User Reviews

So once again I find myself viewing parallel universes. I just completed the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. My general problem has to do with the pitfalls of each character, and, like with time travel, the mutability problem. This is interesting because the parallel entities are being observed and there are no secrets at the center. J. K. Simmons is a good "Everyman," and he is a very good actor. I'll be intrigued to see if the writers can sustain it. After some slow movement and exposition, it seems to be on its way.

Howard Silk works for the Berlin-based UN agency in the Office of Interchange. He has been working in the same position thirty years and entertains the hope for promotion into Intelligence. Although he is good at his job and he is well-liked, the promotion never comes. Howard likes to play Go with his friend, and every day he visits his wife who lies in a coma after the car accident. Howard is a well-meaning guy with almost no aspirations. Some might even call him a hapless man. One day his whole life and understanding about the world will be turned upside down. He meets another man named Howard who is identical to him, but he is from a parallel world.

'The Crossing' sets a nice atmosphere and mood for the tense interdimensional espionage thriller. It starts right in the middle of the gunfight, but don't expect some Jason Bourne type action, although there is some of that too. The story builds up slowly but steadily and raises many questions. Without revealing any of the mysteries it manages not to turn things confusing. We don't exactly know what is happening, but we sure are intrigued enough to want to know more.

The very strong opening episode that is worth to see only because of the dual role of J.K. Simmons who creates magnificent two very different versions of the same man.

The only saving grave in this show is Simmons. He does an excellent job of playing both of these parts equally well. Other than that, it reminds me of what I used to hate about European Espionage movies, incredibly boring.