This is a wonderful show. I've seen 3 of the 4 discs and am desperately trying to find time to see the conclusion. It has a wonderful mix of actors (full marks to casting) and two main plot lines as described in my summary, one much like the Water Horse movie, the other a sort of marine biologist's X-Files. The CGI isn't state of the art (now) but is used in correct doses and intelligently (it's perfectly believable, don't worry about that, the quality is fine). And, for a change, this sci-fi show does not have a wacky scientist side-kick (it can be a cliché at times) to bring strands of the science fantastic down to earth. Don't get me wrong, I like wacky nerdy side-kicks. But I'm glad in this case this show doesn't have one. Instead, the family Disney quality of this series is wonderful. But its also great sci-fi, and if you ever saw and liked a television show called Invasion then you are going to like this one too.

Long before creating The Event, the Pate brothers had another show on network TV, Surface. The premise of the show was different and I think people really would have gotten into it if not for the way the show was presented.All over the world, people are suddenly seeing sea monsters. The United States Government tries to cover it up, passing the creatures off as a hoax, but that's not good enough for marine biologist, Laura Daughtry (Lake Bell), who is almost killed by one on a deep sea expedition. Together with a scuba expert, who lost his brother, they investigate these creatures, and try to prove just how real they are. At the same time, a young boy in suburban North Carolina has discovered a baby sea monster and has decided to train it and keep it as a pet, leading to some pretty funny and outrageous moments.The way this show was presented was really strange and problematic. For 12 episodes, the series just runs around in circles, with the group trying to prove the existence of the mysterious creatures, the government trying to cover up the creatures existence, and this young boy who has decided to keep one as a pet. It isn't until episode 13 where things finally start to take shape. It takes 13 episodes before we even learn about the vast conspiracy behind the whole thing and that's when things really get interesting.The sea creatures and special effects were cool, but I'd imagine that most people got bored with it after a few episodes, the way I did. Why not bring in this mysterious group and conspiracy sooner and add a little intrigue to the show? If they had, maybe people would have seen Surface as something more than a badly scripted show, hiding behind it's special effects.Lake Bell, an actress I've never really liked, stars as the marine biologist, and was beyond fantastic. This could have easily been a career defining role for her, had the show lasted. Bell is paired with former child star, Jay Ferguson, who I would have been fine with if not for his awful and completely annoying New Orleans accent. Finally, the cast is rounded out by young Carter Jenkins, a kid who has made somewhat of a name for himself. After the excitement of the sea creatures and special effects wore off, it was Jenkins antics with little nimrod that kept the show watchable. Jenkins was terrific and if it wasn't for this angle of the show, I probably wouldn't have even made it to 13 episodes.Surface was a show with potential, but the writers waited far to long to release their bombshells and conspiracies, leading to an audience that tuned out after a couple of episodes. Thankfully, the Pate brothers learned from their mistakes and came back with The Event, a terrific show that gained a cult following. While The Event didn't make the cut either, it was certainly much more enjoyable than Surface ever was.

OK... so this is my first ever review and i think SURFACE is fully worthy of it. having just finished watching it all i can say is wowwww!! from start to finish this show had me excited and gripped wanting to watch the next episode as soon as possible ( luckily for me i could as i got the DVD so could watch several at once ) for me in a show i look for something that excites me, keeps me guessing, leaves me wanting more, connects me with the people involved and at points gets me emotional. i loved the concept and felt this show could of gone in several directions for many more series's i felt the show gave me everything i look for. when nim is being chased and pursed i found myself shouting for him to run... i didn't want this poor guy to get caught he became such an integral part to the show and showed the human side to these sea creature in the way he was affectionately helped by miles and the way he was back. the bigger sea monsters just intrigued throughout with out saying too much as don't want it to be spoilt for others but believe me there is more to this show than you may think.... but my lips are sealed!!! i'm trying very hard to put into words how i felt about this show and struggling because it was that good words can not describe at the end of the series i sat there and clapped saying out loud wowww what a brilliant show. you can not miss this show, if you don't have it get it i'm sure you will not be disappointed i had it sat around for a while without watching it and that was a big mistake as i missed out on such an amazing show for several months. i would recommend this show to anyone so get watching.thanks for reading my first review let me know what you think i tried my best for a novice...lol now what are you waiting for go watch it :)

Lake Bell is quite possibly one of the worst actresses I have ever had to endure. The personal insults about her looks are uncalled for, probably mostly just vitriolic women, but wow she seems annoying. It's like watching a nativity play in a nut house.If I had ever seen porn, which obviously I would never have done as a 30 something single man, I would expect better acting from the lady that 'comes to fix your pipes'.I must like the show to be six episodes in but I'm becoming increasingly annoyed by some of the woeful acting on display. It's not like it is a tongue cheek, poking fun at itself type of acting, it is just dismal.The sister of the nerd kid, with the stripper's name, is pretty. Pretty disappointing in her range. Apparently she is quite well known now. I'm glad she's stayed off my radar. Their mum is also not the greatest.The best actors in this decent show are the two boys who do well with some not quite up to par CGI.The insurance man is OK, considering what he has to work with and his wife seems like a realistic character so far, so I must give credit to her.The scientists and feds are all pretty standard and uninspiring.I love the story so far though and I will persist. I just feel that whoever had the concept must be sorely disappointed by the execution of their vision.Decent family friendly show with an interesting story. Just prepare yourself for some amateur hour acting.