'Emergence' review: Allison Tolman is a joy to watch, but ABC show may require your patience
ABC is debuting one of its most ambitious mystery-themed thriller drama on Tuesday, September 24 night, with 'Emergence.' Starring 'Fargo' star Allison Tolman and 'Scrubs' star Donald Faison, it promises to be a mix of mystery, family drama, action and a tinge of supernatural.
If you're still wondering whether 'Emergence' needs to be on your watchlist, continue reading but beware the spoilers.
The series starts with first responders exploring the debris of a fatal plane crash, and we are introduced to newly divorced police chief Jo Evans, portrayed by Tolman. She has a lot on her plate, especially having to figure out how to co-parent with her new ex, and taking care of her cancer-ridden father, all the while trying to stay on top of everything at her job. However, it is established right away that she is not one to walk away from responsibilities or not do the right thing just because she is overworked.
She has a solid family and a very understanding teenage daughter in Ashley Aufderheide's Mia Evans. Jo also happens to be on good terms with her ex-husband Alex, portrayed by Faison. However, everyone's loyalty towards Jo is tested when she brings home a mysterious girl who somehow happened to be at the location of the plane crashed. It is established right away that the young girl, Piper (Alexa Skye Swinton), has some sort of powers, and is hiding some things about herself.
Despite this, Jo seems to have developed a soft spot for her and is determined to protect her. This, as can be expected, puts her family and her in harm's way, but she has made her decision and in some ways, she also seems to realize that the only way to solve the mystery of the plane crash is through Piper. It remains to be seen where that would land Jo and her family? Is Piper to be really trusted? Are powerful organizations involved in the mystery surrounding the crash? Why do some really dangerous people really seem to want Piper?
These questions will hopefully be answered by the ABC show in the upcoming episodes. However, from the looks of it, 'Emergence' is going to take us deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole in the episodes to come before they answer them, and possibly introduce more questions along the way as well. How successful they are at keeping us hooked during the time will be determined by how the writers go about plotting the story.
As of now, it looks like the show is using Jo and Piper to narrate a bigger story, and currently that promises to be a good idea. They have also done a good job of setting the stage for what is to come. It is too early to write the show off, or shower it with compliments, but it does inspire you to pay attention for now. As always, Tolman is a joy to watch on screen, and it is easy to see why she is among the first women to get a TV show that solely rests on her shoulders.
As of now, there is not much worth mentioning about the background music or cinematography, but they are not off-putting either. All in all, the show promises to get better over the episodes, and we are certainly waiting it out. So, don't forget to check back here for all your episodic updates of 'Emergence' which airs every Tuesday night on ABC.