By John Keegan and Edmund Boys

Ever since “Lost” fascinated (and infuriated) viewers with its methodical revelations, slowly rotated through the back stories of the main cast, the debate has been joined about the best way to roll out a show’s secrets. “Revolution” (or perhaps, “R___evolution,” as per the opening credits,) has decided on the opposite approach; chucking plot points up on the screen willy-nilly. The frenetic pace of the pilot continues, leaving no chance to get to know the characters. Unfortunately, what little we do learn doesn’t make us care about most of them. A few parts are working, but only where the actors manage to rise above the material.

With that happening primarily on the militia side, the show also feels oddly unbalanced. Giancarlo Esposito’s Capt. Neville continues to intrigue. His role as a flag-burning enforcer of gun control, driven by a deep, abiding faith, smashes together viewpoints we’re used to seeing oppose each other. Despite Danny’s protestations, I don’t see him liking the killing. The power, yes, but every shooting’s been provoked. Given the circumstances, and Giancarlo Esposito’s persuasiveness, General Monroe’s approach is becoming almost understandable.

Introducing the Stars and Stripes as a resistance symbol feels like a lazy ploy to demonize the militia and generate instant sympathy for the resistance. As does Monroe’s use of torture/stabbing when insulted. While I prefer my human conflict with some shades of gray, a battle of good and evil is certainly something Eric Kripke has shown an affinity for. However, it only works when the good side is as compelling as the bad.

Danny vaulted to the top of my most annoying Matheson chart this episode, but is still followed closely by his sister. I seriously question their father’s parenting when they are both this clueless and naïve fifteen years after The Event. (Yes, I’m already evoking that NBC predecessor.) They apparently led blissfully sheltered lives in that cul-de-sac, never questioning the social structure around them, or getting a hint that Dad might know something. Kids pick up all sorts of clues from their parents, especially given their harrowing Escape from Chicago. If we don’t get more of their journey, that is the TV movie spinoff I want to see. The flashback held more tension and interest than the rest of the episode.

It also established Rachel as the parent with the guts and common sense, which perhaps explains the state of her kids in her absence. The reveal of her survival, and velvet imprisonment by General Monroe, was a welcome development, even if it does continue the trend of the militia having the more interesting story. It also does little to dispel our memories of Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet in “Lost.” Once again, she is ideally placed to be a connecting link between the two sides.

Miles is further established as the biggest bad-ass around by both an opening sword fight, and an escape from handcuffed capture. Unfortunately, it’s getting undermined by his opposition’s continued use of the Hong Kong attack-one-at-a-time style of fighting. That continues into their rescue of Nora from the incompetently guarded chain gang. Plus, Charlie appears to have learned her lesson after letting the bounty hunter go, and embraces necessity with the pretty cool derringer shooting. But she immediately backslides into whining idealism. Mama Bear better be reunited with her cubs soon. I don’t think they’ll survive much longer otherwise.

The rest of the fellowship heads off in search of Grace, the lady with the other amulet. Aaron has a clunky infodump of speculation. But Maggie has the most affecting moment with her explanation for hanging onto her dead iPhone. (No doubt inspiring parents to revive the tradition of carrying photos in their wallets.) Meanwhile, Grace is threatened by Randall, the holder of a surprising cattle prop and yet another amulet. He is also apparently such a casting coup, we can’t see his face yet. Presumably, we’ll learn something about him next time. Provided they don’t throw another five new characters at us.

John Keegan is Editor-in-Chief for Critical Myth, a partner site of SciFi Vision. Edmund Boys is one of Critical Myth's reviewers for Revolution.