by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
Still trying to figure out what to do with yourself after having binged Black Mirror? I would highly recommend that you check out one of the other Netflix Original Series: Travelers. This incredible science fiction series comes from the mind of Brad Wright, who was responsible for bringing Stargate to the small screen. Time travel, classic sci-fi elements, compelling characters, drama, stunning effects work, and rogue factions are just some of the components that make this one of the most riveting series that you might not have even heard of.
In the far future, humanity is on the edge of extinction. Using advanced technology, mankind has found a way to send consciousness into the past, taking over a body seconds before the recorded time of death. These “travelers” have been tasked with making small adjustments to the timeline to save millions of lives in the future, and reset the clock the end of the world. The rules of time travel are clearly defined in this universe (people can’t be sent back to a time prior to the most recent traveler), making the ticking clock that much more interesting. Groups of five specialists are sent to the 21st century with the hopes of making the most significant impact. Can the future really be saved? Can these travelers maintain their cover as the people whose bodies they now inhabit? There is only one way to find out.
The cast for the series includes Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) as Special Agent Grant MacLaren/Traveler 3468, MacKenzie Porter (Hell On Wheels) as Marcy Warton/Traveler 3569, Nesta Cooper (Heroes Reborn) Carly Shannon/Traveler 3465, Jared Abrahamson (Fear The Walking Dead) as Trevor Holden/Traveler 0115, Reilly Dolman (Stargate Universe) as Philip Pearson/Traveler 3326, Patrick Gilmore (Stargate Universe) as David Mailer, J. Alex Brinson (Rufus) as Jeff Conniker, and Leah Cairns (Battlestar Galactica) as Kat MacLaren. It is hard to say that anyone stands out above the rest, as the entire ensemble is truly stellar. Porter and Gilmore play off of each other beautifully as Marcy and David, and their relationship continues to get even more impressive with each passing season. McCormack/Porter each get the opportunity to take the lead with the team, thriving in the most interesting and unique situations. Abrahamson consistently proves that he was the right man for the role, as he effectively conveys an “old soul” living in a younger body. Cooper is the tough as nails weapons specialist who is forced to deal with the worst family dynamic you could possibly ask for. Dolman handles the role of historian and junkie with conviction and intensity that allows each scene to be better than the last.
Currently, Travelers has two full seasons available for binging on Netflix (24 total episodes), and fans are hoping for a third in the near future (especially with than epic cliffhanger). Speaking from my own personal experience, I stumbled on to this series at the end of 2016 when the show was first released, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I have always enjoyed the work of Brad Wright (Stargate SG-1 is still one of my favorites), and found that this new series did some interesting and unique twists with time travel that previously haven’t been explored. The quality of acting and writing set this series apart, and I think that you will find that it is well worth your time. If you enjoy this show, please tell others. Very few series these days reach the level of creativity and originality that Travelers consistently demonstrates. I personally can’t wait to see what this cast and crew do with the next set of adventures.
