The Crossing

The Crossing is a captivating science fiction drama that aired on ABC in 2018. It was created by Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie and is set in the not-too-distant future, brought to life in impressive detail with an intriguing mix of character-driven drama, suspenseful plotlines, and layers of mystery throughout.

The show’s central premise focuses on a group of 47 refugees from a war-torn country seeking asylum in a small fishing town in America. However, the startling twist is - their war-torn country is actually America, 180 years in the future, and they are time-traveling refugees. Using time travel as a fresh and unique storytelling device, The Crossing dives into the journeys, choices, and sacrifices of these unexpected newcomers and the local townsfolk who come into contact with them.

Dominant among the characters are Jude Ellis, the local sheriff who's trying to reconstruct his life after a tragedy, portrayed by Steve Zahn, and Reece, a time traveling refugee, and protective mother, brought to life by Natalie Martinez. Reece is desperate to find her lost daughter, who has also traveled back in time, and the series orchestrates a compelling cat and mouse chase between her and the local authorities.

As the townsfolk grapple to contain the arrival, government agencies swoop in, escalating the conflict and deepening the mystery. The Crossing adeptly explores the many moral and socio-political aspects of immigration and refugee status but does so within the unique context of time-travel, making it resonate differently yet profoundly.

Imbued with strong performances, the series invites viewers to ponder deep, relevant questions about destiny, survival, and the human spirit. Balancing the grandeur of its sci-fi elements with the intricacies of personal human stories, The Crossing skilfully weaves a narrative tapestry that contrasts futuristic dystopia with contemporary small-town life.

Besides Steve Zahn and Natalie Martinez, the show's ensemble cast includes Sandrine Holt, Tommy Bastow, Rob Campbell, Rick Gomez, Marcuis W. Harris, Grant Harvey, Jay Karnes, Simone Kessel, Kelley Missal, Luc Roderique, and Bailey Skodje. Their collective performances enrich the narrative with complex and relatable characters that anchor the series in human reality amidst its high concept theme.

Even though the series primarily revolves around the refugees' struggle and the mystery behind their journey, it also delves into the personal lives of the townspeople of Port Canaan. The show incorporates subplots that offer insight into the consequences of the refugee arrival on the local community's dynamics. The series highlights the clash of cultures which further reflects broader themes of acceptance, fear of the unknown, tradition, change, and how humanity reacts under pressure.

The Crossing also presents a particular war-torn version of America's future where genetic engineering is prevalent with "Apex," an evolved, bio-engineered subspecies of humans. Reflections on scientific breakthroughs, technological advancements, and their corresponding perils that we are just glimpsing today, add another layer of interest to this show.

The beautiful landscape of British Columbia creates the perfect backdrop for this series, providing an aesthetic that balances the normalcy of present-day small-town America with the inherent sense of alienness that the refugee influx brings. Stunning cinematography, a fitting musical score, and crisp editing complement the quality writing and acting to produce a high-value production.

In conclusion, The Crossing is an engaging, thought-provoking series that merges elements of science fiction and human drama in a small-town setting. Its examination of contemporary social issues through a futuristic lens weaves an intricate tale of survival, morality, and humanity. For fans of genre television and anyone looking for a deeply immersive viewing experience filled with suspense, mystery, and relevant social commentary, The Crossing is a show that deserves to be watched.