TV Series Review “Hypersonic S1” Cyber terrorism, an idealistic patriot, shaky alliances, and the hunt to prevent annihilation take center stage in this indie dramatic thriller
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
Combating chaos. On pretty much a daily basis in our current world, sadly, we see the ongoing reality of things that are upended. Whether politically, socially, or culturally, the entire atmosphere of life in so many placed seems founded on nothing but constant disorder and calamity. It’s hard to stomach, as all we desire would be for said strife to be stopped and a more peaceful reality restored. There are some who stand for this mindset. Some who will choose to stay above board to see justice prevail.
As such, when a well-known terrorist Robyn Morrigan (Dayana Corton) resurfaces with aims to utilize cyber warfare to take control of the United States’s experimental hypersonic missiles, a game of cat and mouse emerges with Director of the FBI Karen Smith (Melissa Ann Hubicsak). Knowing she will need all the resources she can muster to fight such an adversary, Karen enlists former military spec ops soldiers Wade (Woody Deant) and James (Aaron M. Abelto) to aid in the search to bring Morrigan in before it’s too late.
Next, my Mind:
It has only been within the last several years that I had opened myself up to covering web/streaming series for review, as let’s face it, it IS a different animal compared to short and feature length films, at least to a point. All involve narrative and character-based structure to follow and assess, true. But with TV series, you’re expanding on things more across episodes rather than in one condensed format. It almost makes you need to pay attention to the details to a varying degree as well, as you’re relying on the show-runner/director and the writers to come up with something that can engage you from the start and KEEP you there for the entirety of the season. Hence, speaking of this as it applies to Season 1 of this action/thriller project from  writer/director/producer/executive producer Aaron M. Abelto, producer/executive producers Raj Felix and Sarah E. Felix, plus executive producers Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, and Grady Craig, that foundational box is checked successfully.
Now, it does need to be understood that we are not finding ourselves necessarily exploring new territory here. The narrative arc which follows the pursuit by the FBI of a notorious terrorist and to neutralize an existing and continuing threat is, needless to say, a common thematic cornerstone. However, as I have discovered with independent film more and more over these last twelve plus years, there’s just something about that community of artists that can still breathe life into that which has been done ad nauseam and make it worthwhile and interesting enough to warrant notice. I feel the same about indie series efforts more and more now as well. This show isn’t high on action content, but that isn’t a detriment to me. In fact, it truly ends up being one of its biggest strengths. Rather than using constant explosions, gun fights, car chases, et al (which, mind you I DO love), the show hones in on the characters and story itself, a hallmark of indie efforts. Then, it takes us on the adventure with the goal to keep slowly building but tangibly present tension and the associated atmosphere throughout all five episodes, which is a huge win as well.
It doesn’t just dump it all on you at once then needlessly drag out events in an attempt to maintain the quality and, frankly, your full attention. It still follows a certain formula in how the episodes grow in content and story evolution piece by piece, but again, that’s precisely what we expect and is NOT a bad thing. There’s a clear-cut and straightforward sensibility to the scenario being explored, but the show adds some nice little twists and turns as the season progresses, which I won’t get into or divulge for the sake of avoiding Spoilerville. I will simply state that it does lend an emotional quotient to the season finale in particular, along with some most likely anticipated revelations you might have ascertained along the way. The overall scope of the characters allows you enough development with each to love or hate them as is intended, while providing investment in those whom you might choose to root for that is executed well enough to remain so throughout the season’s run. There’s a worthy cliffhanger by Episode 5, which only serves to remind us things don’t always work out AND that we have another season coming in 2027. This is a GOOD thing!
The other primary facet that stands out for me, and is yet another benchmark of independent projects, is the relevancy of thematic tangents conveyed that strike both individual and societal/current events-level chords. We have a pantheon of elements in a show of this nature: political intrigue, idealism, hidden agendas, broken souls in need of redemption or fresh starts, jaded perspectives looking for something real to believe in again, corruption, deceptions, trust building, self sacrifice, twisted loyalties, informants, being willing to follow your instincts when others are trying to stop you, the blame and/or guilt we put upon ourselves, misguided mentalities about “what’s best for our country” and the actions done it the name of that, and the desire to see enemies instead become allies when a mutual threat has emerged. These are all here. I think on a grander scale, it’s the realization and illustration about the actualities of cyber terrorism, global geopolitical relations, and the very palpable truths about what COULD happen should a severe compromise of key systems within our infrastructure ever happen. It makes one glad there ARE people FIGHTING against this.
What rounds things out is a highly adept cast that brings these characters to life in a manner that not only befits the overall show in itself, but are genuinely effectual, integral, and significant to the proceedings. Personally, I totally support and love seeing strong woman leads in films and shows. Here is no exception in lauding this growing and necessary trend thanks to Hubicsak, who brings grounded credibility, believable beauty, a core vulnerability, and steadfast resolve to the role of Karen Smith. It simply makes watching the character both entertaining and captivating throughout all five episodes, especially as the ultimate core character the show does hinge on, which is not taking a SINGLE thing away from the rest of the main cast. Next up, Deant and Abelto arrive with that “buddy cop”/opposite sides of the same coin/almost “Lethal Weapon”-style relationship that oozes with the style of onscreen chemistry in those veins that makes them winning to view via their roles as Wade and James respectively, a pair of ex-spec ops soldiers who’ve had their own fair share of reasons to be quite cynical when approached by Smith to aid in her mission.
It’s that intermixing of dramatic and random humorous instances that these characters have with each other and Smith, as well as learning their backstories that explain the attitudes and hurts they’ve encountered and want to, hopefully, rise above. Corton is another acutely effective female presence here, able to embody the demeanor of an international terrorist in a way that is both menacing yet coldly playful (when she interacts with Smith at least!) via the role of Robyn. Not remotely set on letting ANYONE tell her what to do or who to be, whether as discontented plotter or as a woman, Robyn’s dedication to mayhem is undeniable, and Corton absolutely brings this out of the character in every possible way with poise, grace, and skill. Joseph P Gamble arrives as VP Emerson, who soon becomes a figure to scrutinize and question whether his idea of making the U.S. a better place is on the level or if further political agendas are in play, with Gamble astutely creating that character you MIGHT end up loving to hate…but aren’t quite sure.
Jamil Malik arrives in a Bruce Campbell-style manner (think “Burn Notice” in tone-a humorous yet well-earned cautiousness and cockiness combined) via his turn as Big Willie, an ex-Navy officer who now plays inside information jockey for Wade and is a key factor in the main trio’s efforts to hunt down Robyn and the plan being hatched. Sheila Leason arrives on scene as Madame Channe, another “associate” of Wade’s whom he turn to for information but who also may or may not have any true loyalty to either side of the equation, but rather who can benefit her the most. There is a devilishly mischievous yet also stone-hard seriousness that Leason infuses the character with, which had to be a role the actress relished playing, evident from her performance. Bryan G. Thompson is Secretary of Defense Chalmers, who also turns into one of those characters you find yourself loving to hate, as deciding initially whether he’s actually on the side of the angels or more chooses to make rash decisions that seem good for others, but not really for the total benefit of EVERYONE. A solid performance by Thompson to bring out this dichotomy in the character.
As one would guess with five total episodes, primary supporting and additional supporting appearances are legion. While I wish I could highlight everyone’s performance, that remains the challenge of shows and/or ensemble casts. BUT, I will at minimum state that other key roles are present here from Janelle Marie Rodriguez, Zach Felix, Ryan Crout, Jay Carrera, Franley Destin, Frances Mitchell, Evan Scott Golden, Norman Chuk, Erick Szot, Shereen Khatibloo, Roger J Torres, Tony Torres, Leondre Thomas, Martin Velez, Karyna Romanova, David Erba, Andrea Ocampo, Casey Graves, Sean Justin Scott, Alexander Leaty and a host of others. THANK YOU for all you brought to the series season. You are acknowledged and SEEN. So, in total, “Hypersonic” Season 1 acts as a nice little three-hour binge session as well as a capably and proficiently executed ode to the genre it encompasses, brought to bear with indie heart and soul that is conspicuous, beautifully exemplified, and leaving you wanting what we know IS already coming….MORE.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
