Dominion

Dominion is a unique American apocalyptic drama television series that aired on the Syfy channel from 2014 to 2015. Based on the 2010 film "Legion," the series takes viewers on an epic journey across post-apocalyptic landscapes filled with angels and the few surviving humans.

Dominion paints a picture of a world where an army of lower angel, summoned by the archangel Gabriel, has waged a war of possession against mankind. The nature of this conflict is primarily supernatural, embodying themes of good versus evil in both literal and metaphorical forms. Amidst this cosmic mayhem, mankind fights for survival, creating a harsh and brutal world where only the strongest endure.

The series is set 25 years after the start of the extermination war, in a fortified city known as Vega (formerly Las Vegas). Vega has become one of the last bastions of humanity, a shining beacon in the desolate and barren landscapes created in the wake of the war.

The main protagonist, Alex Lannen, played by Christopher Egan, is a rebellious young soldier who discovers he is the unlikely savior of humanity. Alex, who has grown up an orphan, finds out he has been chosen by a higher power to defend humanity. His journey of bravery, self-discovery, and destiny is the crux of the series.

Apart from Alex, a range of characters add depth to the story. There's Michael, an archangel who sided with humanity during the war and continues to protect them and serve as their guardian against his own kind. His complex relationship with Alex forms a pivotal part of the story. On the other end of the spectrum is Gabriel, another archangel who believes that humanity is a failed experiment and is leading the angelic attack on mankind.

Dominion deftly explores the politics of post-apocalyptic society. Vega is not a paradise but is stricken with rationing, secret police, and class-conflict. There is a strong element of totalitarianism, with the aristocratic families holding power and controlling the city's resources.

But the intrigue doesn't stop there. Outside the fortified walls of Vega, other human settlements strive to survive, each with its unique ways of dealing with the new world order. The city of Helena, for instance, is a matriarchal society governed by strong women leaders. The contrast between these societies introduces us to a wide range of perspectives, weaving a rich tapestry of human resilience and adaptation in a progressively hostile world.

The show also delves into mythology and biblical lore, including the history of other archangels and their allegiances, the mythical city Atlantis, and a cryptic prophecy that foretells the return of a "Chosen One." These teleport us into a richly layered world of celestial politics, divine conspiracies, faith, and redemption, often blurring the line between what traditionally constitutes good and evil.

The series' complexity is further highlighted by multilayered themes dealing with free will, destiny, inequality, survival of the fittest, the nature of warfare, sacrifice, and bonds of human relationships in a dystopian world. The characters are flawed, fascinating, and relatable, making the stakes feel real and adding depth to the narrative.

Visually, Dominion is a spectacle. The decimated yet familiar landscapes, the celestial battles, and the stunningly fortified Vega provide a visual treat. The special effects and production design paint a fresh picture of the post-apocalyptic genre, effectively building the setting, and supporting the narrative.

Despite the supernatural undertones, the heart of the show is its characters, their journeys, personal battles, and the choices they make that shape their world. Their conflicts and alliances, friendships, rivalries, love, and betrayal form the emotional core of the story, making it gripping and relatable.

In its two-season run, Dominion carved a niche for itself in the paranormal/apocalyptic genre through its unique blend of action, drama, suspense, and supernatural themes. It's a thrilling ride into a future where humanity is no longer at the top of the food chain and must fight for its very survival. It's a story that will encourage you to question and challenge your perceptions of good and evil, destiny, and the resilience of the human spirit.