Believe: first episode of new JJ Abrams and Alfonso Cuaron TV show

It’s no secret that JJ Abrams knows how to write TV. With the cult-followed Lost, Alias, new sci-fi flick Almost Human, and now, Believe, it looks as if Abrams’ sci-fi rebooter extraordinaire is set to slowly take over the TV scape. Partnered with Academy Award-winning Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón, their brand spanking new collaboration follows the duo of Bo, an ordinary young girl with extraordinary powers, and her loveable underdog guardian Tate, a death row inmate charged with her protection. 

The pair (Cuarón and Abrams) have dived into an entirely different spectrum of filming and cinematography. Focusing on raw, unfiltered, and unrefined aesthetics, the show is not only authentic, but incredibly enjoyable to boot. Coupled with real, believable characters – as real as a pre-teen adolescent girl with super powers can get – this show is lucky to have an ensemble with such promise, and most importantly, chemistry.

Slow to start, the pilot establishes our leads: the mysterious Bo (Johnny Sequoyah), rugged Tate (Jake MacLaughlin), feisty Channing (Jamie Chung), Winter (Delroy Lindo), antagonists Elizabeth (Trieste Kelly Dunn) and Skouras (Kyle MacLachlan). From this sole episode, we are given no specificity. As one character is met, they soon become the precursor to a thrilling car chase, or an artfully crafted hand-to-hand combat scene, shot with such edgy camera work it’s as if you’re in the grit of it all.

Up and coming, this highly anticipated drama is exciting, gripping, and enjoyable for every member of the family. Throwing the traditional stereotypes out the window, this progressive and forward-thinking show has brought a new set of cards to the drama-comedy platform, and, given a little time, should blow its competition out the water.

Hannah Ross

 Believe premieres in the UK on 27^th March 2014 .

Watch the trailer for Believe here: