Syfy is trying something ambiguous and that may be a good thing. Defiance is their latest series that they will broadcast in April 2013. It is different from other in that the show will also premiere alongside the release of an MMO (an online game where you can interact with people around the world for those who are not familiar with video games) based on the series.
TV Series
Judging from the trailer, it looks like it will be taking some elements from the sci- series Battlestar Galactica and that is no coincidence. The show's head writer is Kevin Murphy, who had previously worked on series such as the Battlestar Galactica spin-off, Caprica.
Nathan Richardsson, executive producer had this to say about the Tv series:
“Syfy is telling a character-driven story over time, while we’re telling two stories – a more personal player story and the broader story of the Defiance world over time, which ties into personal story,” said Richardsson. “The game has to talk to the individual and move the entire world forward through time. We coordinate with the show writers on how we move the universe forward through time. But there are different audiences and goals. If we did TV show stories in a shooter, we’d piss off players. If Syfy only focused on shooting action, it’d be a pretty bad show because they need characterization. With Defiance, each medium has its own voice and each is strong.”
Summary of the TV plot
The series is set in the near future, where aliens known collectively as Votans have come to Earth seeking a new home after their solar system was destroyed. However, when they reached Earth they discovered that despite a prolonged negotiation with the government on Earth they were not welcome. Rather than turn away, they began a war with the humans as they are determined to make Earth their new home. During the war, the Votans drop terraformers on the planet and transform the surface of the planet; scorching the earth, opening chasms in the ground and covering the surface of the planet in dust and debris. After decades of war, a ceasefire is declared when both side realise that they must focus on survival on this new almost alien planet. The series largely revolves around the character of Jeb Nolan. Jeb was only ten years old when the Votans arrived and he served in the military during the war. With the war now over, he returns to his hometown of St Louis to find that its is no longer the city he left; it is little more than refugee camp. Deciding that his services are needed, Jeb takes up a position as the Chief Lawkeeper in Defiance, so he can protect the town from dangerous clashes between humans and aliens, military scavengers and others dangerous visitors who occasionally enter the town.
The Online Video Game
The online video game is a third person shooter. Unlike the series, the MMO will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. This was done so the person would be encouraged to explore the city. The producers and writer have also promised that the tv series and MMO will have crossovers.
More details here
So what do you guys think? Will this enrich your experience. Will this change TV as we know it or is it gimmick?
Since I know you're a huge Battlestar Galactica fan, how do you feel about this so far?
