THE PERIPHERAL (2022) – Great stuff if you like mind blogging science fiction!
Rating: ⭐⭐

I have to admit that this science fiction series was difficult for me to follow without frequently scratching my head. The story’s main premise takes place in the not-too-distant future, before the world has drastically changed and technological advancement has taken a giant leap some 70 years ahead. We learn about a technology that allows people to mentally travel to the future while inhibiting a “peripheral” body of their own. In a sense, we are looking at a story that spans not one, but two future timelines here. Throughout the story, the main characters become embroiled in various forms of political intrigue, murder, and espionage. It is based on William Gibson’s novel and was adapted by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, the creators of the even more mindfucking series Westworld.
Many of the ideas presented here are mind-boggling, which is what any good science fiction story set in the future should be. We want to be bombarded with new technologies and see what the future may look like. The Peripheral shines in this area. However, this also contributed to much of the series’ confusion, which prevents viewers from fully enjoying the experience because they are too preoccupied with figuring out what they are watching. It also doesn’t help when the majority of the characters are dull. In fact, I’m not sure why some supporting characters exist at all, as their involvement in the main story appears to be minimal, making their presence seem redundant. In contrast, some supporting characters stand out with their distinct and powerful personalities. Alexandra Billings as the astute Inspector Ainsley, T’Nia Miller as the devilish Cherise Nuland, and JJ Feild as the slick Zubov all deliver outstanding performances. I have to admit I cannot take my eyes off the screen each time they appear. Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays the main character Flynne, on the other hand, has less opportunity to show emotional range and thus does not leave much of a lasting impression.
For me, The Peripheral felt like a missed opportunity to be something far more exciting and impactful. It’s an uneven piece of work with some highlights but is far too confusing to be truly enjoyable. Like so many new series today there is no closure to the series. The open ending leads way for a follow-up season.