Watch State of Syn

State of Syn is a thrilling sci-fi series that aired in 2013, produced by Shaftesbury. The show follows the story of Annika Drake (Torri Higginson), a talented scientist who races against time to save her corporation, which is on the brink of bankruptcy. Annika comes from a powerful family of entrepreneurs who have revolutionized the world of synthetic intelligence technology. However, Annika's faith in her family's legacy is put to test when a strange glitch arises in her company's AI system, causing it to malfunction in alarming ways.

Annika hastily recruits a team of brilliant minds, including her ex-partner, David Roth (David Hewlett), as well as Eliza Reyes (Jewel Staite), a hacker with a knack for uncovering hidden information. Together, they begin to unravel the mystery behind the glitch in the AI system, and as they dig deeper, they discover that the malfunction is not accidental. Someone has intentionally destabilized the AI system, and Annika and her team are the only ones who can stop what is to come.

The show's plot is set in the near future, and the city of Vancouver is the backdrop. The series has a unique, cyberpunk aesthetic and showcases many futuristic elements, such as holographic displays and advanced prosthetics, which add to its overall immersive ambiance. However, the show also grapples with larger, more significant themes, such as corporate espionage, technological advancement, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

What makes State of Syn stand out is its unique blend of mystery, action, and character-driven plotlines. The show's main characters are all flawed in some way, making them relatable and compelling to watch. Yet, the show never allows character development to overshadow the plot's twists and turns, and the show's pacing is never hindered by overindulging in exposition or backstories.

The acting in State of Syn is another highlight of the series. Torri Higginson is fantastic as the fierce and intelligent Annika Drake, embodying the character with equal parts vulnerability and conviction. David Hewlett brings an extra level of depth to his role as Annika's former partner, David Roth. His character's experience with addiction and betrayal adds a layer of complexity and nuance to his character.

Jewel Staite's portrayal of Eliza Reyes is also noteworthy, providing the show with a much-needed dose of humor and levity. Her character's snarky commentary and sarcastic wit help balance out the show's darker themes while also adding to its overall charm.

However, the show does have one significant drawback, and that is its limited runtime. With only five episodes, the series feels somewhat rushed at times, with some plot points and character arcs feeling underdeveloped or rushed. The show leaves the viewer feeling that there was much more that could have been explored.

In conclusion, State of Syn is a must-watch for anyone interested in sci-fi, action, and mystery genres. The show's cyberpunk aesthetic, complex characters, and thrilling plotlines make it a unique and exciting viewing experience. Despite its limited runtime, the series manages to deliver a gripping story that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end.