At the end of my review for the first three parts of Extrapolations, I predicted that I would be shouting at the telly during the remaining episodes, which may have been heard by the neighbours. Indira Varma plays Gita Mishra, a green tech developer, whose estranged husband (Edward Norton) discovers she is about to trigger a major geoengineering event in an attempt to cool the planet. There is an important debate about the pros and cons of geoengineering, but this is not enough to make for good drama. Instead, there is an improbable set-up for a clunky, melodramatic and extended face-off, similar to an I've-been-waiting-for-you-Mr-Bond denouement. The attempts to add a family dynamic to the episode, as well as the lecturing and counter-lecturing of climate change. This is done by bringing in names such as Edward Norton, Streep, Schwimmer, Sienna Miller and Kit Harrington, which gives the series kudos and attracts certain fanbases, but for me, it gets in the way. I have no idea who Edward Norton's character is supposed to be, as at the heart of the episode what we're really seeing is Edward Norton, famous film star, giving us a lecture on the follies of geoengineering. I don't like to be lectured by film stars, but more importantly, neither do the Trump voters and climate deniers for whom drama ought to be a persuasive tool in changing public opinion. The series should have a less dazzling cast to allow the characters to breathe and have their own stories, rather than making wealthy A-listers the mouthpieces for polemic. The planes on their maiden voyage change course and begin heading for Mumbai. Norton and Diane Lane, a friend at Alpha, find footage of Norton's son and ex-wife at the launch of the planes. Norton calls the FBI and is confirmed by Diane Lane, who finds footage of his son and ex-wife at the launch of the planes. The first part of 2059, written by Scott Z Burns and Dave Eggers and directed by Ellen Kuras, sets the stage for a race against time as Varma reveals her intentions, forces attempt to find those behind it, Norton discovers something he should have seen earlier, and there appears to be dealings that aren't above board. The arguments given over by both sides are understandable, with the question of whether radical action will save the planet or allow those who make profit to continue to do so. This sets the stage for what may follow.
Review of 2059: Face of God
