TV Review: Northbound
**There are no spoilers in this review – It’s all safe reading!**
So, What is Northbound?
Without rambling, let me give you an excerpt from a recent press release regarding the show:
NORTHBOUND is a prequel series that came about as a proof-of-concept for the forthcoming feature film NORTHSTAR to be made entirely in the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula region. The series follows a lone father, Alex as he fights to protect his comatose daughter, Crystal from the new, deadly landscape of post-Cataclysm North America. The series is created by Michigan natives/brothers Seth & Nathan Anderson, and producer Jason Hagen.
Here’s Some basics…
The show itself is quick and easy to watch. It’s currently on Seeka TV (link to watch below) and Season 1 is only 6 episodes that run on average about 9 minutes in length. They’ve made it simple and quick to binge without all of the guilt. (Thanks, guys!) The newly released Season 2 has 4 episodes totaling almost an hour of show time.
Quick note: I’ve watched all of the first season, and I just finished the second episode for Season 2. I wanted to write my review before knowing how it wraps up. Which, ultimately, means it must be worth checking out…
The Story
Something has happened in the United States and, interestingly, they’ve named it “The Cataclysm.” Something, somehow managed to kill millions of people wiping out the majority of the United States. The show centers around Alex (Nate Alwine) and his daughter and their struggle to survive in this new, unknown world.
With every good dystopian society, there are different factions of people… always some good guys, some bad guys, and some kind of authoritarian/government group. You’ll meet Sleepers, Firewalkers, and the Allied Command – They’re all intertwined in some way within the series.
Will Alex keep his daughter safe? Will she recover from her coma? Who is this Allied Command and what is their purpose? What caused the Cataclysm? Who really can be trusted?
Is It Good?
Short answer? Yes, Northbound is good. It has all the appropriate (and needed) features of a good dystopian/post-apocalyptic story.
Some things I found interesting or just genuinely liked: First – The location/scenery. I’ll be honest and admit that I’ve never said to myself “Gosh, I’d like to go visit that upper peninsula in Michigan!” But…After seeing some of the locations and some of the great camera shots – I’m in. I may not be able to find some of these middle-of-nowhere type of locations, but wow – Mother Nature did a good job in creating that area.
Season 1 was unique in that there was very little dialogue. Words seemed to be spoken only when absolutely necessary – and only when the story dictated that need. It actually forces you to pay attention and feel what is happening within each short episode – And it works.
I also appreciate that the story isn’t just about the Cataclysm – it’s about the characters and their ultimate survival. Obviously, I want to know who/what/how/why/etc when it comes to the Cataclysm – but it needs to ultimately be about the people. And, frankly, I want most of them to survive.
So…?
In today’s TV world – there are so many ways to watch “so many shows” – and Seeka TV along with this type of “web series show” is a little different for me… But I’m glad I gave it a shot – And think you will be too.
I’m looking forward to more, and the eventual release of the Northstar movie. Here’s a trailer for Northbound and the link to Seeka TV to give it a watch. You’ll need to create an account to do so – but good news – it’s free. Enjoy the show!
Watch Northbound Season 1 and Season 2 here.
** After you watch the show – We’ll be doing an interview on Monday 2/19 during our 8/7c TV Talk Streaming Radio Show with Seth Anderson and Jason Hagen from Northbound. Make sure to tune in!
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