What if you could snatch people away from the jaws of death moments before it happens, and get paid for it too?

That question is the foundational premise behind the supernatural events in the compelling web series Peacekeepers.

Created by series star Maria Makenna, the pilot episode opens on the bustling streets of New York City.

There we meet Alana (Makenna), a self-assured, vivacious young woman with a most unusual career.

You see, Alana is a member of the Peacekeepers, a coterie of individuals whose job is to prevent the future deaths of seemingly random strangers.

Alana receives her assignments via mysterious text messages that detail:

• the address of the person about to meet the Grim Reaper

• the exact nature of their death (choking, being hit by a bus, etc)

• the specific amount of time she has in order to prevent the death

If Alana successfully completes her assignments, money is instantly wired to her bank account from an untraceable source.

After watching the first episode, I'm hooked.

Peacekeepers is a terrific mix of fascinating premise, engaging writing, charm, and a charismatic protagonist.

The series also incorporates cool visual cues in the form of onscreen "pop-up" graphics that help give the series narrative flair.

During the pilot, these cues are used to reveal the content of Alana's otherworldly texts, as well as identify other important story beats.

I didn't mind this conceit due to its judicious use. However, it could quickly become annoying and trite if overused.

Another series highlight is its vibrant cinematography.  

The show is filmed on location in New York City, and it captures the dynamic ebb and flow of the Big Apple.

Furthermore, the mythology of Peacekeepers is a potential goldmine waiting to be explored.  

Who or what is responsible for these texts?  What is their agenda? How are the peacekeepers recruited? Is this a localized phenomenon, or is it part of a grander scheme?

By the end of the first episode, you will ponder many of these questions, and be left wanting to discover more about this intriguing world.

However, the biggest draw of the series is its protagonist.  

As you watch Alana attempt to forge a normal life for herself while negotiating her Peacekeeper duties, you get the impression saving lives is not just a paycheck for her.

She seems to genuinely care for the well-being of others, and that makes her a hero to root for.

Check out the pilot episode here:

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