THE LAST SHIP

Among the mediocre range of the new shows that have been launched in 2014, The Last Ship brings the talented Rhona Mitra to a big role for the very first time. The show revolves around the crew of a naval destroyer who are forced to confront the reality of a new existence when, after coming off radio silence, they realize that a pandemic has killed off most of the earth's population, including their friends and families at home. Moreover, they are shocked to find out the team of scientists, including Dr. Rachel Scott (played by Mitra), who the crew has been babysitting in the Arctic, knew about it all along and have been conducting research secretly in order to find a vaccine to the pandemic. In the very first episode, Naval Destroyer Nathan James is sent on what they're told is a research mission in the Arctic. After a few months in the Arctic while Scott is on the ice doing research, they are attacked by Russians. They get back to the ship and the Commander, Tom Chandler asks the doctor what's going on. She says that a deadly disease broke out a few months ago. At first, they thought it was contained but they had no cure. They had reason to believe that the source of it was birds of the Arctic, so they came to collect the original strain. But she has since received word that it has now spread to most of the globe. Chandler tries to call the President but learns the President and Vice President are dead and the US government might not have long to survive. The current President tells him that the Nathan James was not in the hot zone so he and his crew are safe. The crew has no choice but to improvise. The premise of the show is interesting, and in its first season, it has been able to keep viewers engaged. Although it remains to be seen how long the show makers can continue to do that. There is a big risk of the show turning on its own, developing plot points that it cannot conclude or follow through with. So far, it's relatively clever in a predictable kind of way it is also quite emotional for a military drama. The concept is clean, uncomplicated and somewhat original. This is somewhat refreshing during a time when everything from the 70's and 80's seems to be being rebooted or rehashed. It's definitely not of the very best shows of all time, but it's definitely worth watching if you have a few extra hours to kill. If you consider the level of acting in the original A Team or say Knight Rider then this isn't bad and I only mention those shows because the Last Ship seams targeted at today's version of the same market. The story concept is good, the acting is mediocre and it's light entertainment. Doubt it will win any awards though.