Surface (TV Series 2022– ) Poster

(2022– )

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7/10
I'm confused by the "woke" reviews
nunya655230 July 2022
Why are people calling this show "woke" and insisting it's a liberal agenda? Is it cause the main character is black and married to a white man? I'm so confused.

Anyway, it's like a Lifetime movie at best. Script is horrible, but it's entertaining and a fun Friday night watch.
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6/10
Average to above average story. Good performances by the actors
mhelm-9473430 July 2022
I too, I am perplexed as to why some reviewer's refer to this series as "woke." It must be because of the interracial marriage aspect of the two main characters, because I see no other sign of "wokeness" here. If it is just the interracial marriage aspect, then it's a sad commentary about the state of our culture today.

This vehicle to tell a story has been used many times before. It is done adequately here. It really depends upon the plot twists yet to come, and the motives of the characters to see how well this will be pulled off. This series is certainly entertaining, but, I fear, rather predictable. There are ample opportunities for plot twists, and surprises among the various characters. The actors are certainly up to this task of pulling this off, and do a good job with their respective roles. Will the writers give material worthy of the actor's abilities? That remains to be seen.

It is enjoyable entertainment, and I believe it is worthwhile.
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6/10
You've seen this before
aimee92529 July 2022
This isn't terrible but also not great, and certainly not original. In fact, you'll probably have the story figured out within the first few minutes, but if you have nothing else to watch, I can think of a lot worse options out there (like anything on broadcast channels, For all Mankind, and Invasion comes to mind.)

What I do recommend on Apple is Severance, Black Bird, Defending Jacob, Foundation, See, Ted Lasso, Servant, The Morning Show, Prehistoric Planet..
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ppl only calling this WOKE coz it has a black protagonist
imysterious30 July 2022
There is literally no other reason to call this WOKE as this show doesn't touch any political or social issues even for a microsecond.

The show is actually a pretty impressive mix of drama and mystery sprinkled with incredible visuals and mindblowing cinematography.

It's a very quiet show that focuses more on the story than on other unrelated side characters. The background music complements and elevates the overall quality of the show. The acting from both the main actors is very impressive too.

The overall vibe of the show can be compared with big little lies and sharp objects (which is a compliment).

I have only watched two episodes so far. Excited for what the show has to offer in the future ones.
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7/10
It was entertaining and well acted, but would have made a better movie
gpageau119 August 2022
I thought the lead female and male where both excellent actors. Don't listen to all the crazies about this movie being woke. Not a clue what they are talking about. Unless you don't like a white man with a black woman. (We all know that's called something else...not woke) sad that a good show has crappy reviews. I enjoyed it. Especially since I didn't have to commit to a second season. It could have easily been a movie instead of a series though. It's worth the watch.
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6/10
Keeps you hanging.
timetraveller819 August 2022
No doubt that this was a good story and the first episodes keep you interested. Unfortunately it appears as if the writers worried about a predictable ending and didn't know what to do for a finale.

The final episode makes no sense and leaves a lot of loose ends. So it leaves you with a sense of having watched to go to a dead end.
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7/10
4 episodes, so so...
canuckteach7 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Except I was sure it was over at 4! Not sure I will maintain my interest in the adorably pretty protaganist much longer. Six? Maybe.. 8? Definitely not. Actually, she's not beyond criticism herself: she restarts an affair with a murky undercover drug cop, in whom I have little faith (maybe HE tossed her off the boat?); to gain time & leverage, she cozies up to her husband only to run back to the cop.

The story is not a new one: the old 'amnesia victim whom someone may have tried to kill' bit is as old as the film noirs of the early 40's. More recently, we saw a Brit mini-series AMNESIA, with a twist on the premise. This time, a wife married to an upscale YUPPI, has a mishap on a ferry boat, and blanks out. Her Counselor is not much help--if I could find a motive, I'd list HER as a suspect. Such a series can still be enjoyable IF the writer gets to the point & wraps up. Already, we are seeing retreads of earlier scenes that do NOT advance the plot or develop character.

That's my summary. I might add: a bit of idiot profanity here & there. Why bother? 7/10... I will add more if/when I get through this thing.
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4/10
What a deception. Very bad screenplay.
roger-wielgus-910-44426131 August 2022
"Surface" lures with some attractive production design, good actors and a plot with a bit of mystery, but rapidly the entire series take the same way as every insignificant daily soaps. The same bad sequence writing, the same kind of dialogues, the same kind of unrealistic situations. There is no shortage of examples. Unpredictable encounters, completely improbable situations that keep reminding us that we are not in a high end series but in a lousy daily type series that indulges in incessant chatter. I made it to the end of the series hoping to finally see an unexpected turn in the story, but, no, nothing but a display of mediocrity. A total mess and disappointment.
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9/10
Quietly mysterious
leh02874 August 2022
I'm not sure why so many people dislike this show, but I think it's great! It feels like reading a good domestic mystery. I also don't know why people are saying this show is woke. There are many shows where I could use that description, but this isn't one of them. So far, I'm a fan! I'd recommend for anyone who loves a good domestic thriller, cozy mystery, etc.
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6/10
Most Underrated Actress!!
JazzCat644 August 2022
It's funny, my two favorite actresses, especially since 2012 has been Emily Blunt and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. They both have a vast range and can do any genre, but the problem is one of them only get depressive or dark parts (Gugu) and the other can't get the respect she deserves from those idiots at the Oscars (Emily). I don't think that awards matter currently produces quality work (Emily). Surface is not that for Gugu and neither is her previous one. It's such a depressing drama that it's hard to watch but Gugu carries it as far as she can but that's not enough for even me to continue watching. Even in Loki, they did her no justice and it's a shame. At least she is making a good living but as far as quality goes, these scripts are terrible for her. I hope she is not bailing out like Halle Berry who did 1 or 2 good movies, but the rest was much left to desire but she claims she has good money so that's great, I guess.
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5/10
Disappointing
silence-2630 July 2022
I'm a fan of Mbatha-Raw. I'd probably watch just about anything with her. That said, "Surface" is pretty bad. I'm generously giving it a '5', mostly due to her welcome presence, but this is at best a 2nd or 3rd rate production. It's rare to hear dialogue that's this cliched outside of daytime soap operas, but they're hitting that mark here. A story about some ultra-wealthy pretty folks with problems is hardly ripe in this (almost or hopefully..) post-pandemic period. It's hard to even care one bit about these characters, or the very obvious story line. Surface is just a disappointing mess.
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9/10
I'm invested!
Shataraarrington751113 August 2022
Maybe I'm biased because I love Gugu! I don't understand the bad reviews! I'm only on the second episode but so far so good for me! I'm truly invested in this show! I can't wait to see what happens next!
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4/10
Not woke but not good
Nevergivea1030 July 2022
First, so far, there is not a single thing woke about this series. If there was, I'd be the first to say it. Remember the"boy who cried wolf?" Well don't be the boy who cried woke or you lose your credibility.

As far as the show goes, I am one episode in and I'm bored. I'm pretty sure I know where it is going but hopefully there are some twists that make this a little better than it is so far.

Edit: I made it through 5 episodes. It never got any better. Pass on this one.
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I managed to watch it all.
Ripshin2 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Somewhat of a convoluted mess. It requires a second season to make sense, and I will be surprised if it receives one. There is quite a bit of filler material. This could have been an interesting two-hour movie, minus the pointless padding.

The performances are fine. The production value is good. The script is a mess. One gets the feeling that the plot was developed without a definitive conclusion in mind. "Let's do THIS now." The concept of continual "twists" can destroy the pace of the "story," throwing logic away completely.

We still don't know WHY she jumped. I could have missed the reason, during the final episodes, but I doubt it.
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6/10
Not much under the surface
CosyCatNap21 August 2022
It's not a terrible series, but it's unoriginal. More style than substance, it's a glossy production with a shallow script. Gugu MR does her best, but her character fails to be that interesting. And no, having a black protagonist married to a white man is not "woke" or propaganda. If you think that in 2022 you need to go outside and observe reality.
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7/10
I tried my best
mikejade5 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I tried my best to give the series a decent shot at capturing my interest- but in the middle is series one episode four I just could not take it any more. Done.
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6/10
WOKE !?
fashinrashin19 August 2022
I know so many interracial couples what the heck is wrong with people ??

I think EVERY tv production should have many POC so it becomes so inflammatory to the stars and bars crowd they just get used to it.

This series has good acting but its weak on script.
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3/10
No surface
karinahatem30 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well, this was a very slow burn, had to make a hard effort to watch all episodes. Boring and slow, it lacked all elements of suspense and mystery, also very poor performance from most of the actors, especially the cop character, who was very silly and lame. Weak plot, silly dialogue and too many holes in the story that didn't add up. Also, how about a major mistake trying to login to any Apple account, one gets an email notification after several attempts! Now sure how Apple let that one go. Another hole in the story, after several weeks, how was Sophie living and not noticing that she can't access and of her money ! Ending was ruined without revealing anything. Basically, this was pointless and meaningless tv show.
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8/10
Intriguing Story
saysjenn8 September 2022
I just finished the show and do hope for a season two. The story is a psychological mystery thriller and lives up to this throughout the season. It will have you guessing who is guilty and who is innocent and what are the motives behind everyone. There are lots of moving parts and a slow but steady build that left me wanting more. I really hope we get a season two as there are a lot of things left unknown and we the audience deserve to see this one through to the very end.

The girl who plays Sophie did a great job. I loved her in the Morning show and The Black Mirror so it was nice to see her getting this leading role. She deserves it and hope to see her in more things.
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6/10
[6.5] Just about time to cancel it
cjonesas20 May 2023
An incomprehensible series with incomprehensible almost everything, cringey (goes to the highly uncharismatic and unbearable Sophie/Tessa) to averagely good acting (James, Caroline), a highly mishmash mashed up story, some good score (better part of the series to relax and doze off) and after 8 episodes, more improbable mishmash plots and unrecommended outcome emerging.

The show got renewed for a second season while other brilliant ones get cancelled. Seems that Apple TV doesn't like one-season / limited series. Another round of 8 episodes to be immersed in more questions than answers.

  • Screenplay/story: 6
  • Development: 7.5
  • Realism: 6.5
  • Entertainment: 6.5
  • Acting: 7
  • Filming/cinematography: 7
  • Visual/special effects: 7
  • Music/score: 7
  • Depth: 6
  • Logic: 5.5
  • Flow: 6
  • Drama/mystery/thriller: 6
  • Ending: 6.5.
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1/10
Waste of time
morgan-constantino21 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This story could have gone anywhere, and it went no where. It could have been one episode or a movie, and instead it was beaten to death over 6 episodes, with the last being the most disappointing of all. Let me save you a lot of time: She embezzles the money all along and forgot.
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8/10
Gorgeously intense
Loved it from the first view. Beautiful acting and how the camera shows us a wonderful depth is eyeholding. It really takes you deeply inside. Great amazing story. Can't wait how it's gonna be continued.
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6/10
Frustrating, but not why you think.
danilobuzaneli22 December 2022
While reading the reviews about this show my curiosity was immediately heightened up, as there was no apparent consensus between anyone. Some called it woke, some said it wasn't; some called it slow, some said it was not. So I decided to see it for myself and find out if I liked it or not.

After watching all of the episodes I can safely confirm that this series is indeed very frustrating. Not because of the plot itself, as it is very interesting, but because it had just so much potential. As most things started getting clarified by episodes 6 and 7, I started thinking that if all the episodes were more tightly packed, faster and more thrilling, and if the details had been planned more carefully, this would have been such a fun show to watch!

Maybe it could've been solved by cutting some of the scenes (like the repetitive kissing/sex and the ones that seem to have no point at all), correcting some of the continuity errors, making the dialog faster and writing parts of it better overall, while still keeping the good elements of the show that characterises this as a drama.

It just saddens me that, while it could have been a great show without changing much of the main plot, we're stuck with bad writing and lose details. Best we can do now is appreciate the San Francisco views and hope that the second season fixes all of this, delivering something that will make me excited about watching.

P. S.: It may indeed seem woke at the beginning but at the end you see it isn't really. That's another thing that could've been solved with better writing.
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5/10
Came Off the Rails Fast
zorroaca21 August 2022
Things started to not add up in the first episode. How can a person not be overly intrigued when you go into a bar that you don't remember and the bartender pours you your usual??? How can a psychiatrist say... that what you are starting to remember before you lost your memory... is not important??? And how in the hell could Sophie be involved with the character Baden? The problem is that the script is not good enough to hold most to stay until the last episode which explains a lot of the whys... but then just leaves you hanging.
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Bad people doing bad things with no remorse or purpose
Gaymers3 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In a nutshell, a scam artist wrecks the lives of every person they touch, gets away with millions of dollars, breaks numerous federal laws, and in the end, we're supposed to believe they are some sort of sympathetic character who's just going through a hard time? Erm.. okay.

I'm surprised Apple would sign on to produce such a poorly constructed series with a paper-thin plot. The cast did fine with what they got, but the problem is every character is unlikeable, spoiled, and chronically self-absorbed. I kept hoping for some miraculous epiphany in the end that would tie everything together, but it never came. I was expecting a true mystery, but the plot comes up short with every wasted opportunity.

Save yourself the frustration of 8 aimless episodes which take you deeper and deeper down a labyrinth, only to be left with a cliffhanger promising a season 2 that is likely just as convoluted and poorly planned. And what is the point of all this? After watching the entire season, I'm still trying to figure out what all this was for.

The only good thing was the haunting backdrop of San Francisco at its darkest, moodiest, and foggiest. I appreciated the noir elements and sweeping shots of some of the city's most iconic locations.

But just so you know, San Franciscans don't jog in the middle of the street like that. I found myself laughing at the utter ridiculousness of that in every single episode. There are sidewalks, just fyi.
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