Billy Campbell
Hiroyuki Sanada
Kyra Zagorsky
Mark Ghanimé
Jordan Hayes

Created by:
Cameron Porsandeh

2014-2015
Sci-Fi, Thriller
Syfy
TV-PG

(After watching the first 11 out of 13 episodes of the first season, with an update after the end of the second season)

“Helix” is an original Syfy TV series about an outbreak of a mysterious virus in a research facility on Antarctica. Each episode represents one day (the episode titles reflect that). …

I was surprised by “Helix.” I certainly didn’t expect much from it. But it’s competently written, directed, produced, and acted. The cast includes acting veterans Billy Campbell, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Jeri Ryan, in a brief stint.

It’s not outstanding, but it is really interesting: Outbreak stories tend to work well because they easily generate suspense; they feel real. Some of the special effects look like special effects, though, but they aren’t bad. They get the job done.

If you like outbreak stories and don’t mind watching Syfy, check “Helix” out. Syfy did a really good job with this one … until the second season when the show loses steam. It’s not as palatable without it. Cancellation was the logical result. How unfortunate.

Verdict: Somewhat Good Overall (Good to Very Good First Season)

About: (Sources: helix1; helix2)

Season 1

Helix is an intense thriller about a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control who travel to the high-tech research facility, Arctic Biosystems, to investigate a possible disease outbreak, only to find themselves pulled into a terrifying life-and-death struggle that may hold the key to mankind’s salvation or total annihilation. However, the lethal threat is just the tip of the iceberg, and as the virus evolves, the chilling truth begins to unravel.

Billy Campbell (Killing Lincoln, The Killing) stars as Dr. Alan Farragut, leader of the Centers for Disease Control outbreak field team called upon to investigate and control a potential outbreak. Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine, 47 Ronin) also stars as Dr. Hiroshi Hatake, director of Arctic Biosystems and its mysterious viral research program.

Helix also stars Kyra Zagorsky (Supernatural) as Dr. Julia Walker; Mark Ghanimé (Emily Owens, M.D.) as Major Sergio Balleseros; Jordan Hayes (House at the End of the Street) as Dr. Sarah Jordan; Meegwun Fairbrother as Daniel Aerov; Catherine Lemieux (White House Down) as Dr. Doreen Boyle, and Neil Napier (Riddick) as Dr. Peter Farragut.

Season 2

The survivors of Season One investigate a new viral outbreak on a remote island inhabited by a mysterious cult.