Parallels

I watched the English dubbed version (still with English subtitles because I always have subtitles on), and no, the mouths moving out of sync was not distracting for me. This show is overall a very quick and easy watch; it was worth my time. It includes excellent writing, above average cinematography, and breathtaking shots of the snow. Parallels is a fun, light-hearted adventure that is well-done and easy to understand. I really enjoyed its twists and turns, and I thank it for not having a convoluted storyline. This show has a unique concept in my opinion. Basically, one mysterious event at a birthday party sends a group of friends into parallel universes. The science that goes into the event is only lightly touched upon; the main plot of the series is how these friends stick together even when faced with confusion. The actors and actresses all have amazing chemistry, and their characters are believable and likable. The drama and motivations attached to the characters make them feel realistic and authentic, which contributes to their fantastic character development. With its great ending, Parallels doesn’t need a second season, though I do wish the show covered more on what happened with Hugo and Poe (the boy and the dog who disappeared in 2011).

Time travel stories can get pretty twisted, by their nature. This one does a good job of explaining enough to get you to suspend disbelief, without over-explaining the "how". The focus of the story, while in a sci-fi setting, is much less about the pseudo-science and much more about the characters of these teenagers and their parents. Real life struggles of self-acceptance, selflessness, and family love are the focus of the characters' journeys. And the way that things tie together for everyone at the end is pretty beautiful.