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Sep 26, 2011 By Austin Trunick Web Exclusive

To escape a dystopian future, the Shannon family volunteers to be sent 85 million years into the past to join a settlement of humans on Mesozoic Earth. Terra Nova is one of the most visually arresting shows in television history, from its lush Australian sets to the believable prehistoric creatures that terrorize the settlers. Judging by the number of mysteries thrown at the viewer within the show’s first two hours, from mysterious stone carvings to a hostile “other” colony, it’s clear that we’re looking at a post-Lost thriller that could keep couch-cushion conspiracy theorists guessing for some time. Script-wise, the premiere does trip on some sketchy lines and occasionally over-expository dialogue, but the actors are solid enough to overcome the weaker material. The influence of executive producer Steven Spielberg can be felt in the premiere’s exhilarating action sequences, as well as in the real sense of wonderment whenever dinosaurs occupy the screen. If further episodes carry on at this level, then we could be looking at network TV’s next cult hit. (www.fox.com/terranova)

Author rating: 8/10