Extant

Extant is a riveting science fiction television series produced by CBS television and premiered in the summer of 2014 and ran until 2015. The series powerfully merges different themes such as extraterrestrial life, artificial intelligence, and family dynamics. The series stars Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry in the lead role and is supported by Goran Visnjic and Pierce Gagnon.

Halle Berry stars as Molly Woods, an intrepid astronaut who embarks on a demanding, 13-month solo space mission. The trajectory of her life alters when she inexplicably becomes pregnant in space, raising far-reaching and chilling questions about her mission and the nature of her conception. On her return from space, she struggles to reintegrate into a society she no longer recognizes and faces a series of unexpected events and revelations that disrupt her world. She finds herself at the center of a larger-than-life predicament, grappling with an existential crisis that poses a dilemma not just for her, but for the entire human race.

Goran Visnjic plays John Woods, Molly's husband, a robotic engineer who faces his personal challenges and the mysteries around his wife's inexplicable pregnancy. He has designed an advanced human-like robot named Ethan (portrayed by Pierce Gagnon). Ethan is not just a robot; he's a life-like humanoid, a part of their family, who embodies an experiment exploring the future's potential challengers and ethical issues revolving around artificial intelligence.

Moreover, Extant's narrative cleverly intertwines Molly's otherworldly pregnancy, which possibly involves alien life, with Artificial Intelligence's progression through Ethan, signifying two distinct paradigms in human evolution coexisting in a single household. The convergence of these two narratives instigates a whirlwind of suspense, drama, and mystery, driving the storyline forward.

The series encapsulates the grey areas between human and non-human, natural and artificial, and explores what it truly means to be human. The evolving relationship between Molly and her 'son', Ethan, crafts a riveting story arc about motherhood, family, and the bounds of love, challenging the concept of what constitutes life and sentience.

The supporting cast comprises Hiroyuki Sanada as Hideki Yasumoto, the CEO of the Yasumoto Corporation, who has a deep interest in Molly's pregnancy. Michael O'Neill plays Alan Sparks, the director of the International Space Exploration Agency (ISEA), who has ulterior motives behind his benevolent facade. Grace Gummer plays an ISEA astronaut, Julie Gelineau, who also has a part in Ethan's development; she's involved in Molly's story in ways more than one.

Extant is a high-concept thriller that grips its audience with captivating special effects, a complex, intelligently-crafted narrative, and well-rounded characters. The show manages to maintain a fine balance between contained family drama and multiplot intrigue, offering a different perspective to the genre of science fiction. Its enigma unfolds subtly, stringing viewers along with gripping subplots and fascinating character development embedded within a thought-provoking script.

Further, Steven Spielberg, the show's executive producer, leaves his visible mark on Extant. The visuals are film-quality, which adds an extra dimension to the storyline. Spielberg's influence can especially be seen in the ethical debates around AI and the interaction of humans and extraterrestrials, evident through the Spielbergian themes of alien life, family bonds, and sentient machines.

Despite the futuristic concept, Extant is notable for its grounded narratives, focusing on familial relationships, ethical complexities, and human dilemmas, which lend relatability to its sci-fi elements. It's more than just a story about alien life-forms or advanced robotics; it's a compelling render of humanity constantly negotiating its existence and purpose amidst dramatic evolutions.

In conclusion, Extant is an enthralling science fiction drama series that brings a fresh, compelling narrative to the small screen. With its intelligent plotline and brilliant performances, particularly by Halle Berry, the show offers a captivating watch for fans of sci-fi dramas. It cleverly encapsulates the uncertainties of the future, the technological advancement of civilization, and the dilemmas inherent in evolution – making it a remarkable addition to the genre.