“Defiance” is an American science fiction Western drama television series developed by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Kevin Murphy, and Michael Taylor. The series is produced by Universal Cable Productions. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the Earth has undergone significant changes due to the terraforming technology of an alien race known as the Votans. This technology has transformed the planet’s flora and fauna in unexpected ways, leading to the emergence of new species and the extinction of many existing ones.
The narrative begins in 2046, where Earth’s topography has been drastically altered. The series centers on Joshua Nolan (played by Grant Bowler) and his adopted alien daughter, Irisa (portrayed by Stephanie Leonidas). They navigate life in the city-state of Defiance, which was constructed on the remnants of St. Louis. The town’s new mayor, Amanda Rosewater (played by Julie Benz), is also a central character, along with a diverse ensemble of individuals representing the town’s growing population.
“Defiance” aired on the Syfy channel in the United States and was broadcast in various international markets. The series debuted on April 15, 2013, in the U.S. and ran until August 28, 2015. Despite its intriguing premise and setting, the show was canceled by Syfy after its third season, citing financial reasons.
Overview
“Defiance” is an American science fiction Western drama television series developed by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Kevin Murphy, and Michael Taylor. The series is produced by Universal Cable Productions. The narrative is set in a post-apocalyptic future on a radically transformed Earth, which now houses new species. Some of these species arrived from space, while others emerged due to the unintended consequences of terraforming technology used by the alien race known as the Votans. This technology altered native flora and fauna in unexpected ways.
The story unfolds in the year 2046, a time when Earth has undergone significant changes, including new landscapes, the extinction of various plant and animal species, and the emergence of new ones. The central plot revolves around Joshua Nolan (played by Grant Bowler) and his adopted alien daughter, Irisa (portrayed by Stephanie Leonidas). They navigate life in the city-state of Defiance, which is constructed on the remnants of St. Louis. The series delves into the dynamics of the growing town, its inhabitants, and the challenges they face in this transformed world.
The show aired on the Syfy channel in the United States and was broadcast in various international markets. It debuted on April 15, 2013, in the U.S. and was renewed for two more seasons before being canceled by Syfy in 2015 after its third season. The series was complemented by a companion video game, which continued to receive support until April 2021.
The backdrop of “Defiance” is rich with various alien races, each with its unique characteristics and history. The Votans, for instance, consist of several species like the Castithans, Irathients, Indogenes, and more. The series also introduces other non-human entities like the Hellbugs and Biomen, adding layers to the show’s intricate universe.
Cast and Crew
Main Cast:
- Grant Bowler as Joshua Nolan: The chief lawman of Defiance.
- Julie Benz as Amanda Rosewater: The mayor of Defiance.
- Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa Nyira: An Irathient warrior and adopted daughter of Nolan.
- Tony Curran as Datak Tarr: A prominent Castithan in Defiance.
- Jaime Murray as Stahma Tarr: Datak’s wife and a key figure in the Castithan community.
- Graham Greene as Rafe McCawley: A human miner and one of the richest men in Defiance.
- Mia Kirshner as Kenya Rosewater: Amanda’s sister and the owner of the NeedWant, the town’s bar and brothel.
- Jesse Rath as Alak Tarr: Datak and Stahma’s son.
- James Murray as Niles Pottinger: Introduced in the second season.
- Anna Hopkins as Jessica “Berlin” Rainier: Introduced in the third season.
- Nichole Galicia as Kindzi: Introduced in the third season.
Recurring Cast:
- Trenna Keating as Doc Yewll
- Dewshane Williams as Tommy LaSalle
- Justin Rain as Quentin McCawley
- Nicole Muñoz as Christie McCawley Tarr
- Fionnula Flanagan as Nicolette “Nicky” Riordon
- And many others.
Crew:
- Developed by: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Kevin Murphy, and Michael Taylor.
- Composer: Bear McCreary
- Executive producers: Scott Stewart, Rockne S. O’Bannon, Kevin Murphy, and Michael Taylor.
- Producers: Paul M. Leonard, Michael Nankin, and Anupam Nigam.
The series was produced by Universal Cable Productions and was broadcast in the United States on the Syfy channel. The show’s setting is in a post-apocalyptic future on a radically transformed Earth, and it intertwines with a multi-platform video game. The series and game were developed concurrently and share a storyline that is intertwined across both media.
Reception
“Defiance” is a science fiction television series that aired on Syfy from April 15, 2013, to August 28, 2015. The show’s reception varied across its three seasons:
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings:
- First Season: The show received an approval rating of 61% based on 18 reviews.
- Second Season: The approval rating jumped to 100% based on 8 reviews.
- Third Season: The rating was at 75% based on 8 reviews.
- Metacritic: The first season of “Defiance” was rated as “mixed or average” with a 57% rating according to 17 reviews.
- Reviews:
- Maureen Ryan of The Huffington Post described it as “a smart, well-crafted TV show with a good cast and an adventurous flavor.” She appreciated that it was genuine science fiction and praised the casting, performances, and production design.
- Ellen Gray of the Philadelphia Daily News found it to be a “watchable sci-fi series, with a Wild West vibe mixed with a bit of ‘Farscape-meets-West Side Story.'”
- On the other hand, David Hinckley of the New York Daily News found the show “incomprehensible” but mentioned that hardcore sci-fi fans might appreciate its complexity.
Overall, while “Defiance” had its critics, it also garnered a significant amount of praise, especially from those within the sci-fi community. The fluctuating ratings across seasons indicate a varied response from audiences and critics alike.
Impact on Ufology
“Defiance” is an American science fiction television series that aired on Syfy. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth has been transformed due to the arrival of several alien species, collectively known as the Votans. The terraforming technology used by the Votans has drastically altered the planet’s landscape and ecosystems. The series primarily revolves around the city-state of Defiance, built on the ruins of St. Louis, and its inhabitants, including Joshua Nolan and his adopted alien daughter, Irisa.
Regarding its impact on ufology, the show doesn’t seem to have had a significant or direct influence on the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life. The series is more of a work of fiction and entertainment rather than a source of scientific exploration or inquiry into the existence of extraterrestrial life. The show’s portrayal of various alien species and their interactions with humans is rooted in storytelling and character development rather than any real-world beliefs or theories related to ufology.
FAQ
Conclusion
“Defiance” offers a unique blend of post-apocalyptic storytelling and intricate science fiction, set against the backdrop of a transformed Earth inhabited by both humans and a myriad of alien species. The series, with its rich tapestry of characters and cultures, delves deep into themes of coexistence, survival, and the challenges of forging unity amidst diversity. Through the city-state of Defiance, built atop the remnants of St. Louis, viewers are introduced to a world where the past’s remnants clash and meld with the new, creating a society that is both familiar and alien.
The show’s strength lies in its character-driven narratives, particularly the dynamics between Joshua Nolan and his adopted alien daughter, Irisa, as well as the power plays and relationships among the various species. The interconnectedness of the TV series with its companion video game added an innovative layer to its universe, allowing fans to immerse themselves further into the world of “Defiance.”
However, like many ambitious projects, “Defiance” faced its share of challenges, culminating in its conclusion after three seasons. Despite its relatively short run, the series left an indelible mark on the sci-fi genre, reminding viewers of the power of unity in diversity and the endless possibilities that arise when different cultures come together. In conclusion, “Defiance” stands as a testament to the potential of collaborative storytelling in the realm of science fiction, offering a fresh perspective on post-apocalyptic narratives.