Alternative history is one of the most intriguing sub-genres of science fiction. Unfortunately, it is not often explored in Hollywood due to the challenges it presents – requiring an audience with historical knowledge, large budgets for creating alternate worlds, and the creativity to make these worlds both plausible and unique. However, the television show Sliders, which debuted in 1995, managed to tackle these challenges head-on. The pilot, directed by Andy Tennant and written by Tracy Torme and Robert K. Weiss, introduced viewers to a captivating world of parallel universes.
The plot follows Quinn Mallory (played by Jerry O'Connell), a young genius from San Francisco whose experiments lead to the creation of a vortex allowing for travel to parallel universes. Joined by his friends Wade Welles (played by Sabrina Lloyd) and Professor Maximilian Arturo (played by John Rhys-Davies), Quinn embarks on a journey through alternate realities. Along the way, they encounter Rembrandt "Crying Man" Brown (played by Cleavant Derricks), a soul singer from the 1970s, who unintentionally becomes part of their group.
Unlike many television pilots, this two-hour film avoids excessive exposition, diving straight into the action. The script is intelligent and the concept is easily understandable. While character development may be lacking, the intriguing plot and the humor derived from the "fish out of water" scenarios keep viewers engaged. The subplot involving a world where the Soviet Union won the Cold War adds an interesting twist, with the scriptwriters speculating on American-Soviet relations in this alternate reality.
Overall, Sliders offers an enjoyable mix of science fiction and humor, with Cleavant Derricks standing out for his comedic performance. The film's exploration of parallel universes and alternate history makes it a unique and entertaining watch. While the series may have its flaws, it has the potential to transport viewers to a world where imagination knows no bounds.
RATING: 6/10 (+++)
(Note: This review was originally posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on November 14th, 2002)
Watch the trailer here.
For more reviews, visit my blog in Croatian here and in English here.
Support me on the Brave browser here.
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7