Dominion (2014 – ) (imdb)
Rating: 6.8/10 (from 15’583 users)
Creator: Vaun Wilmott
Stars: Roxanne McKee, Tom Wisdom, Anthony Head, Christopher Egan
Plot: God vanishes and in his absence the archangel Gabriel and his army of lower angels wage war against mankind, believing them to be the cause of God’s absence. Although most higher angels remain neutral, Gabriel has convinced the lower angels, the “dogs of Heaven,” called “eight-balls” by humans for their black eyes, to fight alongside him. 25 years later, mankind survives in a few fortified cities. The Archangel Michael has chosen to side with humanity against Gabriel, living among humans in the fortified city of Vega (once Las Vegas) until the time a prophesied savior appears to save mankind. (Wikipedia)

I must admit, the first time I started watching this show, I gave up 3 episodes in. However, I liked the premise, so when I caught a couple of fanvids on Youtube, it made me go back and give it another try. And not just because angels. 🙂 I still see the weaknesses, but there’s also quite a bit to like, so I have by now finished with season 1 and started watching season 2, which is currently being broadcast.

The overall quality varies, with not all characters and story lines being written with equal depth and plausibility. But because there are different story lines, especially in season 2, there’s enough to keep me interested. And, like I said, there’s angels, with wings (what can I say, I’m a bit shallow *g*) – especially Michael, the archangel, who I can’t get enough of. He’s incredibly powerful and mysterious, but there’s layers to his story that are explored quite beautifully. He’s also a proper BAMF when riled, which I always enjoy seeing.

Less successful, to me at least, is the purported main character, Alex, the Chosen One. His purpose is so very vague, and there’s a bit too much tell, rather than show, making him somewhat bland. This includes his “big romance” with Claire, who’s much more interesting as a character in her own right than as Alex’ love interest – I find his relationships with mentor Michael and best friend Noma much more interesting. I do hope the writers have his destiny planned out, because this is the bedrock of the show and definitely not something that should be made up as the show goes along.

This goes for the overall mythology in general. There’s a good villain with the archangel Gabriel, and Anthony Head as scheming politician is chewing scenery as always, but as someone who doesn’t enjoy political intrigue, my finger still sometimes hovers over the fast-forward button. I’m cautiously optimistic for season 2, however, since it seems that much more of the action happens outside of the city of Vega.

Incidentally, I also watched the 2010 movie Legion, on which Dominion is based, but I’m rather glad the show is very different in tone and scope. I’m not even really sad that Paul Bettany has been replaced as Michael by Tom Wisdom, because the latter does a very good job with a difficult role (as mentioned above).