Helix

:

Season 1
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 10, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 184
  3. Negative: 38 out of 184
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. genericusename
    Mar 29, 2014
    4
    The show isn't terrible, but I'm afraid that might be the best thing about it. It started off solidly, but the plot was jumbled at times. Between the acting and the writing I could get into all of maybe two characters. The show was also more than a little campy, and I'm not still sure if that was intentional or not. There were enough decent moments for the show to be watchable, butThe show isn't terrible, but I'm afraid that might be the best thing about it. It started off solidly, but the plot was jumbled at times. Between the acting and the writing I could get into all of maybe two characters. The show was also more than a little campy, and I'm not still sure if that was intentional or not. There were enough decent moments for the show to be watchable, but nearly as many groan inducing moments. It did have quite a bit of potential from the get-go, but failed to deliver, especially during the last few episodes. It's confusing scifi, but not in the good way (not to mention, some of the actual science is a bit screwy).

    Overall it was meh. Interesting concept but subpar acting and writing. Still finds ways to be interesting, but only up to a certain point. Overly confusing, but oddly somewhat watchable. But still not watchable enough to invest any more of my time into the show.    … Expand
  2. ahnehnois
    Mar 30, 2014
    4
    The basic concept (trapped on an arctic base trying to prevent a secret virus from escaping) sounds good, but the result is decidedly underwhelming. This is the kind of sci-fi that seems to be genuinely trying to reference actual science, but fails miserably. The virus itself is more of a sideshow, and the evil corporation plot that replaces it is lame.

    The main reason to watch it is    The basic concept (trapped on an arctic base trying to prevent a secret virus from escaping) sounds good, but the result is decidedly underwhelming. This is the kind of sci-fi that seems to be genuinely trying to reference actual science, but fails miserably. The virus itself is more of a sideshow, and the evil corporation plot that replaces it is lame.

    The main reason to watch it is ultimately for the back and forth between Billy Campbell and Hiroyuki Sanada, both compelling actors. However, the rest of the characters and cast don't bring much to the table. None of the scientist characters are remotely credible as scientists, and the female characters are sadly unable to hold the screen when the two leads are there.

    The virus-infected zombies disappear for long stretches of time and reappear when convenient, behaving according to no discernible rules. The science scenes include a few genuine science words, but violate basic principles that are obvious even to a non-expert like me. There's an enormous amount of "magic science" wherein a single character gleans information from a test that takes two minutes, which is decidedly not how things work.

    Gratuitous mysteries on top of mysteries abound, but with the first season over, nothing worthwhile has been revealed yet. A completely nonsensical tribe of native Arctic-dwellers (seriously, you can tell they're natives to the polar realms because they wear flannel shirts), a ludicrous cancer cure, dismembered heads in cryostorage, and a telegraphed "I am your father" moment are among the unsatisfactory developments. The horror and intrigue promised by the pilot never really appears.

    The production values are minimal, and whenever they leave the base the production becomes really strained. Random guest cast pop up and leave from this supposedly isolated base, never really establishing themselves. A weird muzak element plays over parts of the show to counterpoint gore and mayhem as if the producers are trying too hard to be clever.

    The show had a few good turns, mostly in the first couple of episodes, but it's gone downhill fast.    … Expand
  3. TNF1343
    Jan 24, 2014
    4
    Helix's first two episodes may cause some major eye rolling, but one thing's for sure: this show can get intense as hell. Almost nothing is original but it doesn't dull the atmosphere too much. This is a budget TV show but the make-up is outstanding; although, the CG scenes annoyed me.

    Good Sci-Fi shows aren't overly common so it's good to see this show showing us at least a little    Helix's first two episodes may cause some major eye rolling, but one thing's for sure: this show can get intense as hell. Almost nothing is original but it doesn't dull the atmosphere too much. This is a budget TV show but the make-up is outstanding; although, the CG scenes annoyed me.

    Good Sci-Fi shows aren't overly common so it's good to see this show showing us at least a little promise. So-so casting, directing, and a silly love triangle are all prevalent flaws, so here's to hoping the show comes into its own and delivers.

    UPDATE:

    With the intensity steeply dropping off with each entry, I'm finding it harder and harder to justify tuning in each week. The dialogue here is beyond hackey and I can't stand another minute watching these characters. Not to mention, the bad CG has gotten to a point of annoyance. I'm dropping this show but I MAY possibly catch up later if later episodes get high acclaim. But I'm not seeing that as a strong possibility.    … Expand
  4. navygirl
    Feb 1, 2014
    4
    This show is a let down. The dialog is not appropriate for highly educated scientific personnel. their actions make no sense. The people cast in the various roles are inappropriate. Here are a few;

    Blonde Scientist: She looks like a biker (and has the vocabulary of a biker). Scientist with tumor; Looks like a college co-ed. Military guy: to young for such a mission Asian    This show is a let down. The dialog is not appropriate for highly educated scientific personnel. their actions make no sense. The people cast in the various roles are inappropriate. Here are a few;

    Blonde Scientist: She looks like a biker (and has the vocabulary of a biker).
    Scientist with tumor; Looks like a college co-ed.
    Military guy: to young for such a mission
    Asian leader guy; WHY......

    Not one person in the show makes you care whether they live or die.

    Here you have scientists who work every day with viruses that can destroy the human race, yet when they are infected, they freak out like a any other person off the street. Can't see it. It would freak anyone out, but not like that. The producer drags out the time when one person comes to the others defense for drama (I guess) and it leaves you sitting there asking, "Why aren't the soldiers helping? Why didn't the other guy pick up the gun and shoot?" Just stupid. Can't see it lasting more than one season. Take notes from The Walking Dead and re-cast this show and hire writers over the age of 25.    … Expand
  5. nautico
    Jan 11, 2014
    4
    This is what I'd call a poor man's Fringe, a compelling and entertaining concept, but without the production values and talented cast. Have watched through episode 3 (Infinity On Demand), and may give the series a chance through ep 5 or so, but if it doesn't improve, that'll be it for me.
  6. TantricSky
    Feb 17, 2014
    5
    Not great but good enough to keep me watching with some judicious fast forwarding. Deadly viruses are always interesting, the arctic base setting is cool, and the plot is interesting albeit sometimes mysterious in a confused rather than compelling way. The dialogue is weak, actions and reactions sometimes unrealistic, sometimes predictable, and the whole hallucination thing is a drag.Not great but good enough to keep me watching with some judicious fast forwarding. Deadly viruses are always interesting, the arctic base setting is cool, and the plot is interesting albeit sometimes mysterious in a confused rather than compelling way. The dialogue is weak, actions and reactions sometimes unrealistic, sometimes predictable, and the whole hallucination thing is a drag. And what's up with the muzak during the breaks, is there a Stepford Wife plot in here that I'm missing?… Expand
  7. sirona7
    Feb 8, 2014
    5
    6 episodes into Helix and regrettably have moved from enjoyment to meh. Loved the initial Andromeda Strain/Outbreak science premise and the tension of all the action taking place on successive days, a great hook, full of promise. The anxiety was further amplified by the Aliens-ness of the setting, a fortress built in the shape of a space outpost, hunkered down in a storm-swept arctic6 episodes into Helix and regrettably have moved from enjoyment to meh. Loved the initial Andromeda Strain/Outbreak science premise and the tension of all the action taking place on successive days, a great hook, full of promise. The anxiety was further amplified by the Aliens-ness of the setting, a fortress built in the shape of a space outpost, hunkered down in a storm-swept arctic wilderness. And then there's the alarming calmness of resident meglomaniac, Dr. Hatake, and his menacing giant guardian, Daniel contrasted with the flailing, bile spewing infected and the arrogant CDC team. But, somehow the show has managed to waste all this great setup. Too many indistinguishable characters passing through the plot, not enough real world science thinking and methodology, and too much torpid love triangle backstory. The core problems of the show can be illustrated through the fate of one of the few characters who didn't seem cloned: arrived at the base, went right to work, made a discovery, stupidly convinced to keep the information a secret from their boss, died gruesomely, apparently purely for shock value, since the hidden information was discovered shortly on an unencrypted communication device stupidly left in a villain's hidey hole. Finally, the sad boss has a moment by the body in a bag stored on the ice outside. Yuck. Half way through the season, and my inclination is to borrow an idea from Hicks "All right. We take off. Nuke the site from orbit."… Expand
  8. jodyjoseph
    Feb 10, 2014
    5
    The tone of the Music of this show is WAY off. It's suppose to be suspenseful, but sounds like a cartoon skit on suspenseful scenes. As soon as you get engaged into the suspenseful plot, a not so thrilling song comes on...throws everything off.
  9. meg_n_mon
    Feb 12, 2014
    6
    Helix requires a bit of patience. It's a good plot - there are some interesting characters. It would be better if the lead character 'Daniel" had a better backstory. He's a bit boring. The 'vectors' are not as well developed as they could be. In 'Lost" almost every character had a chance to evolve alongside the main characters. I don't see this happening here. However ... it's a goodHelix requires a bit of patience. It's a good plot - there are some interesting characters. It would be better if the lead character 'Daniel" had a better backstory. He's a bit boring. The 'vectors' are not as well developed as they could be. In 'Lost" almost every character had a chance to evolve alongside the main characters. I don't see this happening here. However ... it's a good premise for a series and it's though provoking. What happens when we dare to play God? I would stick with it, improve the writing and see where it goes.… Expand
  10. psteiner
    Mar 3, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like a child prodigy gone astray, I wish, oh how I wish Helix would live up to its initial promise. Instead, it wanders the darkened hallways, jumps out with a "Boo!" every once in a while, but mostly just sits in the corner sucking its thumb, wondering why nobody loves it. I've never watched a series with so many premises running off in all directions - mutant viruses, legions of zombies, CDC SWAT team, lettuce growing in the director's office, hidden stairways, duplicity - it's all there, it's just sprouting malignantly in all directions, like that weird mega-virus - wait, what ever happened to that? And the monkeys out in the snow? And the heads in the jars? Jeez, where IS this all going, and how's it all going to tie up? I feel like there are 6 different shows competing all at once for our attention here.

    Every episode flashes a teasing glimpse of the show it could be, like the first time Dr. Hataki revealed his special eyes, then yanks it back, as we saw when Balleseros, bleeding out in the snow, is dragged off by an Inuit cop, who happens to wander by, in the middle of the night, from a previously unmentioned village just a snowmobile ride away. What?! I thought they were all stranded in this hermetically sealed research vault, hundreds of miles from the nearest habitation, so the icky viruses wouldn't leak out and contaminate humanity.

    I'll stick it out to the end of the season, 'cause I'm just so invested in finding out what the #$@!@& is going on with Julia and Hataki. The rest of 'em, smirking Balleseros, pudgy Meeksa, even Zombie-God Peter, well, meh. Meh.    … Expand
  11. Thradar
    Mar 15, 2014
    4
    Helix is a disappointing offering from Ronald Moore (ST:TNG, BSG reboot). It's a show about, well, nothing...and not in a good Seinfeld kind of way. It's a show that's trying to take a page out of the Lost archives by dangling a carrot in front of viewers in hopes they return each episode. But nothing is ever answered, nothing makes sense (including air ducts you can drive a car in, andHelix is a disappointing offering from Ronald Moore (ST:TNG, BSG reboot). It's a show about, well, nothing...and not in a good Seinfeld kind of way. It's a show that's trying to take a page out of the Lost archives by dangling a carrot in front of viewers in hopes they return each episode. But nothing is ever answered, nothing makes sense (including air ducts you can drive a car in, and a base in the Antarctic powered by solar). And viewers will probably not follow this storytelling tactic again. Helix is not the worst show ever, but it's certainly not worthy of investing a lot of time in, especially if the story just treads water and goes nowhere.

    Some details: The scientists are perhaps the dumbest and most illogical scientists since the movie Prometheus. Some are more concerned about having sex than solving an outbreak that threatens humanity. But the cornerstone every disappointing show are characters you don't care about. Every character in Helix is dour, depressing, angsty, and completely unlikable. I hate every character on this show. I don't care if any of them live or die. Everything about the show feels rehashed, especially the black goo vectors (let's face it, they're just zombies who spread infection instead of eating brains). I will likely not be back for a season 2...if there is one.    … Expand
  12. eVolved
    Mar 18, 2014
    5
    I waited with big hope this Helix. Indeed we are talking about the creator of Battlestar Galactica, but unluckily, for yet, we are in front of a sloppy show.
    Characters are flat and the actors who play them are even worse.
    The setting is very bad. The claustrophobic feel is made of boredom more than entertainment. The visual effects and photography are the worst i ever seen in a sci-fi    I waited with big hope this Helix. Indeed we are talking about the creator of Battlestar Galactica, but unluckily, for yet, we are in front of a sloppy show.
    Characters are flat and the actors who play them are even worse.
    The setting is very bad. The claustrophobic feel is made of boredom more than entertainment.
    The visual effects and photography are the worst i ever seen in a sci-fi show. I understand that the budget is low, but the lack of details just show how there was no time or will to make a better output.

    As for the main plot, it's interesting and every sci-fi lover will try to stand the poor general quality of this show to understand what is really going on.    … Expand
  13. mrmonster
    Mar 16, 2014
    4
    This show is overrated to say the least. The pilot was interesting, but ever since it's been boring and repetitive. This joins Syfys long line of disappointing shos.s
  14. jazzythechef
    Jul 8, 2014
    4
    was loving the first few episodes, but then it seemed to get progressivly worse. by the end of the season i felt it had really lost its way. i may watch the first episode of the next season to decide whether to continue and only because im a scifi junkie
  15. picathartes
    Mar 22, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At first glance this series was promising. It was dark and suspenseful. Until it went downhill about four episodes in, where it appeared to not know where it wanted to go in terms of the plot. Situations are happening to the characters, but the characters haven't really been developed yet. (up to episode ten). So much so, when things do happen involving the characters they aren't really a revelation. Furthermore, one character appeared for a few episodes only, which was pointless. One character killed a Dr and it still hasn't been explained why he did this. Further, the series is boring and the Drs appear to spend more time running about the place than that doing what they came there to do - find a cure for this virus!… Expand
  16. sabbadoo32
    Mar 2, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. (Spoilers) I'm in the middle of the final episode of the first season. I get how I need to suspend disbelief and step into the world of the show. But the cliffhangers and double-crosses within that world are now officially stupid. What I thought was a good thriller, then pot-boiler has now turned into an afternoon soap-opera disguised as science fiction.

    In the final moments of the episode, the show turns into a semi-spy thriller, with a CDC official leaving marks on buildings and other spycraft. Plus there's another -gasp- apparent double-cross. I finished the episode, but I'm 30% sure I'll make it through all of Season 2.

    Overall, Season 1 has it's moments, especially within the first half. Those episodes were resolving themselves into itself. The second half felt like the show got money for a second half, but the show runners weren't quite ready with good scripts.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best TV Season of 2014
28
#28 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
47
#47 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    83
    The story is an edge-of-your-seat kind of thriller. Clues are dropped, but you never know what’s coming next.
    Read full review
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Jan 13, 2014
    70
    Billy Campbell anchors the cast admirably as Dr. Alan Farragut.... Mr. Sanada is always intriguing to watch. And some of the show’s support players bring welcome spunk to the claustrophobic world of the research center, especially Catherine Lemieux as Dr. Doreen Boyle, a smart pathologist with a smart mouth.
    Read full review
  3. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Jan 10, 2014
    70
    Helix doesn't reinvent the virus thriller, but it's a solid slice of genre entertainment that offers some creepy visuals and believable scares.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »