Awake (2012) tv series review, story and analysis
History of Construction and Production Challenges
“Awake” is a gripping psychological drama series that aired in 2012 on NBC. Created by Kyle Killen, the series faced significant production challenges due to its complex narrative structure and high-concept premise. The show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Lone Star Productions. The difficulties in construction primarily stemmed from the intricate storytelling device employed throughout the series, which required meticulous attention to detail to maintain coherence and continuity. The series’ innovative approach to storytelling posed both creative and logistical challenges for the production team.
Actors and Their Roles
The cast of “Awake” included:
- Jason Isaacs as Detective Michael Britten: The protagonist of the series, a detective who experiences two separate realities following a car accident.
- Laura Allen as Hannah Britten: Michael’s wife in one reality.
- Dylan Minnette as Rex Britten: Michael’s son in one reality.
- Steve Harris as Detective Isaiah “Bird” Freeman: Michael’s partner in one reality.
- Wilmer Valderrama as Detective Efrem Vega: Michael’s partner in the other reality.
Each actor portrayed their respective characters with depth and nuance, contributing to the series’ compelling performances and emotional resonance.
General Concept
The general concept of “Awake” revolves around the life of Detective Michael Britten, who finds himself living in two separate realities following a traumatic car accident. In one reality, Michael’s wife survived the accident, while in the other, it was his son who survived. As he navigates these dual realities, Michael begins to uncover clues and connections that blur the lines between the two worlds. The series delves into themes of grief, identity, and the nature of reality, exploring the psychological toll of living in two distinct but equally compelling worlds.
Full Story
The story of “Awake” follows Detective Michael Britten as he attempts to reconcile his two realities while continuing to work as a detective. In one reality, Michael seeks solace in his relationship with his wife, Hannah, while in the other, he finds comfort in his bond with his son, Rex. As Michael investigates cases in both realities, he discovers that certain details and clues from one reality often have relevance and significance in the other.
Throughout the series, Michael struggles to maintain his grip on reality while grappling with the possibility that one of his realities may be a figment of his imagination. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his dual existence, Michael is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the people around him. Ultimately, the series explores the nature of perception, memory, and the human mind, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality itself.
Criticism and Analysis
“Awake” received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative premise, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes. However, some critics expressed concerns about the show’s ability to sustain its high-concept premise over multiple seasons, as well as its tendency to rely on procedural elements at the expense of character development. Additionally, some viewers found the series’ non-linear storytelling format to be confusing or difficult to follow at times.
From an analytical perspective, “Awake” can be seen as a meditation on grief and coping mechanisms, as well as an exploration of the human mind’s capacity to create alternate realities as a means of processing trauma. The series uses its dual-reality premise as a metaphor for the ways in which individuals navigate loss and seek refuge in fantasy and denial. By blurring the lines between reality and illusion, “Awake” invites viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of the world and the ways in which they construct their own realities.
Opinion of Critics and Position Among Other Similar Series
Overall, “Awake” occupies a unique position within the television landscape, offering a fresh take on the procedural drama genre while also exploring deeper philosophical and psychological themes. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some other series, “Awake” remains a cult favorite among viewers who appreciate its ambitious storytelling and complex characters.
In terms of similar series, “Awake” shares thematic and narrative similarities with several other shows that explore the nature of reality and consciousness. These include:
- “Lost” (2004–2010): This groundbreaking series follows the survivors of a plane crash as they navigate a mysterious island filled with supernatural phenomena and philosophical conundrums.
- “The OA” (2016–2019): This enigmatic series follows a young woman who returns home after a seven-year disappearance, claiming to have experienced a series of near-death experiences that have granted her supernatural abilities.
- “Twin Peaks” (1990–1991, 2017): Created by David Lynch, this cult classic series follows an FBI agent as he investigates the murder of a high school student in a small town filled with eccentric characters and supernatural secrets.
- “Fringe” (2008–2013): This science fiction series follows an FBI agent and a team of investigators as they explore fringe science phenomena and alternate dimensions while unraveling a larger conspiracy.
- “Dark” (2017–2020): This German-language series explores the interconnected lives of four families in a small town as they grapple with time travel, family secrets, and the consequences of their actions across multiple generations.
These series, like “Awake,” challenge viewers to question the nature of reality and the limits of human perception, making them compelling viewing for fans of thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating television.
