Threshold

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Transmitted:	September 2005 - November 2005
Country of origin:	USA
Genre:	Alien invasion, Post X-Files paranoia, Ensemble cast
Starring:	Carla Gugino, Charles S. Dutton, Brent Spiner, Robert Patrick Benedict, Brian Van Holt, Peter Dinklage
Rating:	4/5
No. of seasons:	1

Another series of recent years that was appallingly treated by the TV executives (Firefly, Surface, Invasion being the three that spring immediately to mind), thus consigning it to the annals of history way before it's lifeforce was spent. Essentially, they didn’t really know what to do with it and, through lack of marketing and shifting it around in the TV schedules, signed its death warrant.
The show follows a mixed team of scientists, mathematicians and analysts as they try to contain the threat posed by an alien invasion. The first appearance of the aliens is offshore next to a merchant navy vessel, as a strange, multi-dimensional object materialises in midair and, emanating from it, a strange sound. The sound itself is enough to affect anyone unfortunate enough to be in its vicinity, slowly altering their DNA until they ultimately become an alien themselves, and their genetic coding is altered to such a degree that the urge to pass on the infection to others is overpowering, repressing any memories or emotions that they may once have had.
The dialogue occasionally slips into techno-babble (no surprise, given that Brannon 'Star Trek' Braga is one of the producers), but that aside, this is modern, effective and fast paced enough to keep most interested.
It can be chilling at times too, with some genuinely disturbing imagery.
The cast is strong (my favourite being Ramsey, the dwarf mathematician with a penchant for cocaine, gambling, alcohol and women), and the plot lines good. Indeed, they get steadily stronger as the series progresses (even though my ratings below don't reflect that!)
A great shame this was ditched so early as this would surely have been a hit if given the time to develop by the parasitical leeches that wear the suits in LA.

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