As far as sci-fi TV series go, this would probably be in my top ten of all time - in spite of the plot decline midway (approx) through the third season. The initial premise was exciting, namely that parallel worlds existed and could be accessed through a 'gateway' created by boy genius Quinn Mallory. In each Universe differences might be slight or substantial depending on the historical events that had taken place prior to that current time.
As with any show, a decent plot on its own cannot be carried without great character portrayal. I thought the four original cast of actors were brilliant - Jerry O'Connell, Sabrina Lloyd, Cleavant Derricks, John Rhys-Davies (The commanding presence he had in this was mesmerising. When the show forced him away there was a gaping hole in the show's believability that ultimately was not filled). Unsurprisingly, when these actors were separated by circumstances of which I am not completely clear (so I wouldn't like to pass too much judgement), the credibility of the show was lost into oblivion.
However, whilst the cast remained intact, the writers (Tracy Torme and Robert K Weiss) ever inventive and the show true to its initial premise this programme was a joy to watch. My most memorable moments of the series include one during post traumatic slide syndrome where we discover that they might have actually finally returned home - but are mislead by the squeaking gate (which had been repaired since they had been away), the arguments between Arturo and Rembrandt and the latter's singing performances. Really though, there are many more and now I have the DVD's I can watch them again.
As with any show, a decent plot on its own cannot be carried without great character portrayal. I thought the four original cast of actors were brilliant - Jerry O'Connell, Sabrina Lloyd, Cleavant Derricks, John Rhys-Davies (The commanding presence he had in this was mesmerising. When the show forced him away there was a gaping hole in the show's believability that ultimately was not filled). Unsurprisingly, when these actors were separated by circumstances of which I am not completely clear (so I wouldn't like to pass too much judgement), the credibility of the show was lost into oblivion.
However, whilst the cast remained intact, the writers (Tracy Torme and Robert K Weiss) ever inventive and the show true to its initial premise this programme was a joy to watch. My most memorable moments of the series include one during post traumatic slide syndrome where we discover that they might have actually finally returned home - but are mislead by the squeaking gate (which had been repaired since they had been away), the arguments between Arturo and Rembrandt and the latter's singing performances. Really though, there are many more and now I have the DVD's I can watch them again.