In Review: Time After Time (Pilot)

Synopsis: Time After Time” follows the adventures of famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells as he pursues one of history’s most well-known serial killers.

Review: Premiering on Sunday night on ABC. This television adaptation of the much loved 1979 Nicholas Meyer movie does a few things that deviates from what was a self contained story in order to make thins more episodic.

The basic premise  HG Wells chasing after John Stevenson aka Jack The Ripper through modern day America remains the same, but HG Wells love interest has changed from a bank clerk to a museum curator from Texas who knows how to handle a gun.

This is not the only way in which the series deviates. In the film it was Stevenson that gets run over by a car while Wells pursues. In this new version it is Wells that gets hit by a car. The accident allows for Jane and Wells to get to know each other a little and establishes the beginnings that relationship.

Also added to the plot is a lady called Vanessa Anders who is worth millions and is apparently the Great, Great Granddaughter of HG Wells. In the episode she reveals that he had met with her in her past. Which has set up a pretty fun mystery for the series. Especially given that the HG Wells we meet. Has not met her yet.

Added to all this is a mysterious red haired man that is seemingly after both Wells and Stevenson if the shrine in his room is anything to go by.

This first episode sets things up really well, but has not fully introduced the new characters as yet. We do meet Griffin (Will Chase) who is very curious about Wells when he introduces himself, but for some reason is being kept in the dark about it by his wife Vanessa.

There’s enough mystery in this first hour and 20 minutes to keep me interested to tune in again, but given that HG Wells and John Stevenson are only to appear in two episodes if IMDB is anything to go by. It will be interesting to see the circumstances in which they become sidelined.

While it wasn’t exactly up to the same standards as David Warner. I particularly enjoyed Josh Bowman’s performance as Stevenson.

Overall though. This first outing for the show was fairly enjoyable.