The Wachowskis' Underrated Netflix Sci-Fi Series Is Still Worth the Watch

Netflix has plenty of television shows in its catalog, including originals like Stranger Things or even old favorites like Suits. But every so often, it'll release a television series that flies under the radar like Sense8. The baffling part is that Sense8 boasts a creative pedigree unlike any other; it was created by Lana and

The Big Picture

  • Sense8 featured a diverse cast and a unique global production process that immersed viewers in its narrative.
  • Fans successfully campaigned for a Sense8 special after the show's cancellation, highlighting its impact.
  • Sense8 's themes of connection and teamwork resonated with viewers, making it a compelling watch despite its premature end.

Netflix has plenty of television shows in its catalog, including originals like Stranger Things or even old favorites like Suits. But every so often, it'll release a television series that flies under the radar like Sense8. The baffling part is that Sense8 boasts a creative pedigree unlike any other; it was created by Lana and Lily Wachowski alongside J. Michael Straczynski. The Wachowskis are no stranger to creating sci-fi epics that shape pop culture; after all, they brought the world The Matrix. Straczynski himself is a popular creator as well, whether it's his television work (Babylon 5) or his writing for comics (The Amazing Spider-Man, Superman: Earth One). While Sense8 was a critical darling, it was canceled after two seasons, which is a shame because its themes of connection and its globetrotting story make for a compelling watch.

Sense8
TV-MAActionDrama Sci-FiMystery

A group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world's order.

Release Date June 5, 2015 Cast Miguel Ángel Silvestre , Max Riemelt , Doona Bae , Brian J. Smith , Tuppence Middleton , Naveen Andrews , Daryl Hannah , Terrence Mann Main Genre Drama Seasons 3 Studio Netflix

What Is 'Sense8' About?

Sense8 begins when eight different people — taxi driver Capheus (Aml Ameen/Toby Onwumere), kickboxer Sun (Doona Bae), hacktivist Nomi (Jamie Clayton), pharmacist Kala (Tina Desai), DJ Riley (Tuppence Middleton), safecracker Wolfgang (Max Riemelt), actor Lito (Miguel Ángel Silvestre), and policeman Will (Brian J. Smith) — become "sensates." They share a psychic link, allowing them to draw upon each other's skills and memories, which comes in handy since they're being stalked by the Biological Preservation Organization. The sensates learn that they aren't alone in the world; Angela (Daryl Hannah), the woman who triggered their psychic bond, and the BPO's enforcer "Whispers" (Terrence Mann) were also sensates.

The Wachowskis and Straczynski each brought their unique talents to the table when crafting Sense8. Straczynski is best known for his strong character work, slowly revealing hidden depths to the protagonists of his work over time while also sewing the seeds for future stories. The Wachowskis write in the service of theme; the Matrix films are about the choices one makes or doesn't have the chance to make. Sense8 marries these sensibilities by exploring how its protagonists are connected to each other, as well as the connections within their everyday lives.

One of the best early examples of the sensates' new dynamic comes in the Season 1 episode "What's Going On?," where the entire group sings along to 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?" It's a touching, tender moment that gets to the heart of Sense8's overarching message: people are stronger when they work together. "We wanted to do a story that said that we are better together than we are apart. That we, as a species — if we’re going to get to the future — have to start working together," Straczynski said in the lead-up to Sense8's premiere.

'Sense8' Is a Truly Globetrotting Series Thanks to Its Production & Cast

Sense8 had a unique production process that lent itself quite well to the sprawling narrative. Most of the filmmaking was done on location — scenes in Chicago were actually shot in the Windy City, while scenes in Berlin and Mexico were filmed in Berlin and Mexico. While most films often use one city as a double for another location or shoot on elaborately constructed sets, the fact that Sense8 was actually filmed in the locations it depicts helps immerse viewers in the narrative.

That feeling also extends to its cast, who embody a wide range of diverse perspectives from around the globe. Arguably the most prominent member is Nomi (Clayton); both her relationship with her girlfriend Amanita (Freema Agyeman) and her life as a trans woman are front and center in the series. This was a major draw for Clayton, who is a trans woman herself and looked up to the Wachowskis. "To be able to be on a set with someone who is trans, who is directing me, who had written this part of a trans character was a dream come true. I thought to myself, “I want this experience. I want to be able to do this.” It’s so rare in Hollywood," Clayton told Collider prior to Sense8's premiere.

The Fans Gave 'Sense8' a Second Shot At Life

Close

The cancellation of Sense8 in 2017 came as a shock to many fans — and comments from Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos didn't exactly help matters at the time. “We couldn’t support those economics,” Sarandos said of the decision to pull the plug on Sense8. “If you put all your money into something that a very few people are watching, eventually you’ll have nothing for people to watch.” Despite Sarandos' remarks, fans flooded social media with petitions and posts under the #RenewSense8 hashtag. Those efforts eventually paid off when Netflix announced a Sense8 special shortly after the series' cancellation. A year later, the special, titled "Amor Vincit Omnia," premiered and wrapped up the battle between the sensates and the BPO. Even through its cancellation, Sense8 managed to have an impact; it scored a number of awards and was even referenced by Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Sotos in a speech.

In the years following its cancellation, one of the minds behind Sense8 revealed more about what a potential third season would have entailed. Strazcynski was careful to note that he and the Wachowskis hadn't officially written any scripts for Season 3, but he did divulge some details about where he wanted to take some characters. Even though it was cut down in its prime, Sense8 is well worth the watch, both for its premise and how it wears its heart on its sleeve.

Sense8 is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

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