The True Heroines - An Extraordinary Series About Superpowered 1950s Housewives

What happens when you mix the period drama of Mad Men, the girl power of Charmed, and the comic book exploits of Heroes?

The  extraordinary animal that is The True Heroines.

Set in the early 1950s, the web series follows the adventures of three unassuming housewives  who possess a startling secret - they each have superpowers.

Granted special abilities by a mysterious corporation years earlier, these women served as agents and spies during World War II.

Since the end of the war, they find themselves being hunted by the very entity responsible for their superhuman gifts.

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As the series opens,  we are introduced to Pearl Andrews (Fiona Vroom), Margie Hepburn (Jovanna Huguet), and Dottie Rodriguez (Paula Giroday), a trio of best friends who are attempting to build normal lives in the picturesque town of New Paradise Hill.

However, their attempt at normalcy is interrupted by sinister forces intent on finding them. 

The experience of watching The True Heroines  was like feeling a cool breeze on an arid day. The series succeeds in taking full advantage of its unique premise.  Take a look at the series trailer:

First, the on-screen chemistry between the three stars is palpable.  So it wasn't a big surprise to discover these women are not only friends in real life, but also are the performers of their own successful cabaret in Canada.

The ladies incorporate their alluring dance skills into the project in a logical way that makes complete sense to the plot.

Next, the production does a remarkable job overcoming the chief challenge for any period piece - recreating a believable bygone era. The gorgeous costumes, authentic props (where did they find all those classic cars?!), and dialogue contemporary to the period combine to  transport you back in time.

The cast is superb, with appearances from notable genre stars such as: Neil Grayston (Fargo, Eureka) and Daniel Cudmore (Colossus, X2).

Finally,  the cinematography is magnificent, including 1940s flashback scenes partially filmed in graceful black-and-white. The visual effects showing the heroines' powers in action are also very well done.

If you are looking for speculative entertainment with a unique perspective, engaging world, and engrossing plot, The True Heroines is just what the doctor ordered.

To watch the complete series, visit the official The True Heroines YouTube channel. 

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Always Night - The Sci-Fi Web Series Pilot Directed By Carl Weathers

As Always Night opens, we are introduced to an attractive, wealthy couple celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

Roger Banks, portrayed by veteran character actor Harry Lennix (Five Heartbeats, Man Of Steel, The Blacklist), is preparing an intimate dinner for his wife, Valerie ( Delila Vallot). 

Almost immediately we realize this couple is out-of-sync.  Roger spends most of the evening indulging in self-involved reflection, while the elegant Valerie seems detached and preoccupied. 

Superficially, it seems as if we are witnessing the dynamics of a couple who've grown emotionally distant.  

However, when Valerie ruminates about how perplexing it is “humans” have survived so long despite being so fragile, we soon realize something much deeper is amiss than a marriage in crisis.

Our suspicions are confirmed as Valerie reveals to an astonished Roger she isn't completely human, and most definitely not of this earth. 

Before she departs in an ethereal burst of light, she drops another bombshell:  she isn't alone, and things on earth are about to change. 

Like Roger, we are left to wonder what are the exact implications of her startling pronouncement. 

We want to know more. 

Witness the pilot episode of this compelling sci-fi drama for yourself:

Always Night is a web series pilot from BlackAmericanTV.Com. 

Written by Art Washington and Zachary Waterfire, with legendary actor Carl Weathers (Rocky, Predator) directing, this project heralds the arrival of a new, distinct voice in science fiction.

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Dark Pool The Web Series - A Mind-Bending Mystery

When Dark Pool opens, you meet Jim Krall, a young executive whose career is on the rise. 

He has a high-powered job with a prominent financial management firm, a beautiful wife,  a six-year-old daughter, and a lovely house in the suburbs.  Jim seemingly has the American dream, served with the requisite slice of apple pie.

Until something goes horribly wrong. 

In every parent's worst nightmare, Jim's daughter is kidnapped right before his eyes. Even worse, no one, including his wife, is the least bit concerned. 

As Jim embarks on a frantic quest to find his daughter - and those responsible - he enters a world where all is not as it seems. 

In fact, both he and hIs daughter are the key to a struggle between powerful forces. Shadow cabinets who can traverse time and alter reality to accomplish their agenda.

Jim must discover who these forces are, and what they want from his daughter, if he has any hope of reuniting with her.

Dark Pool intrigued me almost immediately with its tone.  During the first two episodes, it seems as though you are watching a 21st century version of  Leave It To Beaver. A young man with an adoring family and lucrative career just going about his day. 

However, subtle (and not-so subtle) clues emerge to inform viewers that Jim's world is slightly off-kilter: 

• there is an office prank performed at his expense that isn't remotely funny, and more than a tad creepy

• the financial services company Jim works for exerts a sinister influence over his life

• the reactions to his daughter's abduction

Written by Rick Gott, the first season of Dark Pool contains 10 well-produced episodes. It is a fascinating, compelling scifi mystery that, along with the protagonist, makes you question just what is real and what isn't.

Below is the trailer which gives a hint as to the project's tone: 

You can watch the complete first season on the series official YouTube channel:

DarkPoolFilm 

For more information about the production,  please visit the official Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/darkpoolfilm 

Fortunately, a second season of Dark Pool was successfully funded by KickStarter - reportedly with a third being planned.

I really enjoyed watching this mind-bending science fiction mystery, and look forward to future episodes.

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AIDAN 5 - The Visionary SciFi-Crime Noir Web Drama That Will Blow You Away

AIDAN 5 blew me away.

This inventive mix of crime noir and hard sci-fi drama is without a doubt one of the most imaginative web series available.

Based on an award-winning film festival short by Tim Baldwin and John Jackson,  AIDAN 5 reveals a society where, in the year 2064, human cloning has become commonplace.  

Clones are created for a variety of purposes, such as: manual labor, to bolster the military, and other more perverse uses.

The series follows the exploits of hard-boiled police detective James Aidan as he attempts to solve the most mystifying and personal case of his career - who is killing his clones?

Armed with such a compelling, provocative plot coupled with sensational acting,  AIDAN 5 sucks you into its gritty, stoic world within the first few minutes of the opening scenes.

But one of the project's crowning achievements is its unique visual style.

Filmed only in black and white, what further sets this series apart is its highly unconventional presentation.

The live-action characters inhabit a world comprised of highly detailed graphic art.

Though the concept may sound clunky on paper, its execution succeeds beautifully, as the official series trailer attests...

Last, but not least, the entire cast and production team worked on a volunteer basis with a non-existent budget to complete AIDAN 5.  

The result is one of the most unique sci-fi dramas I've ever seen on the web.  It's just another testament to what can be accomplished solely with passion, talent, skill and dedication.

A total of 16 episodes between an average of 5 to 13 minutes in length were completed for the first season. 

To view the entire first season, visit the series channel on YouTube: Aidan 5.

I highly recommend this wildly entertaining series.

-Update April 5, 2018-

After several years of dormancy, a new teaser trailer for Aidan 5 season two has been released, as well as the premiere date of May 5, 2018!

Watch the season two trailer here...

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Continuum: The Web Series - A Gripping Tale of Identity Loss In Deep Space

Not to be confused with the Canadian series of the same name that aired on the SyFy Channel, Continuum is an independently produced science fiction web series.

Created and directed by Blake Calhoun with Mike Maden,  Continuum is the gripping story of a young woman named Raegen, who is struggling to unlock the secret to her identity and purpose, while contending with a near-omniscient artificial intelligence (A.I.).  

The story opens aboard a vessel in deep space, where Raegen awakes from having been in suspended animation.

Suffering amnesia, her only source of information and guidance is the ship's A.I. However, Raegen quickly comes to realize the A.I. isn't very reliable.

In fact, it may even be dangerous.

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Continuum succeeds in pulling the audience into its central mystery due to effective plotting and the mesmerizing performances of its cast - especially Melanie Merkosky, who stars as Raegen.

Ms. Merkosky makes Raegen's struggle to regain her identity palpable.  As a viewer, you become invested in her search for answers.  

Her dialogue with the ship's A.I. (voiced with masterful, cold detachment by actress Taryn O'Neill) helps to ratchet up the feeling of unease and claustrophobic tension. 

To give away more of the plot would be spoiling it, but I would be remiss in failing to mention the superb production quality of the series.  

The set design of the spaceship interior is very appealing in its minimalist aesthetic. 

However, there are some minor plot holes in the story. 

For example,  early in the series our protagonist is warned a single bullet from a conventional firearm can destroy the ship's hull.

Really? A spaceship built to withstand the rigors of deep space is that fragile?

On another note, due to the inherently limited budget of an independent production, the CGI for the exterior shots of the ship is lacking in detail and therefore a sense of realism.

Still, the superior script and performances more than overcome the project's budgetary limitations to provide for quite an entertaining sci-fi romp, as the trailer below suggests:

Fortunately, reception for the series has been robust, and a second season was produced. 

In what I think is a wise move, the producers have provided more than one option for viewing the series:

• Both the first and second season are available via video on  demand (VOD) on Vimeo for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $9.99 each

• Seasons one and two can still be viewed in their original, episodic, ad supported form on YouTube

Continuum is another example of quality, independent science fiction finding an audience with an intriguing premise, and innovative digital distribution. 

For more information about the production, visit the official site WatchContinuum.com .

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Tether: A Sci Fi Web Series Pilot You Need To See

Tether is a pilot for a science fiction web series that, quite frankly, deserves to be made.  

Created by Sam Gorski, David Lovett, and Niko Pueringer of Corridor Digital,  Tether drops you into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by a viral pandemic.

Suddenly,  strange cables a.k.a. "tethers" drop from the sky to the earth.  Where are they from, and their significance,  are shrouded in mystery. 

The Corridor Digital team have produced a teaser video and pilot episode which effectively draws you into this intriguing new world with gorgeous cinematography (watch the videos in HD if at all possible!), solid performances by the cast, and stunning visual effects: 

The creators have stated if viewer interest is high enough, they would consider turning to Kickstarter to raise funds for future episodes:

Based on the quality of the  teaser and pilot, plus the fact both videos together have garnered over 4 million views on YouTube - I think the interest is definitely there.

Tether shows much promise, so If you enjoyed what you've seen, please let the production team know by providing them feedback via their: 

• Facebook page

• Twitter account @CorridorDigital 

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Haywire: The Series - A Horror Story Where The Mundane Becomes Monstrous

Often the most bone-chilling horror stories are derived from tales of average people having to cope with extraordinary circumstances. 

Capitalizing on this fact is what has helped make Stephen King one of the world's most successful authors. 

Director Scott Klein has followed suit with his creation Haywire: The Series.  The result is a  very unsettling tale of a suburban community gone mad.

Insanity's Herald

This project has a very unique and compelling premise: one bright, sunny Saturday afternoon in the city of Monroe, NY,  an explosion of brilliant light occurs high in the sky.  

Everyone who witnesses this strange phenomenon immediately suffers a horrible side effect:  their minds becomes acutely fixated on the last task they were involved with.

No matter how routine or mundane the task is (walking the dog, mowing the grass, jogging, etc.), the victims are compelled to perform it over and over.  

What's even more bizarre? Those affected will become homicidal with anyone who attempts to interfere.

Those unaffected by the light phenomenon must deal with a world gone completely "Haywire."

The series follows various groups of survivors as they attempt to navigate their new, terrifying existence. 

A Disturbing Vision Well Executed

I found the compelling premise to be the chief selling point of this series. Director/Series Creator/Executive Producer Scott Klein has constructed almost every episode to end with a mini-cliffhanger, which gives the project a sense of forward momentum.

The acting is often wildly uneven, with some performers far more convincing than others. But as a whole,  the cast succeed in conveying a sense of disorientation, paranoia, and fear  essential in selling the central premise.

The makeup effects for the victims, or "raccoons" as they are referred in the series, is minimal yet very effective in serving as a visual cue for their madness.  

Another production highlight is the use of comic book inspired artwork for the fantastic opening title sequence.  

Kudos to the art team including pencils by Victor L. Castro, Jr., inks by Steve Hoveke,  coloring by Hassan Godwin, with lettering by Arlene So (who also is a series producer).

Finally

Haywire: The Series is an independent production of the Lights Out! Film Group.   

So far, two seasons have been completed - 19 episodes in total. This alone is quite an achievement for a sci fi web series produced with a limited budget.

 I enjoyed this ambitious series, and want to continue to explore the mysteries presented. My hope is there will be more episodes produced so the journey can continue. 

Below are two series previews: 

You have a few options for viewing the complete series:

On YouTube 

For more information about the production, please visit the official web site:  

Haywire: The Series 

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A Military Android Goes AWOL In The Sci-Fi Web Series 'DR0NE'

Imagine a not-too-distant future where wars are fought by humanoid drones.

These drones are stronger, faster, and deadlier than human soldiers. They are designed to obey without question.  

So what happens when one turns rogue?

The four-part science fiction web series Dr0ne follows the exploits of one renegade drone and the shadowy agency sent out to capture it before a dark secret is revealed.

This thrilling series features cinematography, visual effects, set designs, and high-octane action scenes comparable in quality to many big budget action films. The script is fairly compelling.

The main cast features magnetic actor (and a series co-producer) Lance Reddick - best known for his roles on The Wire, Lost, and most recently as Agent Phillip Broyles on the scifi series Fringe.

Here is the official trailer for Dr0ne: 

Next is a behind the scenes featurette:

And presented below is the first complete episode:

Dr0ne is extremely entertaining and well produced.  To see the complete series, visit its exclusive home on the YouTube channel YOMYOMF: 

Dr0ne

(Author’s note: With great sadness I must report that Lance Reddick passed away on March 17, 2023. Mr. Reddick lent his extraordinary talents and voice to the Destiny video game franchise. Fans of the video game held a touching in-game tribute to the late actor: Lance Reddick Destiny.)

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HPlus The Digital Series - An Apocalypse By Design

What if there was a technology created that would allow you to access the internet and all its capabilities with just your mind? 

You could replace your smarthphone, desktop, laptop, and tablet for an implant the size of a nanite inserted into the base of your skull.

This implant connects directly to your nervous system, allowing you to access the internet wirelessly.  With the blink of an eye and the gesture of a finger, the web would available to you 24-7.

It would seem like a digital paradise - until something goes terribly wrong.  Someone or something has switched off the implants - and 33% of the world's population dies.

An apocalypse by design. 

The mystery behind who or what is responsible for this global catastrophe is the central premise of the web series HPlus, from Warner Brothers Studios and executive producer Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men). 

What makes the conceit of HPlus so compelling is how eerily prophetic is seems to be.  

Each day we are witnessing the creation of connective technologies which are becoming smaller, yet  increasingly more powerful. The Google Glass project is a haunting example of how close we are to the near future as portrayed by HPlus.

The idea that one say soon, we won't need any external hardware to become connected to the internet is really not that far-fetched anymore.

HPlus is an achievement in web series storytelling. The production values are on par with those of a major motion picture. The plot is filled with intrigue, mystery, action, and globe-trotting adventure. It poses deep questions about our relationship to, and dependence on, technology - all while avoiding sermonizing.

Watch all 48 episodes of HPlus exclusively on YouTube.  

Below is the official trailer:

Here is the pilot episode:

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The Abandon - A Tale Of Friendship And Survival Amidst Alien Invasion (Updated)

The Abandon is the tale of five close friends- Kendall (Sterling K. Brown), Craig (Jordan Mahome), Dennis (Morocco Omari), Aaron (Jaime Lincoln Smith), and Jeff (Billy Eugene Jones) -  who embark on a hiking trip in the summer of 2012 only to find themselves caught in the midst of an alien invasion.

Written and directed by Keith Josef Adkins, an acclaimed writer and playwright whose credits include writing for the popular CW sitcom Girlfriends, the pilot for The Abandon is gripping. The dialogue and interplay between the characters feels so real and intimate, it's as if you are a voyeur.

Which brings us to the actors. These men have such chemistry, one has to wonder if they are as close off screen.  As circumstances continue to spin out of their control, their reactions make you feel their mounting anxiety and fear.

Update (01-07-26) “The Abandon” also features Sterling K. Brown very early in his career before he became famous for his role as Randall Person in the hit television series “This Is Us”!

While the invading aliens do not appear in the initial episode,  this isn't a drawback due to  the clever way the plot has been written to clue the audience in as to what's happening.  Let's just say social media plays a pivotal role.

Watch The Abandon:

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