Going into the series with no expectations or impressions from the novel, and barely reading about the series at all before binge watching it, i was expecting a high paced master and commander type of series. And while it's set in roughly the same time period, it's unlike anything i was expecting. It's quite suspenseful and chilling. Much thanks to the great acting, casting and details. The ambient soundtrack (R.I.P Marcus Fjellström) is fantastic and really helps with the eerie feeling. There were some moments it made me feel really at unease.
Right up there with the top series for sure. Well worth a watch.
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mohahaa1310 April 2018
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alfredsmith7 October 2019The first season of "The Terror" is superb. I binge watched it over three nights and I regard it as essential viewing. There are many great reviews here so I won't bother with much detail but it is brilliant TV. Marvelous characters and a great story set in the eerie Arctic. However, I must say the second season is a completely different story that is poor viewing and is so bad that you should simply give it a miss. So as far as ratings go, season one deserves 10/10 and season two barely deserves 2/10, but the first season is so good it makes the average 9/10.
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Clive_W22 October 2019For season 1 only as yet to watch season 2.
Season 1 was a great adaption to the fictional story by Dan Simmons which is in turn based on the true events around Franklin lost expedition for the northern passage. I recall back in school we learnt in history about what we knew regarding the Franklin mission, of course unfortunately we only know so much as much of the information was lost, so Dan Simmons had some great material to start a story with, retaining key points that were still very shockingly true for the history of the real crews, with the infamous cannibalism between the crew, how several of them feel ill to scurvy and lead poisoning from their tinned meats. To top it off the setting, the environmental factors were hell, no real quick way to resolve a food issue. Overall I loved the first season, and since completing it has pushed me to wanting to learn more about the true events and what is actually known to us. AMC done a fine job of crafting this setting, the cinematography was amazing and the acting couldn't have been any better, I would highly recommend seeing the first season, and if your like me you might find it interesting to read Dan Simmons book, and to also watch the documentaries available regarding the true story. When I have the time I will work my way to the second season.
On a side note, the documentary does have some interesting information, especially when the graves were discovered and how several the bodies had been perfectly preserved, you can find a documentary available on YouTube if one is not easily found. -
abampi23 August 2019I really can't understand why AMC decided to use the same title for two completely different series without any relation between each other (new plot, new directors, new actors...) - it's confusing, misleading, totally pointless. Given the above: the first season is a masterpiece. One of the top 4-5 series of the year. This second season is a very average product, deserving 6, maximum 7/10. Pointless to rate them together with a shared vote.
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anarky-852293 April 2018This series just oozes atmosphere, the cast is phenomenal, the directing and script ...just everything
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lquinlan-176364 April 2018So when I describe this show to people, I can't help but throw it into the category of quality tv with the likes of Breaking Bad, Fargo, The Sopranos.... This miniseries is well written and developed with caliber acting. I will be quite surprised if this show isn't up for a ton of nominations during award season.
This is the fictional account of what happened to the crew of the Franklin Expedition- 2 ships of the Royal Navy that set sail to Northwest Passage in 1848 only to get ice locked for 8 months. This part of the story is true. Both crews disappeared and this is the fictional account of what happened to those men. The miniseries is based on a book of the same name written by Dan Simmons. Ridley Scott producers.
The first 2 episodes are a bit slow with the action but is meant to set up the story and tone. Though slow, I thought it was well done and pulled me in for more. There is something supernatural afoot and you get the impression that it goes downhill quickly once it gets going Episode 3 confirmed the previous notion and you know this is definitely not going to end well. The atmosphere is very reminiscent of The Thing. The stark location and unforgiven climate makes the inhabitants of the ships situation feel even more grim. The isolation is forever present as well as whatever it is that's hunting the men. This show is worth a watch. -
a-alfstad27 March 2018This is a review for the series premiere: This is a strong start for a series based on one of my favorite books. The book was great, but it was longer than a Stephen King book and that's saying something, but the series has an efficient feel to it while still staying true to the book. You can tell that there is some true love for the source material and it really shows in every aspect, especially the cast. I love all the casting choices so far, but Adam Nagaitis as Cornelius Hickey is looking to be an amazing choice. His portrayal is spot on thus far and I can't wait to see his character dive further into the rabbit hole. I'm also impressed with how well they translated the atmosphere from the book to the series so accurately. I just hope the monster is given the same kind of love that every other aspect of the series has been given so far. Ultimately, if you've read the book, then you should love the series. If you haven't read the book, you just might find yourself wanting to.
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interaxcontracts30 September 2019The first season was atmospheric, a constant sense of foreboding and hopelessness permeated by and air of creepiness. The acting and casting was spot on and the season evolved really nicely.
Enter season 2. BORING !!!!!
Slow paced, mediocre acting, shallow cast. The story line is a little thin, the supernatural element tries to communicate intended suspense, but comes across very bland. Even the limited make up and special effects are poor.
By the time they add a tragic element to the supernatural element, it simply pours water on an ember that was barely smouldering anyway.
It may be a wonderful drama to some and some will harp on about the books.....
30 minutes into episode 8 of season 2 and i don't think I can be bothered anymore! -
childers-327 March 2018This miniseries about two crews looking for a passage from England to India and China through the frozen north is very promising. I watched the first installment last night and was impressed with the acting, story and characters. I will watch future episodes in the dark. My tv doesn't have the best picture and I feel I may have missed some very subtle moments. It is beautifully filmed and the acting is top notch! I just wish I had a better tv! This series deserves it.
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tunafish-2971730 March 2018I'm a massive fan of the novel and, two episodes in, I'm a massive fan of this show.
They needed to spend A LOT of money on this to make it work, and I think they did. The actors are great, the costumes are excellent, the sets are mostly convincing and the pacing is just about right.
Although there are already some major differences to the novel, I think the changes were mostly due to the transference to a visual medium, so I am happy to forgive them.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. -
Like others, I am a bit disappointed by the show. The production levels, scene/scenario setting, and especially the performances (every actor was absolutely topnotch) were all very commendable. However, the initial trailer promised a bit more than the overall project delivered. Was hoping the series would be strictly a psychological thriller, based on the frailty of the mind and the fracture of relationship/bonds when put under tremendous stress.
To me the supernatural elements did not add any real tension. Mostly because the creature's motives and the rules in which it could attack were never thoroughly explained. I know at the basic level, the creature attacks those who infringe upon nature (its dominion) and all that. But, it did not feel like the main antagonist or threat to the men's survival. The battles against the natural elements, the growing madness/sickness amongst the men, and the dismantling of the power system were just more interesting and tension driving.
Perhaps, if the monster's origins or relationship to the land/natives were explained a bit more. Or (since the creature is a spirit of some sort) was shown to be more calculating in its actions, it might have been a more compelling aspect to the story. But, as is, the creature gains no understanding or sympathy from the audience. The whole "humans meddling with nature/status quo reaps disastrous results" falls flat. That point only works if the audience can see the situation from both sides. We mostly get to see the crew's version, their constant suffering, and without any real realization as to why they are put through said suffering. So, nature just seems to be the villain/bully. Even the natives seem to live in fear of the creature, so the point that man can learn a different way seems mute, as well. The creature is just something that must be avoided or sated. So, what I think might be the lesson or point, at least in regards to the mystical elements, becomes a bit muddled.
Streamlining the story, focusing the plots solely on the obstacles of survival (mentally, physically, and through moral dilemmas) would have made this series simply spectacular. Shame. -
cburgess-8006729 March 2018The show draws you in immediately. It feels a lot like the first Alien movie with its atmosphere and general sense of dread (it even steals a scene from the movie). After only two episodes it's the only thing on right now, for me, that's a must-watch. The characters are well-written and multi-dimensional. The story is intriguing. Really looking forward to see how it plays out.
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asandola14 August 2019Loved the acting, production, photography. I dont see, though, the need for the almost supernatural animal. (Did not read the novel.) Without it, the emphasis would fall on human relations and the way the men deal with a very harsh environment.
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crispindelimoges16 September 2019Season 1 was a breath of fresh air, a stand alone 'great watch'. I was surprised to see an S2 released, and much pleased! However, don't break any plans for a binge watch here. The show starts of slow and is just plain dull! The creepy girl is just not creepy, and the link between her and the 'victims' is just a bore. I haven't been able to watch beyond episode 3 (if I even got through the whole of that one), due to having a life to lead. Should anyone tell me it rocks after this, then I'll update this review to reflect. Such a shame.
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Jeg_er_Bertie30 March 2018The Terror's compelling story is perfectly supported by the dark, chilling, and perfectly eerie atmosphere. The veteran cast members, usually seen on UK shows, are excellent. Particularly, Harris and Menzies carry the weight of their character's situation very well. This show is mildly high brow in a good way. Fans of Taboo, Fortitude, Requiem, and Trapped may enjoy. The tension and chill is wonderful. Absolutely love this program.
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Sleepin_Dragon24 March 2021This is a remarkable (first) series, which takes on a journey of suspicion, disaster, tragedy and terror. The first episode didn't exactly captivate me, but by episode three I was obsessed, and subsequently had to binge watch the whole series.
There is a curiosity to this series, I've read people compare it with several things, and I agree with some, Taboo definitely being one, the tone, and bizarre series events made me think of Fortitude, don't get me wrong it's a totally different style, but the whole sense of mystery and intrigue is similar.
It's Ridley Scott, so of course there's the element of terror that rears its head around about episode three. There is so much more to it though, the human element is ever present, you will see hatred, jealousy, love and strength, all manner of emotions are present.
The cinematography is incredible, it looks better than many films, and has terrific music.
First rate acting, it's hard to highlight a specific, as everyone plays their part, however, Jared Harris and Adam Nagaitis stand out.
It is hugely atmospheric, it's one of those that will keep you in suspense, you won't know which direction it will take you, just expect the unexpected to happen.
I loved it, 9/10. -
chris-fussel11 April 2018This show is stunning. The acting, the atmosphere, even the music, it's all perfection. I cannot overstate the quality of this show. First episode and I was hooked, and it just kept getting better and better. If I could I would go into my own pockets to pay for a second season. Normally I don't write reviews, but this is hands down the best show I've seen in my life. Game of thrones, taboo, Vikings, Rome...Yes these shows are great. But the terror surpasses them all. This sets the new standard for television.
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babgirlk31 October 2019I don't often leave reviews but I thought I would to add some positive to all the negatives out there. First, I don't think people understand that the Terror is an anthology series, meaning each season will be different and I don't know to watch one to understand the other. They will each have different settings, characters, etc. so of course season two was different than one. Duh. I liked them both. Also, there's no more story to tell from one anyway. Second, the amount of people seemingly in denial about Japanese internment camps in the US is astounding. This was real and it's terrifying. People were forcibly removed and forced to live behind fences in horrid conditions under armed guard and lost everything they had, all because of what they looked like. How could that not qualify as terrifying? This show had no political agenda, it simply did what season one did, tell a horrifying real Life story. If you can't get over your privilege long enough to see that that's on you.
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...meaning, you need firing neurons to appreciate it.
Only two episodes in, I was very skeptical going in (end of winter here in Canada, the last thing I wanted to see was more snow lol) but it is riveting! Not as fast paced as a lot of current fiction series are, but it doesn't need to be.
The smallest included details of the ships, clothing, and linguistics puts the viewer right in the era! -
s327616929 March 2018Like a well brewed cup of Earl Grey, The Terror is just the right blend.
Take a group of 19th century English explorers, led by "man of his times" Captain Sir John Franklin played by Ciarán Hinds. A reckless glory hound hell bent on personal prestige, who revels in the narcissistic Nationalism of Britains golden age of empire.
Contrast this with the raw reality of black ice, a savage landscape and something more lurking in the wintry snow swept darkness. Its coldly creepy, atmospheric stuff, with a slow menace that adds depth to what is shaping up to be another excellent series from AMC.
Some have called The Terror survivalist horror. I'd call it "isolationist." There is no surety of survival and indeed, the overriding sense is not so much one of survival but of when and how, the key protagonists might die.
In summary, a fantastic cast, wonderful visuals, great narrative and a brilliant story adapted from the novel of the same name by US author Dan Simmons. 10/10 from me. -
SnoopyStyle7 June 2018This is a fictionalization of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to find the northwest passage through the Arctic in 1845-1848. He has two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, filled with the latest technology. Captain Francis Crozier (Jared Harris) piloted the Terror and led the expedition after the death of Franklin (Ciarán Hinds).
This is a very good ten episode limited series. When I first heard about this series, I feared the portrayal of the native population as the villains of the story. Historically, Lady Franklin with supporter Dickens had made the natives savages while disputing the report from explorer John Rae. It would have been tragic to continue that old colonial attitude. While this has some supernatural elements, the drama is the crew itself. There is a great villain and a very tense story. The outcome is not in doubt but the journey is fascinating. The isolated atmosphere is strangely haunting. There is harrowing action. There are great characters and more importantly, there are great actors. This is a good little surprise from AMC.
ADD: Apparently, its original success allowed the show to turn from a limited series to an anthology series. The second season has new showrunners and a ghost story about the WWII Japanese-American internment. I like the unique Japanese culture. I like the moment in time. It has a feel of a mixture of the J-horror and a modern slasher horror. It does meander a bit and the story would probably be much more compelling in a shorter span. It's a step down from the first season. -
solflash18 January 2020Season 1 is one of the finest shows I've ever watched. The plot, the acting, the location and the eerie feeling you get. I just wanted it to go on, and on, and last forever.
Then season 2 came - a different plot, and nothing like s01. My anticipations from having watched season 1, combined with the shock of discovering that season 2 was totally not what season 1 was, may have affected my views.
So if you and me have the same taste, watch season 1 and skip season 2 -
Based on the book by Dan Simmons, The Terror gives a somewhat fiction account of the real-life doomed 1845 Franklin Expedition to find the Northwest passage - with an added element of supernatural danger.
Having watched the entire season I feel a little cheated by the final episode. The atmospheric tension throughout the first 9 seemed to vanish as episode 10 progressed, in a race to get to the punchline with the little screen time they had left - and the rushed punchline became a total anticlimax. They strayed a little from the book, which happens, but, you can't help but think that with a little more time, and some better editing, the finale could have been so much better. -
Ali-Panahi12 October 2019Season 2 is more of a cliche, boring romantic story than than a horrific one. It seems like the producer wanted to address the matter of Japanese residents in US who were imprisoned during WWII rather than telling a horror story. I suggest you enjoy the first season (which was absolutely perfect in my idea) as much as you can and skip the second season as if it was never made!
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JoeB13127 May 2018I would have given this more stars if they didn't have this silly ongoing subplot with a magic polar bear who kept showing up at key plot points.
Now, obviously, I realize that since the Franklin expedition left few records, and all we know for sure is that they all died, the writers could take some liberties and did. But why did it need this supernatural element? Well, I guess because you can't do ten episodes of people slowly starving/freezing to death and make it interesting.
Not only was the polar bear plot silly, but it was badly rendered CGI.
Okay, for the stuff I actually DID like. I really did like the character interactions. I did like the historical accuracy, where you got a feeling of what life on these ships must have been like. I like how in the early episodes, you kind of despise Crozier, but by the end of the series, you sympathize with him. What a great character arc.
And then they messed it all up by throwing that stupid CGI bear in there!