The Great Martian War 1913 - 1917

Watch The Great Martian War 1913 - 1917

  • 2014
  • 1 Season

The Great Martian War 1913-1917 is a captivating and thrilling television series on BBC America. The show is a mix of historical events, science fiction, and documentary-style footage that explores what might have happened if martians had invaded Earth during the height of World War I. The four-part miniseries is a dramatized version of the classic H.G. Wells novel, The War of the Worlds, and is presented as a mix of documentary, drama, and CGI recreations.

The series is set in 1913, right before the outbreak of World War I. The premise is that Earth is visited by martians, who, unlike the bumbling and hapless aliens of some other sci-fi shows, are portrayed as superior, fearsome and deadly adversaries. The show depicts the martians as a highly advanced species, capable of constructing sophisticated fighting machines and various types of weapons that can annihilate entire cities.

The show's plot revolves around the martian invasion and how different countries, including Germany, the United States, and Britain, react to the threat. The episodes portray the tension of having to fight on two fronts - against the martians and against each other. The political and social dynamics of World War I are explored from a unique perspective with the martians acting as the X-factor.

One of the major strengths of the show is its attention to detail. The producers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the series is historically accurate, depicting costumes, military uniforms, and weapons of the time to provide a realistic atmosphere for the show. Set in Europe in the early 20th century, the show captures the social etiquette and cultural norms of the time as well.

The use of CGI enhances the show's visual appeal. The martians' weapons and fighting machines are rendered in extraordinary detail, imbuing them with a sense of realism and menace that is genuinely spine-tingling. The military battles during the show are also expertly crafted, with the production crew managing to create almost cinematic visuals that are both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The combination of documentary and drama elements is a unique aspect of the series that makes it stand out from other sci-fi shows. The producers have used recorded interviews with experts in various fields to reflect on the socio-cultural effects of the Martian threat. The factual elements are expertly woven into the fictionalized narrative and enhance the credibility of the show.

Although the Martians are the central focus of the show's threat, there is also a strong emphasis on human protagonists, such as soldiers, civilians, journalists, and politicians. The show expertly balances the stories of multiple characters, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses, moral dilemmas, and survival in the face of such a formidable enemy.

The Great Martian War 1913-1917 is not just your typical sci-fi series, it is also an homage to the classic novel, The War of the Worlds. By combining factual historical elements with fictionalized drama, the series effectively creates a compelling and captivating story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the credits roll.

In conclusion, The Great Martian War 1913-1917 is an excellent miniseries that offers an intriguing twist on the story of World War I. It blends history and science fiction, with a strong emphasis on character development and military conflicts. The show is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone looking for a thrilling and unique television series.

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The Great Martian War 1913 - 1917
1. The Great Martian War 1913 - 1917
August 2, 2014
A imagined tale of the great alien war of 1913-1917.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 2, 2014