Scavengers Reign (2023) - Best sci-fi I have seen in years, aside from Dune
"Scavengers Reign" eluded me when it released last year, but I was made aware of it after MAX canceled the show in May (Netflix has since picked it up but may or may not put in for more, is how I understand the situation).
The trailer has been posted here but I wanted to check in and see how everyone else felt about it (keep it spoiler free!). Personally I was enthralled all the way through. It has such an interesting blend of Miyazaki-esque "creature-y" world building with more meditative displays of nature and the violence and balance that is integral to it. If that sounds at all interesting I would suggest watching the first of twelve episodes, you will probably know if you are interested or not after it's over.
Here's hoping Netflix green lights more, assuming the creators want to continue. It really could stand as-is with where they left it.
I've never seen a show of any sort create such a lush and functional landscape. With the way the characters used the environment, it really felt lived in... understood even. Really remarkable.
It goes into a very short list of 'must watch' for me
I also only watched it once I heard about its cancellation. It was such a refreshing show. Voice acting was amazing and so were the designs. It kept me guessing for the entire season, at no point did I have a firm grasp on what would ever happen next.
So I saw this thread back when you posted it, decided to add the show to my list of stuff to watch. Just finished it today and really liked it, so I came back here to say thanks....
And then I get here and find out it's cancelled.
Damn
Netflix still has the rights, and I’m not sure anything has been announced since Max canceled it in May and sold the rights, so there is still light at the end of the tunnel!
Glad you liked it.
Wonderfully weird show. There is a particular scene with Ursula in ep. 3 that was for sure my favorite. "Meditative" would be a great way to describe that scene.
Yeah that scene really was worth the time they spent on it.
Funny that you post this now, since I just finished watching this show last night.
This show really is a hidden gem. The aliens have a lot if cool designs, ranging from cute to creepy to whimsical, and it keeps that balance well. Nature in real life is like that: sometimes it's pretty, sometimes it's messed up and gross, it's all part of it.
I really enjoyed the character Levi. In general I love seeing how different sci fi stories handle android characters and what different authors choose to do with them.
I think this show highlights what can be done when you use animation for sci fi and fantasy stories instead of forcing everything besides family friendly content or adult swim comedies to be live action. The only place you really see stuff like this often is in anime. It's a huge shame American audiences are so averse to animation outside of the places they expect to see it.
I just watched it on Netflix without knowing there was any drama about cancellations and getting picked up and if there would be a season 2 or not. I think season 1 works well as a standalone story, and if the creators and Netflix want to make more, they should. Whatever happens is fine with me.
Agreed with your take on a second season. I'd love to see more, but I wouldn't feel like I'm missing anything if they didn't.
I loved this show! Such a uniquely interesting world that simultaneously felt familiar, as it was clearly populated with things we would call "life", but that life was utterly alien. Such an atypical story too, just about raw survival and the brutalit and beauty of nature.
I also loved the series. I binged it over a couple of days I was traveling for work. A few scenes gave me vague Aeon Flux / Liquid Television vibes which was a very welcome surprise.