated it much higher at 82%. This could be because viewers were able to appreciate the show without the constant comparisons to "Lost." And for those who love a good mystery with a side of fate vs. free will, "FlashForward" is a must-watch, despite meeting a similar fate as "Surface."
So, was "Surface" truly a "Lost" rip-off, or did it deserve a chance to shine on its own? The debate rages on, and it's a reminder that in the world of TV, sometimes the most intriguing stories are the ones that never got to reach their full potential. What do you think? Are there any other underrated shows from this era that you feel were canceled too soon?
