Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
The Last Ship is a post-apocalyptic thriller television show, that follows the crew of a naval destroyer who are forced to confront the reality of a new existence when a pandemic kills off most of the earth’s population. Season 2 sees the crew facing not only a dangerous cult, but also the creator of the virus itself. The show stars Eric Dane and Adam Baldwin and was created by Steven Kane and Hank Steinberg.
UNDER THE LENS: PACING AND TONE
Pacing: One aspect of The Last Ship that I have always appreciated has been the writer’s use of pacing in the storyline. They are skilled at knowing when a story has run its course and ceased to be interesting anymore. This was seen when the cure was discovered and created before season 1 ended and was again demonstrated in the premiere of season 2. The shocking reveal of Amy Granderson as a main adversary for the Nathan James was a great twist, but one that could have been dragged out till it bogged the show’s story down. The entire storyline of the battle between the Baltimore-based government and the Nathan James/Resistance is totally wrapped up by the end of the premiere, and while these foes and the conflict with them were interesting, it was given just enough screen to tell a tight focused narrative that kept the viewer on the edge of their seat.
Tone: The tone of this second season feels a lot freer than the first season did now the show is free of the conflict with Granderson and with a production lab to begin mass production of the cure; it feels wide open. With the cornerstone elements that come with a post-apocalypse virus story out of the way, the crew of the Nathan James is free to explore the world and discover what has happened in the twilight of civilization. Gone also is some of the seriousness that pervaded many of the first season’s scripts, while many criticized such a serious show for having slightly cheesy dialogues and stereotypical characters, the premier episodes have embraced the one-liners and have more action-heavy plots. The show is not trying to be a real-life drama anymore, it is a fun, explosive, and patriotic ride now, and the show is better for it.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The season opener is very brisk and does not make you wait for a resolution to the first season’s finale
- Each person gets a moment to shine
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Mike Slattery: Attention people of Baltimore. USS Nathan James is back under the control of her crew. This ship is now engaged in the fight to free Baltimore and spread the cure for the Red Flu to all of its citizens.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Have you ever found yourself at odds with someone you once trusted? How did you handle it?
CONCLUSION
Overall The Last Ship’s S2 opener is a strong start to the show’s sophomore season. We get a fun yet dark post-apocalyptic story, high stakes, and good action sequences. After the first season’s cliffhanger ending, it was refreshing to see Season 2 conclude the story and introduce a new and menacing threat. Anchored by strong performances and a tragic family divided against itself narrative these episodes prove The Last Ship is headed for a good second season.
