Containment

Containment is a thrilling and suspenseful American television series that aired for one season on The CW from April to July 2016. It's a drama inspired by the Belgian series 'Cordon,' reimagined by Julie Plec, the creator of other popular CW shows such as 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'The Originals.'

The show is set within the urban confines of Atlanta, Georgia. It begins when a deadly and highly contagious epidemic breaks out in the city, causing a sudden and inevitable quarantine that incites a widespread panic and chaos among the restive populace. The unseen and vicious outbreak swiftly spreads, transforming the city into a large-scale isolation zone where everyone is trapped inside, battling for survival.

The show's main protagonist is Atlanta police officer Lex Carnahan, played by David Gyasi, who is unusually stationed outside the quarantine zone. He must maintain peace on the hot perimeters of the city while wrestling with his personal turmoil, particularly his emotional attachment to his girlfriend, who is stranded within the quarantine area. His central role entangles him in the daunting task of managing public order, mitigating unrest, and dealing with political machinations while grappling with his personal distress.

Containment carefully dissects the multifaceted responses of a besieged society under the strain of a public health crisis, providing a very real, human perspective on such an event. It delves into how such a crisis can change people, eliciting both the best and the worst of human responses. The viewers get to see an incredible range of emotions, experiences, and scenarios through the eyes of other crucial characters such as Jake, an officer and Lex’s best friend, stuck inside the cordon; Jana, Lex's girlfriend, who cleverly utilizes her survivalist mentality; and Katie, a single mother and a grade school teacher, who must protect her students who are quarantined in the school.

The show is not just about survival against a deadly virus but also about people's resilience, compassion, love, and defining moments of heroism under extreme adversity. It highlights the precarious balance between ethical decisions and the difficult choices individuals are forced to make in such dire scenarios.

The series effortlessly incorporates drama, science fiction, and horror elements, resulting in a nail-biting experience that keeps viewers on their toes. The tension is built progressively throughout each episode, with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. The character development is compelling as they evolve under the extraordinary circumstances, adding layer upon layer to the narrative.

Further complementing this is the superb acting by the cast, who manage to make their characters endearing and relatable. The cinematography is gripping and convincingly portrays a city under siege. The series handled an ensemble cast effortlessly, delivering rich portrayals of storylines that were both individual and interconnected.

The series also raises pertinent questions about governmental control, public fear, misinformation, and the consequences of isolation. It adeptly addresses the effects of a global pandemic on a local setting before such a scenario became a reality, offering a surprising and chillingly current perspective.

The show received diverse reviews from audiences and critics. While a few of them argue the storyline can lean into the realm of predictability, many appreciate the show for its honest portrayal of a quarantined city and its realistic illustration of the horrific scale of pandemics. The effective pacing of the story, unexpected plot developments, and the exploration of the human condition in a crisis are seen as the show's strengths.

In summary, Containment is a gripping and thought-provoking series that provides an intense narrative of survival, love, sacrifice, and the human spirit tested against a deadly epidemic. Its immersive storyline, realistically frightened characters, and vivid portrayal of a city in quarantine make it an enticing watch for those who enjoy suspenseful, crisis-driven narratives.