I approached this TV series with high expectations, fueled by enthusiastic recommendations from fellow sci-fi enthusiasts. Despite my anticipation, I haven't yet delved into the book itself, partly due to my hesitance towards translated works. Often, the subtleties of the original language fail to fully translate, dampening my enthusiasm. Thus, I hoped the TV adaptation would alleviate these concerns and deliver an enjoyable story.
While the series presents an intriguing concept, its execution falls short of realism. Yes, I understand it's science fiction, but I still expected a degree of grounding in reality. It strains credulity to believe that every member of this small, attractive group of friends in their mid-twenties possesses such exceptional intellect and success amidst the chaos depicted. Moreover, the dialogue feels awkward, and the excessive drama feels contrived and unnecessary.
The season could have been condensed into a fraction of its episodes by removing much of the padding. After the significant reveal in episode 4, the remainder of the season lacks momentum, culminating in a lackluster conclusion. There's no compelling hook to leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next season; it simply fizzles out. Some characters introduced early on seem to serve no purpose by the season's end, leaving me questioning their relevance.
Ultimately, watching the first season has dissuaded me from wanting to continue with the second. However, it has ignited a determination to explore the original book. As I mentioned before, the core concept is intriguing, provided one disregards the excesses and extraneous characters. Hopefully, the book will offer a more satisfying experience, even in its translated English version.