A TV/gaming crossover that was ahead of its sci-fi time
In 2013, The Syfy channel launched an ambitious project. It would introduce a new TV show that tied in with a massive multiplayer role-playing game (MMO RPG). Characters appearing in the show would appear in the game and even introduce new storylines and events. The result was a quality show that didn’t need the game tie-in gimmick to deliver a great story.
Defiance opens with a human scavenger and his alien adopted daughter singing along with Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” This odd pairing is Joshua Nolan (True Blood’s Grant Bowler) and Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas (Mirrormask)). They have a run in with the motorcycle gang known as the Spirit Riders, which drives them to find protection in the town of Defiance, formerly St. Louis. Unlike areas where humans and aliens are openly in conflict, Defiance has maintained peace for almost 15 years. The new mayor, Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz (Dexter)), wants to keep it that way.
The two biggest names in the town are the human family, the McCawleys, who own the mines. Their opposite are the Tarrs, a Castithan family that runs much of the business transactions in the town. One of the McCawley family is killed, and the patriarch, Rafe (Graham Greene), wants an investigation. Nolan offers to look into things for a fee, despite Irisa’s insistence to not get involved.
The Tarr family are natural suspects and they are not amused. This family offers a true sci-fi element. The husband, Datak (Tony Curran (Ray Donovan)) is the visible face of power in the town, but his wife, Stahma (Jaime Murray (Warehouse 13)) is in control behind the scenes. Their son, Alak (Supergirl’s Jesse Rath) just wants to be a teenager and has no interest in the family business. These differing personalities keep the family at odds, even while they engage in Castithan traditions like bathing together.
Viewers are soon introduced to other races like the manufactured species, the Indogene. These are represented by the perfectly sarcastic Doc Yewell (Trenna Keating.) Sensoth usually provide physical enforcement for whoever hires them. Irathients, Irisa’s race, are sometimes considered feral. They are often farmers to honor their heritage.
Over the course of its three seasons, Defiance was well served by its talented cast and a fearless writer’s room led by showrunner Kevin Murphy. Bear McCreary’s use of instruments and digital sounds provided a brilliant soundtrack that amplified the human and alien components of the show. Despite ending after its third season, Murphy wrote a satisfying finale’ that would serve as a season ending or series ending.
The show featured cameos or small parts from some great veteran sci-fi actors. Linda Hamilton (Terminator) arrives in Season 3. Anna Hopkins (Shadowhunters) plays the opportunistic Berlin. Dewshane Williams would go on to appear in The Expanse. Character actors like James Murray, Lee Tergesen, and William Atherton also contribute.
Defiance fell into the Syfy channel formula that has plagued the network for what seems like decades. It introduced and built a world that featured compassionate characters, internal and external conflict, and plot twists that built suspense and intrigue. It was canceled before its time, but stands up well, thanks to the creative cinematography, delightful cast, and highly contrasting soundtrack. Readers should definitely treat themselves to a visit to the midwestern town of Defiance.