I loved Meloni's interpretation of the character, she's a phenomenal actress. But the series ends right in the middle of the story! It hints at a second season, but as this is listed as a mini series it seems doubtful. I was really invested in seeing what happened next, and it just ends on an enormous cliffhanger?! I had some issues with how aspects of the story seemed wholly unnecessary, like the setup of Dana as a writer, the next door neighbors, and Kevin's sister. The story also glosses over the lack of scrutiny on the backgrounds of some of these characters and their motives. But what happens next??? I need to see where this goes.
81 Reviews
Should have been a limited series
somethingreal8121 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I read the book years ago and was thrilled when I finally heard it was being filmed. However, there's no reason this should have been adapted into anything other than a standalone movie or a one season limited series. Watching the show, it was obvious where the story was padded (the annoying next-door neighbors being the worst example) and the second half dragged as the story meandered into less interesting subplots, Dana behaved in ways that defied logic, and the main characters seemed weirdly content staying in the 1800s rather than focusing on getting home. Overall, I found the series entertaining, but the lack of a conclusion is exactly what happens when producers try to milk a property beyond what the story actually requires.
Fails to embody Octavia E Butler's voice.
jhedgepeth3-40-71996615 February 2023
Unfortunately, the show falls far short of the book. It isn't that it made changes. It's that the voice feels far removed from that of OEB. The themes it tries to explores feel, at times, heavy handed, and other times, not fully disected. It's so sad that the first adaption of OEB's work, and likely her most prolific, should feel so middle of the road.
I don't quite understand why the story was so heavily changed. Little of the dialogue feels taken from the book, and it sadly is not for the better. Tge result is a story that fails to fully grasp what made the book so exceptional even as we approach it's 50th anniversary.
I don't quite understand why the story was so heavily changed. Little of the dialogue feels taken from the book, and it sadly is not for the better. Tge result is a story that fails to fully grasp what made the book so exceptional even as we approach it's 50th anniversary.
Surprisingly Good Show
carellabella6 January 2023
I give this film an A. Expertly developed storyline!
The plot thinckens! I didn't realize there would be a season 2. Hope it's not cancelled, as I must see what happens next! I was vested in this series from the first minute of the initial episode. This film delivers, like I never imagined.
The lead plays her character brilliantly! I was a little iffy on Tom, but he grew on me, and I just love his character. The aunt and uncle add to the suspense. The "massa" character is a little slow, yet just when you think he's fooled he catches on, and leaves you on pins and needles. This is must see TV!
The plot thinckens! I didn't realize there would be a season 2. Hope it's not cancelled, as I must see what happens next! I was vested in this series from the first minute of the initial episode. This film delivers, like I never imagined.
The lead plays her character brilliantly! I was a little iffy on Tom, but he grew on me, and I just love his character. The aunt and uncle add to the suspense. The "massa" character is a little slow, yet just when you think he's fooled he catches on, and leaves you on pins and needles. This is must see TV!
A Shock To The Soul
deedee_2000-985-34163514 December 2022
Let me start by saying that i haven't read the book, but after watching this mini-series, i plan to. Kindred is heartbreaking, stomach turning and sadly, a look back at our violent past. As much as some have tried to erase our ugly past, it's still there and always will be. And if we don't stop and try to learn from it, we're doomed to repeat it. For me the most horrific moment was the sadistic, cold venom that came from a child, no doubt learned from everyday practices.
Kindred isn't an easy watch, but it should be a necessary one, especially with the recent waves of antisemitic hatred on the rise. I hope we learn the important lessons before it's too late.
Kindred isn't an easy watch, but it should be a necessary one, especially with the recent waves of antisemitic hatred on the rise. I hope we learn the important lessons before it's too late.
Please some network pick up this show
ogisevic27 April 2023
This is one of the most original and shows from the recent past. Additionally, the topics it touches upon are super current and it addresses social issues like racism, privilege, misogyny, illiteracy... It shows so well how cruel people and a society at large can be but also complicates everything by allowing the audience to understand the matter of fact mindset of people who behave terribly towards other humans.
The acting is solid. (The protagonist's looks and behavior resemble somewhat Viola Davis. It's like a younger version of her. Would be cool to see them both in the same movie as siblings, mother and daughter or same person at different ages!) The plot makes sense and is super tense and interesting... Word in the press is the makers are shopping the show to other streaming services and I really hope someone picks it up and the shops continues. In the meantime I am going to read the book. First session is supposedly only the first third of the book and I must find our hours it continues.
The acting is solid. (The protagonist's looks and behavior resemble somewhat Viola Davis. It's like a younger version of her. Would be cool to see them both in the same movie as siblings, mother and daughter or same person at different ages!) The plot makes sense and is super tense and interesting... Word in the press is the makers are shopping the show to other streaming services and I really hope someone picks it up and the shops continues. In the meantime I am going to read the book. First session is supposedly only the first third of the book and I must find our hours it continues.
As the saying goes, "The book was better". And completely different
jesse-846-72050316 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I read the book a few years ago and it really stuck with me. So I was looking forward to seeing the TV adaptation. And "adaptation " is exactly what it is. A very, very loose adaptation. The basic premise is there of a modern day black woman inexplicably getting thrust back and forth in time to the slave-era. And a few of the characters have the same name. But other than that, it's almost unrecognizable as the same storyline.
As a stand-alone project of its own, it's interesting and engaging and generally well made. But they could have easily done a few more tweaks and then called it something else, since it strays so far from the book. I'm not sure I get at all the portrayal of the boyfriend, who, so far, seems like a bumbling doofus (in the book he was actually her husband and, if I recall correctly, he didn't go back in time with her like he does here).
I'm on episode four at this point, and the way it's going, I'm honestly not sure if I'm going to be able to finish the season.
As a stand-alone project of its own, it's interesting and engaging and generally well made. But they could have easily done a few more tweaks and then called it something else, since it strays so far from the book. I'm not sure I get at all the portrayal of the boyfriend, who, so far, seems like a bumbling doofus (in the book he was actually her husband and, if I recall correctly, he didn't go back in time with her like he does here).
I'm on episode four at this point, and the way it's going, I'm honestly not sure if I'm going to be able to finish the season.
loved season one, have not read the book
tiggerlicious25-645-2198552 January 2023
Wow! In glancing through the reviews, it looks like those that read the book, aren't happy. But i was on the edge of my seat watching each episode of season one. The acting is super. The story is intriguing, though sad and hard to watch at times. The characters are great (though there are a few i want to smack and/or kick in the nuts, at a minimum). The end of season one leaves me wanting more so i hope season two is in the works. (i googled, it looks like it's planned but not started as of december 2022.)
this is the story of a modern day girl who is dragged into the 1800s, and then dropped back into today. Each time she leaves, she is gone longer, though very little time passes in today's time. She has no idea how she is pulled back in time, or what sends her back to today. She does start to learn as the episodes proceed.
Once i started this 8-episode story, i didn't want to stop. I was about to get the book, but it's not highly reviewed, and if it deviates a lot from this series. I'll wait till the rest of the story (hopefully) plays out on tv.
this is the story of a modern day girl who is dragged into the 1800s, and then dropped back into today. Each time she leaves, she is gone longer, though very little time passes in today's time. She has no idea how she is pulled back in time, or what sends her back to today. She does start to learn as the episodes proceed.
Once i started this 8-episode story, i didn't want to stop. I was about to get the book, but it's not highly reviewed, and if it deviates a lot from this series. I'll wait till the rest of the story (hopefully) plays out on tv.
It's like the writers didn't even try.
sydnee_man9 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So Dana and Kevin are trapped in this horrible situation and they act like they're in some kinda murder mystery weekend getaway! And on top of that, they think they're gonna make the lives of the slaves all better by acting indignant around all the racist white people. It's like Dana and Kevin have never seen a movie about slavery or read a book about that time period! It was so frustrating. If the writing and direction had been better, this could have been an amazing series. I actually liked the way it started, for the most part. It had potential but there was a total lack of understanding of what was actually happening around them. Being clueless for a day or two is understandable but it's like they were stuck on stupid. This show could have been interesting even if Dana and Kevin had adopted some type of strategy to survive.
And Kevin acting like a penniless beggar. Get a freaking job to make some money and be independent. But their grand plan was to hang around the plantation looking stupid.
I really like the actress who plays Dana, but I guess there's only so much she can do with the crappy dialogue and directing.
And Kevin acting like a penniless beggar. Get a freaking job to make some money and be independent. But their grand plan was to hang around the plantation looking stupid.
I really like the actress who plays Dana, but I guess there's only so much she can do with the crappy dialogue and directing.
Mixed Feelings
RonnieCrown22 January 2023
Generally I enjoyed it because I was intrigued by the storyline and time travel concept and I would definitely watch following seasons if they came out because it ended on a cliffhanger. But I have to admit that Dana annoyed me. I felt that as someone who is black and fully aware of the history of slavery included the common practices that occurred at the time, she was very reckless and either naive or plain stupid with a lot of her decisions without thinking about the possible repercussions for others. I also didn't understand why she didn't stay more close to Kevin fully well knowing that she was his only way out of the plantation. There were just plain reckless a lot of the time. But besides that, good acting on the whole and I look forward to a season 2. But better writers are needed. Too many stupid choices made. Frustrating at times to watch.
I don't know why the rating is so low
couponmama-5332214 December 2022
This show is fantastic! Maybe the people who rated it down just can't open their minds to the scope of the story. Is it far fetched? Sure. It's a story about a woman who travels back in time. But it does a great job of showing what life would be like for an educated black woman from the future trying to just survive in the south slavery days. Dana and Kevin are out in an impossible situation and are just trying their best to survive and make things a little better for those that they encounter. For Dana, it's about trying to help the other slaves like Nigel. For Kevin, it's trying to befriend Rufus so he doesn't grow to be the same as his slave owning father.
If you've read the book the show definitely takes a different route. And honestly I didn't like how they made Kevin out to be in the show. But the show is worth the watch and I really hope they get a season 2 because it left on such a huge cliffhanger! I'm about halfway through the book so maybe it will wrap up some loose ends from the show, but it would be disappointing if the show wasn't given the chance to finish out its storyline completely since it is different than the book.
If you've read the book the show definitely takes a different route. And honestly I didn't like how they made Kevin out to be in the show. But the show is worth the watch and I really hope they get a season 2 because it left on such a huge cliffhanger! I'm about halfway through the book so maybe it will wrap up some loose ends from the show, but it would be disappointing if the show wasn't given the chance to finish out its storyline completely since it is different than the book.
Not bad. Could be better
davidlohr13 January 2023
I've not yet read the book so my review, unlike some here, won't be compared to the series. That said, it's an interesting watch in that it's not your typical time travel tale. There are a couple plot holes, but not to the extent that it completely ruins the viewing experience. My biggest issue is that I have a low tolerance for stupidity and some of decisions the characters made throughout the series is downright stupid. They tend to act more on emotion than common sense. While I can excuse some instances of this, it happens too frequently for my liking. Due to this, I feel the series falls within a 6-7 rating. I'll go with the latter in hopes we see less of this in season 2.
VERY disrespectful to the book
tisa-0107815 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was so excited about the possibility of this someday being turned into a movie. I recently saw it was made into a miniseries, and I was beyond excited. I've read the book literally about six or seven times in my life, and so much has been changed in this series that it's insane. First off, the time is supposed to be 1976 (obviously no cell phones), and secondly, Dana and Kevin are husband and wife (not 2 total strangers who end up back in the slave times together!), with Kevin being much older. Also, Dana's mother never shows up when she goes back to the past. It's crazy! As for Hagar, she doesn't even come into the story until Alice gives birth to her toward the end of the book. I could go on and on with all of the flaws that are in this series, but why bother. Anyone who's actually read this masterpiece written by Octavia Butler would be seriously disappointed after watching this atrocity.
NICE STORY LINE
femalesworldng13 December 2022
I just came across this series on the same day it was premiered and am currently at episode 4 and enjoying it. I love the twist it has to it.
What is making Dana go back?
How can she control her gift?
I guess I will find that out before the end of the series. I love each characters but I really wish the Kevin character could be more outspoken. But anyways I guess that's how his character in the series was written.
For you to enjoy a series like this. You will need to take your time, sit back and enjoy it. Watch it all at once.
For those who has read the book, try not to compare it to the series especially if it dosen't meet expectations. Just try and enjoy it.
What is making Dana go back?
How can she control her gift?
I guess I will find that out before the end of the series. I love each characters but I really wish the Kevin character could be more outspoken. But anyways I guess that's how his character in the series was written.
For you to enjoy a series like this. You will need to take your time, sit back and enjoy it. Watch it all at once.
For those who has read the book, try not to compare it to the series especially if it dosen't meet expectations. Just try and enjoy it.
actually enjoyable
felixnkubi15 December 2022
Was not expecting much but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the series is a good show and I fear might be underrated, I didn't like the actor that played Kevin tho, it's like the dude can't act, thankfully the plot carried the show, the acting was very good especially from the lead female, she embody the character. Made it way too real for me, I know the slavery stuff might be too much for some people and I really don't know how to express my thoughts in words but it was crazy, hopefully we get a season 2, can't leave me hanging like that, my brain might overload from thinking what happens next.
Needs season 2
tinzarchs9 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
OMMMGGG!! So much drama and suspense I'm definitely craving for a second season!! I have so
Many questions from the cliff hangers! Is Olivia found dead or alive? How will Dana get Kevin back?! The viewers are dying to know how well the producers can pull off another season that makes sense without Dragging on the story line and the show ends up being boring like most shows are based off books! The actors did a excellent job bringing all of those characters to life. I haven't even read the book but I definitely plan on reading it soon to get a better insight on the story lines and how they matched up.
Left me wanting to read the book
amandaruelas-2775927 December 2022
Haven't read the book so i can't compare it to the original story. Although the plot intrigued me, the way the editing was butchered and dialogue a little bland really messed up the magical feel i was looking forward to! This story could have been told with so much more depth. It did, however, introduce me to a new author and cannot wait to read the book.
From what i have read the book is a classic, science fiction and political story. Neither one of those elements came through this version unfortunately. I am looking forward to a second season, hopefully with a better direction. Kept my interest but just barely.
From what i have read the book is a classic, science fiction and political story. Neither one of those elements came through this version unfortunately. I am looking forward to a second season, hopefully with a better direction. Kept my interest but just barely.
Goosebumps & Suspense!
bloomfieldforever15 December 2022
This shows creative tale of time travel is moving to the point of literally giving me goosebumps at times. And the premise of the time period she travels to is so dangerous it is flat out scary each time we are about to see her travel knowing the risks she will encounter back in that time period. The suspense in how she navigates each situation instantly pulled me in and had me hooked. And, oh my god, the cliff hanger ending to season one! It is one of the best I've seen in a TV show series in a long time. It leaves you in that suspended state of wondering 'how on earth will I be able to wait 'however long' until the next season!' Answer: I can't wait!!!
Worthwhile Themes, Nice Cast
seemingly_reel20 December 2022
I like the time travel concepts behind this series. Certain characters interact with their past, and increasingly become aware that they can bring about changes to the future. I've not read the Octavia Butler book, but I do appreciate the reviews from her fans, who have a deeper understanding about how Butler crafted her characters. The more I got involved with Season 1, the chemistry of the two lead actors was more tangible. I've been impressed by Mallori Johnson (in the lead role of Dana), Austin Smith as Luke, and Ryan Kwanten as the slaver, Thomas Weylin. The set design, costumes, cinematography, and subtle soundtrack are all effective.
Such a good show
cindy-5522026 December 2022
This sucked me in right away. It is so different from other shows. The main character is likeable in her journey. So much mystery. Dana, the protagonist, unwillingly time travels to the plantation her ancestors are from. She must learn to navigate this other time (with her boyfriend whom accidentally goes with her). While there, they must figure out how to make a difference and help people without interrupting the relationships with Dana's ancestors that would threaten Dana's existence in the future. Highly recommend. Need season 2 ASAP.
I hope they continue with this show. Big storylines that need to continue.
I hope they continue with this show. Big storylines that need to continue.
Needs new writers
thecrowfam27 December 2022
This show is by no means a 10, 9 or 8 rating. Only the premise is worthy of that rating, the execution and writing in this show are nowhere near that high.
The first episode is so slow. I almost turned it off half way but it picked up. However, that's not the major issue I have. The writers for this series just aren't very good. Dana is given nothing that makes her interesting or gives you the impression she's even into Kevin. There's so many scenes where she's not saying anything and when she does it's just a couple of words that could be described as millennialish, glib and insouciant.
The first time Dana and Kevin go back in time together, Dana acts totally calm like this is just a game as if she wasn't just attacked last time she went back. Then, instead of sticking together in this strange and what should be frightening situation, she sends Kevin to go with some kid while she stays with an injured boy. I mean I guess Kevin doesn't have far to go but I think in the era of slavery that she'd make sure Kevin with with her at all times for her own safety. It all just seemed so out of line in the face of such danger and uncertainty.
I was really looking forward to watching this series, but Dana needs a personality. She needs writers who understand character development. She's so one-dimensional that I just don't really care what she does. If there were better writers who could bring her character to life, and really consider what it would be like for a person in 2016 to go back to the 1800s, then I'd continue on but for now I'm done.
The first episode is so slow. I almost turned it off half way but it picked up. However, that's not the major issue I have. The writers for this series just aren't very good. Dana is given nothing that makes her interesting or gives you the impression she's even into Kevin. There's so many scenes where she's not saying anything and when she does it's just a couple of words that could be described as millennialish, glib and insouciant.
The first time Dana and Kevin go back in time together, Dana acts totally calm like this is just a game as if she wasn't just attacked last time she went back. Then, instead of sticking together in this strange and what should be frightening situation, she sends Kevin to go with some kid while she stays with an injured boy. I mean I guess Kevin doesn't have far to go but I think in the era of slavery that she'd make sure Kevin with with her at all times for her own safety. It all just seemed so out of line in the face of such danger and uncertainty.
I was really looking forward to watching this series, but Dana needs a personality. She needs writers who understand character development. She's so one-dimensional that I just don't really care what she does. If there were better writers who could bring her character to life, and really consider what it would be like for a person in 2016 to go back to the 1800s, then I'd continue on but for now I'm done.
Can't believe the low ratings - give it a try!
nikkibbyx-382072 January 2023
This show was gripping and suspenseful from the start. Such a powerful story about the main character, Dana, being pulled back in time. Not ideal since she is a black woman being pulled back to a slave plantation. The way that time works in the show is crazy and definitely keeps you on your toes. There is great acting and great characters. I hope everyone will check this out because there is so much potential for future seasons. Big cliffhanger so need to hope that it gets renewed!! You'll find yourself yelling at the screen pretty often with this one through all of the twists and turns. Give it a try!!!
The show is interesting.
mrkamal-6176825 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The show has an interesting concept, but as a black person who understands how hard it was in the time of slavery, and how evil the slave trade was and how slaves were treated, I just don't understand why this black woman Dana from the "future" can't realize that she's a slave in the "past", she's reading, she's out at night, she's Orchestrated a girl to run away, and that caused a the "Master" to implement Strict rations of the food for the slaves, she's so self centered and selfish, and seems so ignorant to what's going on, as if her "free self" can make things right, her mother gets it, Dana is a let down to what a black person "from the future" would act like if they were sent to the "past". Kevin seems to get it and he's white.
Based on the Book - Loosely
mocho-5048915 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
If you loved the book, you'll most likely dislike the show.
I will say, the acting is excellent. I wish I could say the same about the adaptation.
However...I understand changing a few details, but updating the story from 1979 to 2016, changing Dana's & Kevin's relationship from married to just-met, involving a meddlesome aunt and nosey neighbors, among other major plot points and storyline, is such a disappointment and unnecessary. It changes things not needing to be changed. Character dy The original story is more than compelling enough as it is.
I was so excited to see this as a miniseries, but it falls far short of what it could be.
I will say, the acting is excellent. I wish I could say the same about the adaptation.
However...I understand changing a few details, but updating the story from 1979 to 2016, changing Dana's & Kevin's relationship from married to just-met, involving a meddlesome aunt and nosey neighbors, among other major plot points and storyline, is such a disappointment and unnecessary. It changes things not needing to be changed. Character dy The original story is more than compelling enough as it is.
I was so excited to see this as a miniseries, but it falls far short of what it could be.
Yes it is different from the book, but...
ngyjsmd8 February 2023
The series was sooooo good and I cannot believe there will not be a season 2. Praying another network picks it up because that was one of the BIGGEST cliffhangers I have ever witnessed and I need to see what happens.
Personally, I loved the adaptations that were made. You just have to completely separate the book from the series. If you struggle with that skill, and like movies/shows to be played out exactly like the book you read, then yes... you will struggle with this series.
The role of Kevin could have been better, but I got over that halfway through. Everyone else was phenomenal!
Please Netflix pick this series up! I need to see what happens next!!!
Personally, I loved the adaptations that were made. You just have to completely separate the book from the series. If you struggle with that skill, and like movies/shows to be played out exactly like the book you read, then yes... you will struggle with this series.
The role of Kevin could have been better, but I got over that halfway through. Everyone else was phenomenal!
Please Netflix pick this series up! I need to see what happens next!!!
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