Data-1001 First off, let me state that the first episode is rather slow going. I must admit that I was close to giving up on it until the tail end of the episode, but was glad I stuck it out. I was hooked shortly thereafter.Very intriguing characters -- especially '01 Boxer', who, as played by the fascinating Michael Filipowich, is driven by motivations which only become clear later in the season -- along with a unique setting and intricate plots and subplots make "Charlie Jade" a standout amongst sci-fi series.There are arcs in many of the main characters which keep the viewer wondering what will happen from episode to episode. And I appreciated the fact that certain things weren't always completely spelled out; you are left to contemplate and figure some things out for yourself.While it seems obvious they were leaving the door open for additional seasons, there is enough of a resolution to the series that the viewer will not be left hanging and unsatisfied at the end of the first (and only) season. If you can find this on DVD or somewhere else on cable TV, I recommend it to any sci-fi fans who are willing to stick with a truly engrossing story.

John Esche More solid S.F. (as Asimov defined it) than pop Sci-Fi, this series which has scrambled to find audiences on three continents will probably always frustrate fans while it fascinates them until there can be a DVD release to appreciate its many stately paced virtues without the incessant, mood destroying commercial breaks.Imagine the dark, fascist ruled world like that of Blade Runner (like Blade Runner, built around a hot but well roughed up film-noir detective - Colorado native Jeffrey Pierce - later seen or heard Stateside in quality work from NCIS to Eli Stone and The Bourne Conspiracy); toss in parallel universes of lighter but similar complexity (the lightest could have been borrowed from the lush but potentially threatening island of Lost) and a classic "Mars Needs Women/Water" umbrella plot. Now draw it out like a 21st Charles Dickens spreading his intricate plot and character descriptions over as many YEARS as possible of serial publication (pausing every hour or so to blow something up in as scenic and non-sensational way as possible), and you have the look, feel and details of CHARLIE JADE.It's heady stuff for discerning ADULT viewers, and not remotely for the short attention-span set (which may be why it has failed to take off in television which this style of story telling is not ideal for), but the quality of the work is first rate in almost every aspect from acting to cinematography to scoring - even if all are almost too self consciously trying to recapture the aura of Blade Runner. On DVD or DVR, this is close to addictive caviar which any self respecting S.F. or film noir fan owes it to themselves to try for a couple hours - but *live* on commercial television, it will probably always remain difficult to get into.

nicholas This is a tale, a mystery if you will, of 3 Universes. It rests lightly on popular theories from physics, so that its relationship to "SciFi" can be acknowledged. But any Science which, along with technology, it's often wayward daughter, is wielded by totally amoral handlers, ends up biting, and biting down hard within the human dimension of things. Still, it is by is the amazingly human characterizations in this epic that this tale will succeed in engaging and captivating you.Charlie Jade: "...I thought it was cool," is his reply when asked why he chose "Jade" for a surname; is the confident metropolitan male of our own age: into appearances, the beautiful girlfriend, the car the clothes, the apartment, the slight stubble. Mildly hedonistic, he is yet the likable and sympathetic hero of this film, and although the style of narration is "limited omniscient," most of what the viewer is allowed to understand of the story, that process of discovery, comes from viewing events through his eyes. Still with all of that, Charlie is for the most part, a two-dimensional character. It's kind of like having a really good friend, then suddenly realizing he has this serious character defect. You still like him, but you wonder if he'll ever get it.Then, there's "01 Boxer," (sounds like "Owen.") Something about the way the film introduces him, gave me the impression that the two men were siblings. (They aren't, but their fates are linked.) Without 01, the film would be a narrative about a reed (Charlie) tossed by the wind. This character, 01, is about motivation, and deep self-awareness, and actions which spring from these things. He is about knowing better, and still failing. He becomes more and more three dimensional as the movie unfolds; apparently totally depraved, he is both a catalyst, and a foil for the Charlie character. 01 is able to feel true remorse for his failures, Charlie, merely guilt. Amazingly acted this is the dilemma of the moral man released into a place of absolute power, and that without restraint.Set in Capetown, the cinematography is a treat, would've been worth while to have seen this on a big screen. There are dark scenes that have a sense of brooding ambivalence to them, perhaps reflective of a very old city with lots of history. I am always amazed how differently people who've lived in other cultures, other places on this planet frame and compose shots. Unique ways of visualizing special places, that help to communicate that intangible sense of time and place. (Some violence, and scenes not suitable for the easily offended.)

oop_man_za I missed the first episode, which was on last week but managed to catch episode two this week. Frankly, I was more than a little disappointed. Maybe the series will improve as it continues, but at present it seems pretty flawed...The visual style, while nice, is also way too over the top. Part of the success of films like Blade Runner and the like doing visuals of this sort is that they're not so obvious and forced. In Charlie Jade, the funky effects and interesting transitions, not to mention generally lighting and colour are interesting, but way too blatant.Similarly, the acting seems to be equally forced on many occasions and the lack of South African accents makes it difficult to believe that the series is actually set in Cape Town, or even South Africa. Additionally, most of the actors seem to be entirely too self-conscious about the fact that they're acting in a SF series and tend to come across as hamming things up a lot. Basically, it's like they can't forget that they're acting and don't seem to really be able to get into character (Whereas the actors in shows like Farscape and Firefly do not betray any idea that they're just playing roles...) Also, the use of music was just horrible. I mean, music now and then is nice, but music blaring out, drowning ambient sound and voices is just bad. And the use of an altered Hans Zimmer track from Black Hawk Down was just pathetic.So, yah, this one needs to improve quick. I hear they're onto S2 already though. One can only hope it gets better...