The Sentinels Review: Super Soldier Drama Redefines TV

The Sentinels, an eight-part television series adapted from a French comic book by Enrique Breccia and Xavier Dorison, premiered this week, offering a fresh perspective on the alternate history genre. The show posits a "what if" scenario during World War I, exploring a secret French army experiment to create super soldiers by injecting wounded fighters with a serum. This premise positions the series within a tradition of alternate history dramas like For All Mankind and The Man in the High Castle, which explore pivotal historical moments with altered outcomes.

The series is described as an unapologetic mashup of post-apocalyptic, steampunk action, and old-timey war drama, with a distinct French and German influence. Despite its potentially "on-the-nose" concept of combining a significant historical event with major anachronisms, The Sentinels reportedly succeeds through its confident worldbuilding. The show is presented not only as an alternate history narrative but also as a solid science fiction thriller, aiming to captivate audiences with its unique blend of genres.

The adaptation draws from a comic book series, a medium that has increasingly served as source material for television. The Sentinels' narrative focuses on the capabilities of these "doped-up super soldiers" and their potential for "incredible feats of violence." The review highlights the series' exciting and propulsive nature, distinguishing it from adaptations of more established franchises. Its originality and compelling storytelling are emphasized as key strengths, suggesting a departure from conventional television storytelling.