Resurrection (American TV series)
Resurrection is an American fantasy drama television series that aired on ABC from March 9, 2014, to January 25, 2015, for two seasons. It is based on the novel The Returned by Jason Mott.
Synopsis:
The series revolves around the residents of Arcadia, Missouri, whose lives are upended when their deceased loved ones begin to reappear. These individuals, known as "the Returned," are physically identical to when they died and possess no memory of the intervening years. The show explores the emotional, social, and religious implications of this phenomenon, as the town grapples with the mystery of how and why these people are returning. It follows the struggles of families reunited with their lost members, as well as the growing tensions and fears that arise as the Returned population increases and the true nature of their return remains unknown.
Key Characters:
- Agent J. Martin Bellamy: An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who is assigned to investigate the case of Jacob Langston, the first of the Returned to appear in Arcadia.
- Sheriff Fred Langston: The sheriff of Arcadia and Jacob's uncle. He struggles to reconcile his role as a law enforcement officer with his personal connection to the Returned.
- Lucille Langston: Jacob's mother, who is overjoyed to have her son back after believing him to be dead for over thirty years.
- Henry Langston: Jacob's father and Fred's brother. He is more cautious and skeptical about Jacob's return.
- Maggie Langston: Fred's daughter and a local doctor who becomes involved in researching the Returned's condition.
- Pastor Tom Hale: A local pastor and Fred's best friend who grapples with the theological implications of the Returned.
- Jacob Langston: An eight-year-old boy who drowned in 1982 and mysteriously reappears in China decades later, unchanged and still eight years old.
Themes:
The series explores themes of faith, family, loss, grief, identity, and the fear of the unknown. It raises questions about life, death, and the nature of reality, examining how individuals and communities cope with extraordinary and unexplained events. It also touches upon social and political issues, such as prejudice, discrimination, and the challenges of integrating the Returned back into society.
Reception:
Resurrection received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the premise and emotional performances, others criticized the pacing and the lack of clear answers surrounding the central mystery. The series experienced a decline in viewership during its second season, leading to its cancellation by ABC.