See Episodes 1-4

Reaching the half way point of the first season of See, one of Apple TV+’s flagship shows, I thought it was time to delve into what I have been enjoying about this show so far.

Written by the excellent Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, Eastern Promises, Locke), See is set in a distant future, post apocalyptic world which has been reduced to primitive ways and means since a virus wiped out almost all of humanity and took away the sense of sight from everyone left. Initially set within the Alkenny tribe, with their purposeful leader Baba Voss (Jason Momoa) taking the reins, as outsiders are preparing to attack their village. The others, under the orders of Queen Kane (Sylvia Hoeks) and the command of the WitchFinder General Tamacti Jun (Christian Camargo), are hellbent on finding and killing the soon-to-be-born offspring of the sighted heretic Jerlamarel (Joshua Henry).

Whilst that synopsis does sound a little confusing, it is all laid out very clearly when it comes down to it. Starting out with some really excellent action sequences and a good amount of intrigue and persecution, you are in no doubt to the seriousness of the situation that this tribe find themselves in. The lack of sight appears to be no barrier to the things that they can do but it also drives the inventiveness behind the processes needed to function. The cast all underwent extensive training in order to portray the loss of sight authentically this aspect is all really impressively done.

More than just action-based, the tribe strive for survival and Paris (Alfre Woodard) is key in this aspect. As the spiritual guide to the tribe and a useful ally and sounding board for Baba Voss’s plans, she holds a revered position within the tribe: Baba Voss may be the muscle and nominal leader of the tribe but don’t be fooled. These people, and their pursuers, are lead or guided by powerful and competent women. This is not a patriarchal society by any means.

On the other side, Queen Kane (the astounding Sylvia Hoeks) inhabits her position with deity-like grace and power, handing down proclamations and ruling over her people, and communing with her God through masturbation (which seems strange to begin with but actually makes some primal sense in the feeling of exaltation). Her wide-eyed calmness that she rules with gives an aloof air to her command and position, but it doesn’t take long to get an idea of what she is capable of.

Wreck and ruin are everywhere in this world. Elements from long-distant history crop up time and again (burnt out cars, rollercoaster skeletons, crumbling buildings and infrastructure), reminding the viewer that this isn’t some high, or far off, fantasy land but it is something that is tangible and real: a possible future of our own. And these items and elements work well to remind or provide a touchstone to proceedings, anchoring them in a relevant way and giving weight to the struggles.

Bear McCreary’s score is fantastically apt for the scenario, being reminiscent of the score that made such an impression on me from Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn. Both titles explore similar ground in their post-apocalyptic world, complete with remnants of the older times still visible. McCreary’s use of primitive instruments (drums, whistles/pipes, primitive-style wind instruments) through most of his score in tandem with sombre strings does give extra to the world that has been built, grounding you in the time and place superbly well.

There have been reports of high per-episode costs to make See but there aren’t any corners being cut here. The overall look and feel of the show is hugely impressive. The costume design (Trish Summerville’s and Lahly Poore’s), again, is superb and fits in so well to the time and situation. Giving the feel of living as indigenous tribespeople as well as the slightly more salubrious and ornate costumes of the Queen, her minions and her court. Jo Willems cinematography brings to life the wilderness in dramatic and fantastic detail, as well as capturing the action sequences and the drama of sightless living, at least in the early episodes.

Underpinning it all though is Steven Knight’s strong and interesting storyline being performed by a well prepared and diverse cast. The entire package has captured my imagination so far and drawn me into the world of See in a way that means I cannot wait to see the next episode the moment I’ve finished the last.