It's fair to say that virtually everything the Wachowski siblings have done since "The Matrix" has been about as interesting as all the 1s and 0s in the computer code they seemed so intent on cracking in that initial go-around. "Cloud Atlas" was a bomb of epic proportions and "Jupiter Ascending" didn't fare much better. But at least the storytelling duo aimed for ambitious originality in each outing.
I recently wrote about the dying uniqueness of Hollywood thanks to the overabundance of film franchises and blockbuster tentpoles. Everything these days is a sequel, reboot, or, in the case "Terminator: Genysis," some ungodly combination of the two (No wonder James Cameron only wants to make "Avatar" movies these days).
That's why I am cautiously optimistic about the Wachowski's turn in the small screen. Not only is Netflix the perfect platform for their "out-there" content - the streaming service can take high-minded risks that the big networks and cable channels simply can't afford - but their first foray actually looks pretty promising.
"Sense8" follows the lives of eight strangers in (you guessed it) 8 different cities across the world who suddenly become telepathically linked to one another. Now, could this creative concept crash and burn by becoming overly convoluted and nonsensical? Absolutely. But is it at least an intriguing hook that could be developed into a foundation of good sci-fi exploration? Yes.
I'm hoping for the latter, expecting the former, and enjoying the ride regardless.
