Not to be confused with the Canadian series of the same name that aired on the SyFy Channel, Continuum is an independently produced science fiction web series.

Created and directed by Blake Calhoun with Mike Maden,  Continuum is the gripping story of a young woman named Raegen, who is struggling to unlock the secret to her identity and purpose, while contending with a near-omniscient artificial intelligence (A.I.).  

The story opens aboard a vessel in deep space, where Raegen awakes from having been in suspended animation.

Suffering amnesia, her only source of information and guidance is the ship's A.I. However, Raegen quickly comes to realize the A.I. isn't very reliable.

In fact, it may even be dangerous.

Continuum succeeds in pulling the audience into its central mystery due to effective plotting and the mesmerizing performances of its cast - especially Melanie Merkosky, who stars as Raegen.

Ms. Merkosky makes Raegen's struggle to regain her identity palpable.  As a viewer, you become invested in her search for answers.  

Her dialogue with the ship's A.I. (voiced with masterful, cold detachment by actress Taryn O'Neill) helps to ratchet up the feeling of unease and claustrophobic tension. 

To give away more of the plot would be spoiling it, but I would be remiss in failing to mention the superb production quality of the series.  

The set design of the spaceship interior is very appealing in its minimalist aesthetic. 

However, there are some minor plot holes in the story. 

For example,  early in the series our protagonist is warned a single bullet from a conventional firearm can destroy the ship's hull.

Really? A spaceship built to withstand the rigors of deep space is that fragile?

On another note, due to the inherently limited budget of an independent production, the CGI for the exterior shots of the ship is lacking in detail and therefore a sense of realism.

Still, the superior script and performances more than overcome the project's budgetary limitations to provide for quite an entertaining sci-fi romp, as the trailer below suggests:

Fortunately, reception for the series has been robust, and a second season was produced. 

In what I think is a wise move, the producers have provided more than one option for viewing the series:

• Both the first and second season are available via video on  demand (VOD) on Vimeo for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $9.99 each

• Seasons one and two can still be viewed in their original, episodic, ad supported form on YouTube

Continuum is another example of quality, independent science fiction finding an audience with an intriguing premise, and innovative digital distribution. 

For more information about the production, visit the official site WatchContinuum.com .

Make sure to check out our podcast Eye On Sci-Fi. Join host and The 7th Matrix founder Rod T. Faulkner as he spotlights terrific indie SFF short films and web series.

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