Granted, I am basing this review purely on the pilot of the episode, which is the only one I was able to watch since that's all NBC decided to include on their preview DVD. However, based solely on that-- and I admit, the show for all I know could add some twists and original ideas and become a great show, it just hasn't shown any signs that it will-- the characters are average, as is the acting mainly, with the obvious exception of Kevin McKidd (having just finished up with HBO's "Rome"). The script is nothing more than a combination of different plots that have been used countless times for shows or movies that have to do with time travel. The production and direction are slick, but those factors can't redeem the show by themselves. And while there's nothing wrong with a show using ideas from something else, it has to be done well and incorporate enough fresh ideas of its own to prevent its episodes from being more than just a passing distraction. I was, quite honestly, bored-- more in a "I'm staring at a TV for no reason other than to preview NBC's lineup before the pilots and I'm not really caring much about this show" kind of way-- and I was not nearly interested enough to even tune in for the second episode. Not to mention that the ending of the pilot, which was so obviously supposed to be the show's huge kind of twist/"Oh my gosh, that was brilliant" moment, was so predictable I figured it out as soon as McKidd's character asked for a shovel (or whatever implement he used). Really, I cannot understand CSM's four star rating, as this show is one of weakest of NBC's new shows. If you want the best new fall shows to watch I would suggest "Pushing Daisies", "Chuck", "Reaper", and "Life" (if you appreciate nuanced acting and realize just how volatile of a character Damian Lewis is portraying if you really look at his personality.) If you want nothing more than an hour of TV to pass some time, then by all means, Journeyman will take up that hour of your life. Whether you'll actually be satisfied with that decision is something else entirely.

If you have children younger than 14-15 in the room watching this show, you will be uncomfortable here and there with some mature scenes (no nudity, just mature relationships and some VERY brief showing of skin, bras, underwear). But, I loved this show. It is about caring people who want to do the best in life despite real-life or other-worldly obstacles ... including staying together in a somewhat difficult marriage! I hope this show does well, as it could gain a following like Medium.

If you have children younger than 14-15 in the room watching this show, you will be uncomfortable here and there with some mature scenes (no nudity, just mature relationships and some VERY brief showing of skin, bras, underwear). But, I loved this show. It is about caring people who want to do the best in life despite real-life or other-worldly obstacles ... including staying together in a somewhat difficult marriage! I hope this show does well, as it could gain a following like Medium.

Granted, I am basing this review purely on the pilot of the episode, which is the only one I was able to watch since that's all NBC decided to include on their preview DVD. However, based solely on that-- and I admit, the show for all I know could add some twists and original ideas and become a great show, it just hasn't shown any signs that it will-- the characters are average, as is the acting mainly, with the obvious exception of Kevin McKidd (having just finished up with HBO's "Rome"). The script is nothing more than a combination of different plots that have been used countless times for shows or movies that have to do with time travel. The production and direction are slick, but those factors can't redeem the show by themselves. And while there's nothing wrong with a show using ideas from something else, it has to be done well and incorporate enough fresh ideas of its own to prevent its episodes from being more than just a passing distraction. I was, quite honestly, bored-- more in a "I'm staring at a TV for no reason other than to preview NBC's lineup before the pilots and I'm not really caring much about this show" kind of way-- and I was not nearly interested enough to even tune in for the second episode. Not to mention that the ending of the pilot, which was so obviously supposed to be the show's huge kind of twist/"Oh my gosh, that was brilliant" moment, was so predictable I figured it out as soon as McKidd's character asked for a shovel (or whatever implement he used). Really, I cannot understand CSM's four star rating, as this show is one of weakest of NBC's new shows. If you want the best new fall shows to watch I would suggest "Pushing Daisies", "Chuck", "Reaper", and "Life" (if you appreciate nuanced acting and realize just how volatile of a character Damian Lewis is portraying if you really look at his personality.) If you want nothing more than an hour of TV to pass some time, then by all means, Journeyman will take up that hour of your life. Whether you'll actually be satisfied with that decision is something else entirely.