Eureka – Better than a Child on Steroids

Awhile back, about three seasons worth of viewing to be precise, I discovered Eureka on Netflix.  If you remember I’m under the radar as far as cable is concerned so I’m not caught up to date on current episodes, but I’m as far as I can go with what’s available on the ‘flix.  I was introduced to Eureka through my parents actually.  Is that sad?  I’m not really sure.  And come to think of it I guess my parents are slightly geekier than I would have ever thought…hmm…**cue flashback music**

It’s 1987, I was young, maybe seven years old.  My father sat on the couch watching Star Trek reruns and later Kung Fu Theatre…**flash forward** It’s 2011, my father sits on the couch watching Star Trek:TNG reruns and SyFy shows…**fade flashback music**

I guess much hasn’t changed.  My dad always had a penchant for low budget sci-fi series and loved comic book movies.  It’s kind of a ritual I guess for us to go see some manly movie when I’m back to visit these days.  Somehow my mom got pulled in long ago and now enjoys the shows too.  I turned them on to Firefly\Serenity, Warehouse 13, and a bunch of other shows.  Likewise they introduced me to Eureka and loads more over the years.  And Eureka was on of the few that they’ve suggested that I was slow to warm to.

Photo: SyFy

Like most shows I end up watching regularly, Eureka began as my ritual background show in the evenings while I painted or worked on articles or just surfed the web for cool airsoft gear.  And like a few other shows that I’ve come to love, I eventually got sucked into Eureka’s little world.  If you are unaware, Eureka is about a secret town run by the corporation Global Dynamics and home to a population of geniuses that is responsible for developing technology for the government.  The premise is that now sheriff (and bizarre trouble stopper) Jack Carter, a recruited former government agent, is responsible to prevent the inevitable world-ending cataclysm caused by the flubs of brilliant minds.

The series is a tongue in cheek style, kinda campy romp through daily life, mostly due to the fact that Carter is the one normal person among a town full of ultra geniuses.  Collin Ferguson does a great job playing the somewhat witless and goofy sheriff, as does the supporting cast of filling in the gaps and making for great screen chemistry.  Of note are the rolls of Deputy Jo Lupo (Erica Serra), Harry Deacon (Joe Morton), and Douglas Fargo (Neil Grayston).

Photo: Thenervousbreakdown.com

The series in general looks at Carter’s development as a single father, a divorced husband, a seeming simpleton in a town of geniuses, and the fun mishaps that take place.  While I felt the first few episodes were rather slow, I was surprised at one point when I had actually gotten sucked into the characters and the mild drama that was developing behind the conflicts on screen.  All in all it’s a well-written show and has some strong guest appearances by the likes of geek goddess Felicia Day and twitter titan Will Wheaton.  If you’re looking for a fun show and love that sort of light hearted shows, check out Eureka asap.