I read the first book some time ago so this series was new to me in a way
Got the feeling they crammed to much in this first series. Could have been slower paced.
Thought the first half of series was very interesting. Its Chinese sci fi writer and deals with the cultural revolution which if one has talked to Chinese its something they do not like to talk about. It was a traumatic period.
Thought the second half had to much of the what we need is people who think outside the box leaders. Who are above the fray of populism. Quite a right wing message if you ask me.
As with a lot of Sci Fi it teeters around interesting subjects then goes back to being grown up and sensible.
As with a lot of Sci Fi the aliens steal the stage imo. The virtual reality scenes and the genuinely alien nature of them made them the most interesting character in series.
There is this assumption that if we do contact aliens life it will be like us. No it will not.
Sci Fi covers a lot of ground politics wise.
I will read just about any Sci Fi. Even Sci Fi that is politically right.
Like in this series its worth watching for the little bits where a different radical picture emerges. Same with say Doctor Who
My judgement on this series was that when I finished it I wanted more. Its one of the more intelligent actions type series on Netflix.
And the budget made a difference.
I'm worried that they have mashed in to much in first series to make further series work.
I liked the tongue in cheek humour of it that is typical sci fi.
Noticed the secret service agent following the Chinese physicist around at end of series was reading Dhalgren in airport lounge
Famous hippy trippy Sci Fi book.
In the episodes a few things like that dropped in. Nice touch.