Ep 1. Pilot

In the dystopian future world of Dominion, the Archangel Gabriel has waged a holy war against humanity, leading an army of angels against the last remaining stronghold of civilization: Vega. After years of fighting, humanity stands at the brink of annihilation, with the angels slowly but surely overpowering them. In the midst of this chaos, a young, rebellious soldier named Alex Lannon stands at the center of a prophecy that could mark the turning point in the war.

Pilot begins as Alex returns to Vega after months spent fighting at the frontlines. Upon his return, he finds his childhood friend Claire, a senator's daughter, wrapped up in the midst of a political scandal. After a brief reunion, they part ways and Alex returns to his barracks, only to be confronted by a group of soldiers who reveal to him that his late father, General Edward Riesen, was actually the leader of Vega. In the midst of this shocking revelation, Alex is also informed that he's been chosen to fulfill a prophecy that could change the fate of humanity forever.

The prophecy states that the chosen one, known as the Chosen One, will bear a birthmark and be anointed by a higher power with special abilities to lead humanity to victory over the angels. Alex, as it turns out, bears such a birthmark, and his new powers manifest themselves in the form of incredibly heightened senses and a premonition-seeing ability.

As Alex begins to adjust to his new role as the Chosen One, the plot quickly thickens. Gabriel launches a major assault on the city, revealing just how powerful he truly is. Alex seeks guidance from Michael, one of the angels, who states that he cannot interfere in the war between Gabriel and humanity due to an ancient treaty. Alex manages to bring Claire into the fight, and together they launch a dangerous mission to retrieve weaponry that could aid them in the fight ahead.

Throughout the episode, there's a palpable sense of tension and mounting danger. Gabriel's maleficent presence looms large, and the show establishes a genuinely bleak atmosphere. Despite this, there's a sense of hope in the form of Alex, who's revealed to be not just a hero, but also a relatable and compelling character. From his early quips with his friend Noma to his quieter moments of introspection, the show does a great job of making us care about his fate.

One of the most notable things about Dominion's pilot episode is the sheer scope of the show. This isn't some small-scale post-apocalyptic story with a limited cast of characters. Instead, it's a fully-realized world with multiple factions in conflict with each other. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but as the episode progresses, the various players become more distinct and their motivations more clear.

From a technical standpoint, the pilot is impressive. The special effects used to create the angels are genuinely stunning, and the show does a great job of conveying the otherworldly nature of these beings. The production design is top-notch, with Vega's shining towers standing in stark contrast to the desolate wasteland outside the city's walls. There's a real sense of weight to everything in the show, from the advanced weaponry to the decrepit buildings that house the city's outcasts.

Overall, Dominion's pilot episode is a thrilling introduction to this ambitious new series. While there are certainly some clichés at play (the chosen one, the corrupt politician), the show's execution is strong enough to keep things feeling fresh and exciting. If you're in the mood for a solid post-apocalyptic show with a unique premise, Dominion is definitely worth checking out.