Mini-Series Review: Dig (2015) 3.5 Stars

dig-poster-imageDig

USA Network Mini-Series premiered in March 2015 consisting of ten (10) episodes

Watched via Netflix DVD in March/April 2016

3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: When Peter Connelly, an FBI agent recently stationed in Jerusalem, begins investigating the murder of a young American, he realizes that he has uncovered an ancient international conspiracy that threatens to change the course of human history. Certain that the dangerous prophecy is nearing fruition, Peter must race against the clock to unravel its mystery. From a remote farm in Norway, to an enigmatic compound in New Mexico, to the serpentine tunnels of Jerusalem, this immersive, fast-paced adventure will take viewers on a quest for a truth that will shake the world’s beliefs to its very core.

My Thoughts

I had these DVDs literally for months.  I think they were first shipped to me back in late January or early February.  I just never seemed to find the time to sit down to binge watch a ‘new’ television show.  It must have been a rainy weekend in March when I decided to pop the DVD in and begin watching Dig.  My initial viewing sessions got me through three or maybe it was four episodes.  About that time, Terry said he’d like to watch to so I told him to watch the first four episodes late at night to catch-up.  After a few more weeks or this (not catching up) I finally gave up and just watched the rest of the episodes over the course of a Saturday and Sunday.  And I even remembered to watch the bonus materials before returning the DVDs (finally) to Netflix.

This was probably the first role I’ve ever seen Jason Isaacs portray a ‘good guy’ and speak in a commendable American accent.  I did see him recently portray a Confederate general and speak with a passable Southern accent and technically he wasn’t a ‘bad guy’ in that film either.  But for the most part, his stock in trade has been villainous roles.

I found it easier and sometimes harder to ‘trust’ characters in this show.  There were the obvious fanatics who were just as obviously predictable. But the fringe characters surprised me.  Well, fringe to the fanatics, but not to each other.  According to the bonus materials, the cast was kept in the dark about the overarching story.  They were given the script for the next episode very late and none of them knew who was going to betray whom nor who was going to end up getting killed.  This gave their reactions to the various situations more believable in such a fast-moving twisting plot.

Yes, a lot of characters don’t make it to the final credits (or even the final episode).  My favorite character made it all the way to the end without blemish and frolicked off into the dusty sunset.  I learned later, after I finished watching the mini-series, that Dig was not renewed for a second season.  Fortunately, the ten episodes produced have a definite beginning, middle and ending.

I was equally fascinated and nauseated to learn that the writers proved that once again truth (or fact) is stranger than fiction.  All of the secret organizations converging and conspiring to rebuild the Temple actually existed and/or still exist today.  What hubris to attempt to force the Will of God to fit your shortsighted timeline.

For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 (NRS)