"John Doe" was a show that my wife insisted I watch, and I'm glad I did. No!, every moment of the series was not perfect, but it was good. And for someone who is not entertained by mainstream television, it was fun to watch. I am the minority of television watchers I fully admit. Most popular programming is unappealing to me. Either in concept or in delivery. "John Doe" was different for me, it had a charm that few shows have. Or, shows have and then there are changes (either story line, or cast changes) that affect the delivery of the original plot. Sometimes a story line change is part of the original idea for a show, that I do get eg. "Lost". But I feel "John Doe" had staying power, maybe not a decade worth, but more than it was given. We never know what reasons the network corporate offices make the decisions they do, but I feel they got it wrong this time. Hopefully there was a solid reason for canceling the show, not just a whimsical decision by one person. I did not want to start watching. "John Doe", but I am disappointed that I did not get to see it end.
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ignbyn28 December 2012
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OllieSuave-00724 September 2013This is a pretty exciting TV show from FOX that is about an amnesia-plagued man dubbed John Doe and played by Dominic Purcell, who possesses a wealth of encyclopedia knowledge and is pursued by an obscure and foreign organization called "The Phoenix" to do some sort of mysterious and secret experiment.
Each episode has its own intriguing and unique flavor, not straying from the plot but also not dragging on to make the show pointless and boring. And, each episode gives its own taste of suspense, making you wonder more and more where "John Doe" comes from and what is the truth behind his knowledge and background.
The final episode of Season One ends in a twist and unmasks the main villain. However, the cliffhanger was not elaborated on as the series was canceled after the first season. It is too bad - this show had great potential and is what I think one of the better TV dramas of the 2000s.
Grade B+ -
lucypn118 August 2012I wish that there was more than one season of John Doe. I loved the mystery of the plot, the characters (Dominic Purcuell is a favorite of mine) and just the overall story line. Sure, there are a few things that I disliked (SPOILERS) such as them killing off both Micheal and Karen, but I can get over those. It's the big twist at the end of the season that threw me for a loop. I wish that that hadn't happen and he didn't become that. Sorry if you're confused but that is a part you're gonna have to find out yourself. I was just floored, and I wished that they continued with the story, I would love to see the dynamic now and how everything pans out since he found her and things just started to get really good. I really wanted to know more about the psychic connection and why he could see only certain things in color.
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This is one great show containing all the mystery and intrigue of the X-Files and Characters who actually have character. I got hooked on it when it came out on Sci-Fi without having heard of it before. When I missed an episode and had to download it, I found the whole first season and went ahead and got it. Fox really screwed up when they decided to cut it without actually bringing it to a real end. It was there one day and gone the next. That's what I hated about it. I didn't mind so much about it ending, but it was never really revealed who this mysterious John Doe character is or who Phoenix was. What was this strange staff they were after and why did it matter so much to them? Because of Fox's decision to send it down the tubes we will never know. I like a good mystery, but I want it to be solved. Because this one was never solved, it will leave you disappointed in the end.
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The character John Doe awakens on a deserted island a few miles off the coast of Seattle, he knows everything, however, the crucial things (his name, who he is, family data is unknown). The first episode is terrific as all are. The last episode is a real cliffhanger, unfortunately the series was cancelated after the first season. I believe in the second season we would have found out more information regarding who John Doe really is. Unfortunately, as with any great program, the the executives do not really care about the fans, they only care about the bottom line. With that, we have all seen programs air for several seasons that should have been cancelated after the first few episodes. I have seen every episode. The program has some excellent actors. Domininc Purcell does a stand-up job as John Doe. The remaining cast performs superbly. Every episode is excellent, the show contains a tremendous amount of mystery, and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dominic Purcell brings energy and skill every time you see him on the screen. On a different note, I have heard that a feature length movie is in the works, however, the skinny is that Wesley Snipes will be cast as John Doe. Wesley Snipes is a terrific actor, however, I believe he is not the right actor to portray John Doe.
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This is one of my favorite TV shows ever made. At first, I was skeptic, a guy who knows every thing and doesn't know who he is? Yeah, that is such a big deal. But after watching the premiere of Firefly, I decided too stick around. I was taken aback. The cinematography was wonderful, the constant but subtle transitions from color too black and white, the swirling angles. And yet, the plot was even better. Twists and turns fill the episode, and each one after that, and the series finale will leave you trying too catch up and awed at a finale surprise. but alas, Well never know how it ends, as it was cancelled. But it lives on in my mind, the soundtrack still echoing trough my head, the surprises I'm still thinking about.
Great show. -
Beth8254 January 2003John Doe is quite probably the best new TV show that you've never seen. Why? Because of its time slot. I remember when The X-Files was on at the same time, and it struggled for ratings. Now, (at least, at the time I'm writing this) this wonderful drama has been stuck in the same slot, on "date night" when nobody is home to watch it except us geeks.
The basic plot is great: John Doe wakes up and realizes he knows everything except what's important - his identity. He's also colorblind. I got sucked in from the beginning, because I thought the plot sounded like a nifty idea, and I became addicted. Even my mother watches it, and we don't usually have the same taste in tv shows. John Doe, though, has become appointment TV, we make a point to sit down together and have dinner once a week while figuring out this week's mystery.
This is one of the few dramas I like, because it has a mystery to it, and because of the trivia John comes up with each episode. It's not your usual shoot-em-up cop show or blah-blah-my-life-is-so-hard yakfest. I highly recommend watching it, you'll be hooked! -
problemedchyld5245 February 2007John Doe, in my opinion, is one of the best shows to come on TV in a while. The story goes like this, a man wakes up, naked in the woods and doesn't know who he is or how he got on the small island off the coast of Seattle. Crazy thing is he knows just about everything else and along with his search for his identity, he helps to police solve impossible crimes. The show was cut sadly after the first season, ending on a cliff hanger, which is always the absolute worst. The show was a little "iffy" at first, but once you get past that first episode, the show digs its hooks in and you find yourself tuning in week after week. The show has its less serious moments, when people around try to initiate conversation, or ask a sarcastic question, and Doe just spews out random facts, that "normal" people shouldn't, making things awkward yet funny. I'm glad Scifi picked the show back up again, and they need to air it more, at more convenient times. If anyone out there knows where i can download the episodes or if there's a complete season DVD i can but, by all means let me know. Definitely a must watch, so go and watch it now.
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sub-8012 October 2020Hey;
What you will see:
-A possible good story -Mediocre Acting -Character that do not fit. -Protagonist who somewhat dumb and says dumb things. -
From the talented casting of Aussie Dominick Purcell as the color blind man with the head filled with enough facts for a dozen Jeopardy Tournament of Champions contestants, the show started with a mystery and ended with a major cliffhanger, along the way providing enough of a distraction with various encounters with the so-called criminal geniuses of Seattle, while giving the viewer a more than reasonably entertaining back story of the shadowy group who communicated by sign language in order to never be bugged or overheard.
But what the real mystery was that as intriguing as the show was, right up to its cliffhanger season conclusion, is the usually unexplained habit the Fox network had of canceling shows that had a following, often as if they deliberately wanted to kill the show off (one case in point is the "Firefly" debacle).
I often wish that somebody involved in the project would sit down and write a novel or two to help close 'the open doors left swinging in the wind by Fox capricious hatchet job on its own programming schedule. -
smallrage12 February 2010Who else other than the FOX network would cancel good programming time and time again and replace it with the typical FOX trash that they always seem to keep If there is anything I have found out watch the FOX network is, if there is a good new show that FOX airs don't watch it because only thing is certain it will only last one season 100% guaranteed This show should of been grated a second season hands down it had everything a viewer could ask for such as conspiracy, intrigue, hard to solve crimes, excellent acting and writing that kept you wanting more and more.
Almost each week a piece fell into place and kept you guessing, the last episode was a hurried one probably because they knew how FOX operates. FOX looks for low budgets crap like reality TV and animations, they love their animation so much so that prime time Sundays that all they air. Problem is the attention span of FOX is that of a pea. Which is why the writers should have never agreed to let FOX air this jewel as FOX viewers don't have what it takes for such a complex show as this -
ntpixx22 February 2013It was initially intriguing and an interesting premise... but after 3 or 4 episodes the writing degenerated rapidly, and disgustingly so. Things stated at the beginning of an episode were belied by the end of the episode. A child with Doe's DNA starts a manhunt for the "real father" for instance, who may or may not be Doe.
That was only the most dramatic plot hole in a series so full of plot holes that episodes became impossible to follow.
After the first couple episodes I was intrigued. By the time I got to the the sixth I was not just bored but insulted and haven't watched any since. -
liquidcelluloid-113 April 2004Network: Fox; Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi; Average Content Rating: TV-PG; Classification: Contemporary (star range: 1 - 4);
Season Reviewed: Complete series (1 season)
I went into 'John Doe' skeptically. This was, after all, the year after some of the finest shows of the new millennium had lost their heads on the chopping block under the Gail Berman regime over at Fox. So it goes without saying, and it went without saying from minute one of this show, that it was going to be canceled before it's time. This is the Fox network where talking about, after all. As the sun rises and sets so does Fox pull out a great or if not that an extremely promising show before its time. When it's all said and done I would put 'John Doe' firmly in the latter category.
The surrounds an enigma, about a man (Dominic Purcell) who awakens with all the encyclopedic facts of the universe but lacks any memory of his own identity. It sounds a little formula and hockey but stick with it. Despite my skepticism it managed to hook me in the very first episode. After a summer of seeing the over-dramatic scene of nothing more than Doe waking up nude on an island in all of the Fox promos the lighter, more breezy nature of the opening was a good sign. Instead of Doe muddling around trying to find himself the pilot script jump right into reality, having Doe do exactly what anyone would - use his new found knowledge to enrich himself. Soon enough he's got a hot car and a nice apartment on his ability to pick horses at the track. He can do so much that he becomes bored with this life and soon finds himself trying to help others by helping the police solve the usual TV 'unsolvable crime'. It all follows a pretty linear cause-and-effect plot, which is why I feel myself forgiving the show for the more formulaic show it often became. Essentially it became another 'MacGyver' in which Doe uses household items like paper-clips and dish-washing liquid to scientifically get himself out of one absurd jam after another. However, it's jams where pretty good. Such as when Doe tussled with a killer on an airplane or tracked down a Jack the Ripper copycat. Although, the endings are often a cop-out in the usual TV way. The best, by far where the 2 episodes in which Doe went up against his doppelganger - a psychotic serial killer who had the same abilities and would put Doe up to tasks like defusing a bomb before the traffic light turns red.
In that way, and in the way the series is based on a larger premise but takes time away from it - breaking the momentum if you will - to focus on a self contained mystery, 'John Doe' recalled 'the X-Files'. With that show now retired, Fox would have been better advised to keep his one around and see what it could do. It was different but similar enough to make a run at it. This show also calls back to 'The Pretender' and numerous other recent crime dramas where a genius solves the unsolvable cases. The difference here is in the execution. I actually think 'John Doe' is better than most of the shows it recalls. As I said, not only does the premise make the crime elements seem logical, but it also works due to it's crisp direction - often from movie director Mimi Leder. What makes the show fly most of all is the charming lead performance of Purcell. His take on Doe is one of a man without a past or a personality and Purcell strikes that cord, but also keeps him lively, colorful and away from being the face-less wooden hero Doe could have easily been.
While some of the self-contained stories (all of which felt very much like the writers satisfying a network requirement) seemed to grow tired before the hour was up, the driving mystery of the series was a compelling and original one. What where the nature of Doe's powers? What was the Phoenix group? All mysteries that remain unanswered as the series was canceled. The show had a knack for keeping us on the edge of our seat, answering questions only to pose more in an ending twist. And the best shock of them all came in the final second of the series. Hey, if it had to go at least 'John Doe' went out with a bang. You've got to give it that.
* * * / 4 -
theactress0020 January 2019From the day the show aired I was glued to the tv. It was very intriguing. Truly enjoyed watching John Doe try to figure out who he was. The network made a bad decision to cancel this show, especially on a cliff hanger. I wish they would bring it back.
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omendata21 August 2019This has it all from mystery and suspense to sci-fi, conspiracy, religion, cults, the rapture and intrigue to the superlative acting from Dominic Purcell, William Forsythe and virtually every other member of the cast.
I cannot for the life of me figure out why the show was canned after one season as it is was just a joy to watch every single episode and has that air of the X-files mixed with so many other original ideas it kinda blows my mind somewhat.
Nothing else I can say but I hardly ever give 10/10 for anything unless it is the best thing I have ever seen and this series is pretty much it - Beautiful in every possible way and destined to become a cult classic and probably re-made in a decade or so no doubt when they realise how good it actually is! -
"John Doe" is one of the better suspense shows that only got one season! But should have gotten more! It was more than just another crime drama! Most of the episodes could be seen without having seen previous episodes! And in each episode they tried to play with different genres like Sci Fi, horror,fantasy and comedy! The great mystery was about who John Doe really is! And how he knows so much! He uses his knowledge to help the police in solving cases! While he is aiding the police he is confronted by an organization who seem to know more about him than he does! It is fun watching John Doe doing his thing! Dominic Purcell is an excellent actor who is convincing as the mystery man! He reminded me of "Macgyver" using his skills to improvise solutions on the spot! From the first episode till the last episode you will be drawn in this show! The cliffhanger ending is great and very disturbing! Even when the show didn't get renewed it is still worth watching the show! The main story arch is important and very interesting,but is not the only good thing about the show! The drama surrounding John Doe is just as important as his skills! Having extraordinary skills is one thing,to put them to good use is another! And how to deal with all this when you don't even know your own past! This show deserved better! Once again a clever show got canceled! Well, I enjoyed it! And you will also if you get the chance to watch it!
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I loved this series! John Doe's encyclopedic knowledge of... well, everything, is just fantastically amusing. He knows near everything, he can drive or fly everything - he's like a Matrix-esquire member of the world, and he makes the world in which the series occurs a highly amusing one. You'll laugh at the random things he'll say.
He may not know who he is, but he knows everything else. He helps the local police department solve missing persons cases, and every episode he learns a little fact that may help him figure out who he is, or where he came from, and that makes the series seem even more involving.
Well, just like most every series I'm fond of, it died out in one season. But thank the gods we still have SciFi to play it for us. -
I just came across this series online and WOW, what a great premise. All the mystery and unanswered questions as the season progressed and no second season to answer any of those questions? I watched every episode with more anticipation over a period of a week or so (2-3 episodes a night) and loved the series. I have to admit that the big reveal in the final episode wasn't as shocking for me as it was for many of the reviewers. I kind of wondered why that person was clinging onto John so much after getting about 1/3rd of the way thru the series. And, their knowledge in so many areas was over the top for the character they were playing. They knew too much about too many things. That being said, I never expected them to be the Phoenix Group's leader. But, I did kind of wonder if they were one of them. I won't spoil the ending and mention the characters name (or even if they were male or female). Watch the series if you can find it. You'll be glad you did!
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blndbahaden10 January 2021An amazing tv show with a great and new concept , outstanding cast and performaces. It was a shame they cancelled this great show.
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headfulofghosts12620 September 2002I was completely surprised by this series. I've heard very little about it and wasn't exactly anticpating it but I'm so glad I got a chance to watch it. I believe I've found the first show I'll go out of my way to watch since My So-Called Life. It held my attention for the entire fifty minutes. The pacing was excellent, the writing was excellent, and while the lead character's acting might take some getting used to on my part- I highly enjoyed it. Unlike so many of the other "Next Files", John Doe is actually intelligent and refreshingly original. I've avoided TV so much lately it was quite a shock for me to see a program that was actually entertaining. I'm very excited about the future of this show.
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john_meyer10 April 2007What makes a good TV series? Strong characters that you care about; plot development that spans episodes; good writing; excellent production values.
This series has it all.
Given all the lame ideas that are recycled from TV shows in order to make movies, it is amazing that this one hasn't been picked up and made this television show into a movie. If they ever do, they would be hard-pressed to come up with a better cast, the most outstanding of which is Jayne Brook as detective Jamie Avery. The combination of her performance and the excellent writing make this character real, believable, and intelligent.
I picked up a copy of the entire season from someone that had taped it, and am almost at the end, which I already know does not resolve all the open plot issues. As others have said, we'd sure like to have more, and would pay real money to see "the final episode." -
lordkinbote-5395130 January 2020This was an incredible TV series, but they never show reruns, and HULU stopped showing it. Dear Fox broadcasting: please release a DVD set!
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walter90714 August 2021I love shows that are original and can surprise me. John Doe was one of those shows, Very original and very well written. But two things doomed it for me. It premiered back-to-back with Firefly, an even better sci-fi show, which was canceled before the end of the first season. FOX replaced Firefly with Fastlane, a show so bad I couldn't finish one episode, but while avoiding Fastlane it became easy to miss John Doe. Sadly also at about the same time John Doe took a deep dive into a long, convoluted, conspiracy theory arc that lost my attention. Too bad. It was a good show with good actors.
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Cinema2kMendoza21 September 2021This was about a man with knows alot about everything and help solve crimes, but he dont remember his past or where he come from. It needs a new season. Is good sci-fi.
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danieldwilkinson31 January 2022Before Blindspot, before Jason Bourne, before Kyle xy there was John doe!. I had never heard of this one back in the day though I wished I had!. This one had me invested after the first episode. The mystery of who he is, where he came from, how he knows all this really drags you in. I feel the episodes could have connected better at the start of each one, but I was into the show I didnt care as much as usual. The show ending on that cliffhanger was a real shame, but atleast it was revealed by the creators who that actually was, and John doe's "identity".