Thoughts #11: Persons Unknown
I rarely get the opportunity to sit down and enjoy television shows. So when I do I want to make sure I am spending that time watching something worthwhile. Persons Unknown comes from the writing mind of Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects), and is a 13 part mini-series that can be best described in one word: Perfect.
Persons Unknown follows a group of strangers who become imprisoned within a remote, seemingly dream-like ghost town. None of the strangers have any idea as to how they came to be in this desolate town, although they quickly realize they are being monitored via CCTV cameras throughout all parts of the town. The strangers are determined to find out who or what is on the other end of the cameras. The psychological scenarios and tests that follow make for intriguing situations for the newly acquainted friends. Their attempts to escape are met with deadly security measures which seem impenetrable.
The plot provides for an edge of your seat burn in revealing answers to the questions that both the viewer and the strangers have.
There has been quite a bit of negative feedback from viewers on the finale and wrap-up of the show. Some of these critics have said that “not all the questions were answered”, or that the show “jumped the shark” long before it ended. And although I am not here to argue or refute these comments, I feel very strongly that these comments are incredibly inaccurate. I absolutely loved each and every episode of the series, I loved the character development, the way the series looked and was shot was gorgeous, the plot was twisting and yet not mind numbingly over complicated, and the finale was unsurpassable. Persons Unknown was a television masterpiece. (sorry BSG). I will hope for a second season, although not likely, and will recommend that anyone who enjoys a good mystery/drama to seek this series out.
