Exploding Sun

Exploding Sun is a 2013 Canadian miniseries that originally aired on the REELZ network. This science fiction thriller, fueled by the enormity of cosmic forces and the tension of human drama, captures its audiences with an eerie plausibility.

The gripping narrative of Exploding Sun is set in motion as the world's first transatlantic passenger spaceship is ready to embark on its maiden voyage. The groundbreaking spacecraft, helmed by its charismatic pilot, Captain Don Wincroft, (played excellently by David James Elliott) is expected to usher in a new era of space travel. On board the spacecraft, named Helios, are a diverse range of passengers, including the U.S. President’s wife, bio-engineer Roane Hunter, and an artistic genius, among others.

The excitement of the maiden journey is tempered by the introduction of an additional plot layer, a possible terrorist threat. It's during this crisis that the show introduces a computer hacker, Conrad Miller, portrayed by Anthony Lemke, set to deal with the threat.

Just when things seem to be falling into a routine, nature intervenes, causing the Helios to veer off course, and it heads directly towards the Sun. The ensuing drama makes the core of the story. The miniseries examines how passengers aboard the Helios cope with the impending disaster, and how those on Earth, including a team of gifted scientists led by Roane’s husband, react to this life-or-death crisis.

The heightening suspense is derived from a race against time and nature's fury. The plot further thickens when it is revealed that the impact of the Helios on the Sun threatens to unleash a "super-solar storm" that might destroy the earth’s power grid, plunging humanity back to the stone ages with no electricity. The perilous factor is not only the possible explosion of the Sun but also the potentialities if its consequences on Earth making the stakes incredibly high, in both space and on the ground. Tension escalates as the group of scientists scramble to prevent this doomsday prediction from coming true.

The strength of Exploding Sun lies in its ability to intertwine high-concept scientific phenomena with accessible, often poignant, human stories. While its science concepts may veer towards the sensational at times, the show takes care to base its premise on plausible explanations, using real scientific principles and technological advances as touchpoints.

Beneath the overarching cosmic threat, the miniseries delves into individual storylines, bringing forth the diverse set of characters each with their unique background, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether it be the strappings of Captain Don Wincroft’s burdened leadership, the unflinching resolve of Roane Hunter, or the intellectual fight by Conrad Miller, the viewers are presented with complex characters who are under immense pressure.

The series also showcases the themes of marriage, family, heroism, and sacrifice, layered into its plotline. It delves into ethical dilemmas faced in times of an impending catastrophe and highlights the desperation, bravery, and resilience of the human spirit.

Visually, Exploding Sun also excels, employing impressive CGI to create the spaceship and the cosmic landscape. The disaster sequences are convincingly rendered, offering a sense of catastrophic scale, while at the same time appearing authentically terrifying. The series strikes a good balance, grounding these epic CGI sequences with intimate character moments.

On the whole, Exploding Sun is a well-paced, tension-filled thriller with a good balance of character development and dramatic conflict. It offers viewers a suspenseful ride through outer space layered with high stakes, human drama, scientific wonder, and edge-of-your-seat action.

Fans of thrilling disaster flicks, engaging character drama and viewers interested in space and astrophysics, will find Exploding Sun an engaging, intense series that compellingly combines a multitude of elements for a unique viewing experience. The miniseries offers a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, both on Earth and in the cosmos, and humanity's relentless spirit in the face of daunting challenges.