Never read the books so my take on The Passage is pure.
This is one of the most original shows of the decade. Unlike most weekly series which have stories with beginnings, middles and endings... you can pick those up at any time during the season.
The Passage is one story (and a damned good one).The cast is Great. The Idea, Writting & acting
(especially that talented little girl) are all Great.
To GRAB an EVEN LARGER AUDIENCE...writers must find a
way to REPRISE THE VERY BEGINNING...The "How It All Started." Without knowing the "How"
it would be too difficult for someone that missed the first episode to just pick it up.
Off the top of my head I'd say you could Reprise each episode the same way make that happen if you handle the openings like The "Original $6 Million Man" did. Use a voice over while showings scenes of the Beginning...the crash, the recovery, etc.
Finally...PLEASE DON'T CANCEL THE SHOW.