Salvation

Salvation is an American suspense drama television series from CBS, which aired from 2017 to 2018 for two seasons. The show’s storyline is built around an impending apocalyptic disaster threatening life on Earth, leaving the world scrambling to devise a plan to prevent its own annihilation.

The series kicks off with Liam Cole, an MIT grad student, who discovers that an asteroid, dubbed Samson, is on a collision course with Earth. The asteroid is projected to hit the planet in a mere six months, causing an extinction-level event. Following his discovery, Cole approaches tech billionaire Darius Tanz, played by actor Santiago Cabrera, known for his genius as well as his groundbreaking technological contributions to society. Tanz, being an Elon Musk analogue, owns and operates Tanz Industries, a successful tech company that has shifted the tech industry's paradigm.

Armed with this knowledge, both Tanz and Cole approach the U.S. government with their terrifying findings. Grace Barrows, played by Jennifer Finnigan, a Pentagon press secretary, becomes their liaison with the government. Grace is a single mom who now must juggle her work responsibilities, her personal life, and the daunting task of managing this potentially world-ending secret. The government, already aware of the impending disaster, has been working on a plan, called 'Salvation,' to thwart the asteroid's path, keep the Earth safe, and mitigate global panic.

The situation only escalates when Harris Edwards, the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense, is pressured to reveal the truth to the American citizens. This motivates Tanz to expedite his plan to save humanity, offering a feasible, albeit unconventional, solution. Yet, as time runs out and the asteroid draws closer, the government isn't quick to abandon their secret plan, causing friction between Tanz, the government, and their collective efforts to save the planet.

Throughout the series, audiences can expect a blend of intense, high-stakes drama, character development, and an exploration into the details of their plan of 'Salvation.' The story brings into focus the contrast between Tanz's idealistic, pioneering approach to technology and the government's more bureaucratic, secretive approach to problem-solving. Moreover, ethical dilemmas, political maneuvering, and personal sacrifices add layers of complexity to the narrative.

Despite the looming threat of doomsday, Salvation doesn't solely focus on the disaster aspect. Instead, the show uses the impending disaster as a backdrop against which it explores a broad range of themes, such as survival, moral choices, political games, love, and the balance between life and death. Unexpected friendships are formed, secrets are unveiled, and budding romances take place, all while time keeps ticking towards the potential end of the world.

Salvation is very much a 'What If' series—an Earth-bound science fiction drama, asking its characters and, by extension, audiences, what one would do if the world had an expiry date. A show like this serves as a reminder to viewers about the fragility of our planet and the responsibility of humanity to protect it, all while providing high-octane drama, suspense, and thrilling twists.

The performances of the actors are commendable, particularly the leads: Santiago Cabrera, Jennifer Finnigan, and Charlie Rowe. Their struggles, decisions, and actions form the crux of the series, and the contrasting personalities of the characters add depth to the narrative. Cabrera's character Tanz is particularly compelling as an audacious, optimistic dreamer who believes in the power of innovation against the might of nature.

The visual effects and CGI in Salvation are noteworthy too. The arrival of the asteroid often plays out in beautiful, terrifying depictions of the vastness of space and the smallness of Earth in comparison. Such visual elements serve to remind the viewer of the existential threat that hovers above these characters and the whole human race.

In summary, Salvation is a fascinating exploration of humanity's reaction to impending doom. While it focuses closely on the technological and political maneuvers to prevent disaster, it doesn't shy away from exploring human character and relationships under looming extinction. If you're a fan of suspense, drama, science, technology, and touch of romance, then Salvation is a show you shouldn't miss. Despite its premature end after the second season, the series packs in enough action and emotional resonance to make it a worthwhile watch.