I have never really understood the problem that Fox has had with Chris Carter. It’s obvious that the incredible success of “The X-Files” led them to allow him to create other shows, but they never gave any of them the support they needed to allow them to catch on. As it is, I’m surprised “The X-Files” was given the chance to grow its audience. The series certainly wasn’t a hit right off the bat, though the quality was certainly there to qualify it as one. Looking back, it seems the only one that was given a fair shot was the superlative “Millenium”, which actually had the audacity to run almost a complete three seasons. (Thankfully that one has started its run on DVD with the 1st season release last month.) His offshoot of “The X-Files”, “The Lone Gunmen” lasted only a scant 13 episodes, while “Harsh Realm” only filmed 9. Then to add insult to injury, the latter series was only allowed to air 3 episodes on the network. Obviously, a high concept series like “Harsh Realm” would be able to draw in an audience after only 3 episodes.

When the obvious did not materialize, the series was pulled. At least there were two little pieces of good fortune that the series did have. First, fox finally decided to air all 9 episodes the following year on the FX cable channel. But that wasn’t the end to the show’s light of day… now the studio is releasing all of the episodes on a 3-disc DVD set. For this I have mixed feelings. I’m thrilled the show will have the opportunity to be seen, but I am a bit put out by the realization that once I watch the episodes available, there will be no more.

Like most of the work of Carter, “Harsh Realm” is a little difficult to describe. You just cannot pigeon hole a series like this. I will however, try to give you the nutshell version of the plot. The main setting of the series takes place in a virtual reality world created by the military. The idea is to use this ultra-real simulation as a training ground for soldiers in order to prepare them for the horrors of real battle. Scott Bairstow stars as Lt. Thomas Hobbes, who is given the assignment of testing out the simulation, known as “Harsh Realm.” He is a little bit hesitant to take on the task as he is newly engaged to the love of his life, Sophie (Samantha Mathis).

However, being the good little soldier, he decides to take the challenge, completely unaware of what he is about to face. It seems the world of “Harsh Realm” has been taken over by a General Omar Santiago (Terry O‘Quinn), who has set himself up as a sort of dictator. The military in the real world, being a part of the evil American Government (which is becoming a truer picture everyday), knows about Santiago and has been sending soldier into the game to try and defeat him. So far, no one has. When Hobbes arrives, he soon learns that his old life may be gone forever as he struggles to survive, not only his conflict with Santiago, but everyday life in general. He meets up with one of the previous ‘players’, known as Pinocchio (D B Sweeney), and together they plan their return to the real world.

What a great idea for a series. I had seen all 9 episodes when they aired on FX, and I was completely drawn into the series. They were all very well-written, which was enhanced by the great cast. Bairstow was terrific as Hobbes, but it was D B Sweeney who really made the series for me. I’ve always found Sweeney to be one of those likable actors that adds quality to any series or movie. I’m still hoping that his starring role in the series “Strange Luck” will see a release on DVD. This was another great show pulled before its time. Samantha Matis was surprisingly good in her role as Sophie, who has been told her fiancé is dead. In the past, I’ve found her performances to be somewhat lacking, but here her conviction to find out the ‘truth’ hits a home run. Finally, I have to mention the great genre actor Terry O’Quinn. Best know for his role in two of the “Stepfather” movies, he’s also highly recognizable for his work on “Millenium” and “Alias.”

The DVD set for “Harsh Realm” is unexpectedly well put together for a series that had such a ‘blink and you missed it run.’ Besides having two separate commentaries on the Pilot episode, there’s also a really good behind the scenes featurette. The commentaries are done by Chris Carter and director / executive producer Dan Sackheim. Though they both mirror some of their comments, you can listen to either and get quite a bit of very interesting background information on the series. The featurette ruins a little under 30 minutes and delivers a fairly complete picture of the birth and death of the series. There are quite a few interviews with the cast and crew, making it wel worth watching.

There is also a look at the creation of the title sequence. There was a similar featurette on the “Millenium” DVD set, and as both series had very memorable opening sequences, they offer a fascinating look at the thought process that went into their construction. Along with this, you’ll also find some commercials for the series, both from Fox and FX, which you will see did not do a very good job of marketing the show.

Once again, Fox is using a cardboard slipcase that house individual super slim snap cases. This is quickly becoming my favorite type of packaging as it is easy to handle, and you don’t have to keep unfolding and unfolding a mile long disc holder to get to the goods.

“Harsh Realm” really had the makings of being a terrific show. I would give anything to see where it might have gone plot wise, but that just isn’t meant to be. Well, at least I can sit back and enjoy what there was of the series since the studio made the wise decision to release it on to DVD.

Episodes:
Pilot
Leviathan
Inga Fossa
Kein Ausgang
Reunion
Three Percenters
Manus Domini
Cincinatti
Camera Obscura

Starring: Scott Bairstow, Samantha Mathis, Terry O’Quinn, D B Sweeney
Extras: 2 Commentaries on the Pilot Episode - Chris Carter / Dan Sackheim, “Inside Harsh Realm” Documentary, Creating the Logo & Title Sequence, FBC Pilot TV Spots, FX TV Spots
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Surround
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 8/24/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Harsh Realm: The Complete Series an A.