Jason Momoa has made a strong name for himself in the last couple of years. Whether it was playing the dominating leader of Dothraki in Game of Thrones or fighting for the throne of Atlantis in Aquaman, he’s proved that he could be an action hero on the rise. Now he further cements himself as a strong name in action within the world of Apple TV+’s new dystopian sci-fi series See.
Set in a world where an unknown virus has not only wiped out most of the world’s population, but also left those that survived completely blind, the series follows one of many tribes that have had to find new ways to interact and survive. The strong-armed leader of the group, Baba Voss (Momoa), has kept things in check thus far, but things change when he develops a relationship with a pregnant stranger (Hera Hilmar) — who carries a secret that leads a deadly army to their camp. Baba Voss is moved by a deep care for her and her unborn babies that could be a vital part of bringing the world back to normal again. His care leads the group to a new land that will defend them from the cruel tribe led by an even crueler queen (Sylvia Hoeks).
When I first heard about this and its concept it sounded a little too goofy and odd to work — and I wasn’t totally wrong in thinking that. When we initially see the tribe going into battle, I’d be lying if I didn’t chuckle at bit at the image of them slowly walking into battle and holding onto one another, so no one gets lost. However, once things get going and the fighting really starts, it’s actually one of the coolest and most unique concepts I’ve seen in quite some time. The way sound plays a part in battle and they use the environment to take down invading armies is great, and it leads to an awesome fight sequence in the first half of the episode. When they unleashed a wall of boulders, it was honestly one of the coolest action moments I’ve seen this year. The blood effects definitely need some work, but the battle choreography and the way they prepare for battle is pretty epic.
With everyone being blind, it also creates some unique challenges and moments of suspense that are interesting to watch. There’s a point where the invading tribe chases Baba’s group to a bridge and they’re literally 50-feet from each other, but they don’t know that because they’re blind. It’s these kinds of moments that build-up the unique kind of suspense that See brings.
There’s also some great drama in the challenges they face from simply getting from place to place. One of my worries going in was that because they have existed in this world for quite sometime already that they wouldn’t face many issues in fighting and getting around because they’ve become acclimated to their situation. Thankfully, that’s not the case here and there’re some interesting challenges from walking to fighting that are cool to see.
Momoa’s easily one of the best parts of See. He makes Baba Voss a dominant force that you don’t want to mess with as well as a compassionate leader that simply wants the best for his people. There’s line where someone tells him that he can’t take all of them by himself and he responds with “Ya, but I could definitely take the first six or seven,” and I couldn’t help but smile. This is the kind of role that Momoa’s been waiting for and you can’t in the first episode that he’s ready to sink his teeth into it.
Alfre Woodard gives a perfectly mysterious and endearing performance as her character helps the pregnant stranger give birth and foreshadows the challenges the group is going to face. She’s instantly likable and provides a great mother figure for Baba Voss. Her character, among others, also delve into the mystical and religious elements of the show – which can be a tad tough to follow. Because the show doesn’t start viewers where things started with this post-apocalyptic world, it doesn’t fully explain the kind of civilization they live in now and their new beliefs.
The characters have an interesting language where they communicate through knots, but it didn’t do a lot for me as a viewer because the series doesn’t delve into enough for me to understand what’s happening. Even the religious elements are little lost on me now, but I think with two new twins that come into the world, with a seemingly special attribute, I think there’s an opportunity to give a more engaging overview for viewers to feel more connected into the world.
Despite some small world-building flaws, See is a strongly unique series under the Apple TV+ umbrella. Those that missed seeing Momoa on GOT and are anxiously awaiting to see him return to Atlantis or are just looking for a show with a cool concept and awesome action, will be more than satisfied by what See has to offer.
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