Critic Reviews

It’s really nice to watch some simple, forward moving character development when there are so many other complex shows around that require you to watch with all of your brain power. That isn’t to say that there isn’t a lot to think about when it comes to Manifest, but the mystery and drama of the show have always been fun before they’ve been complex, and it’s good to see that it has stayed that way.

Fraught with hints of conspiracy both secular and spiritual (Who messed with the plane? God or the CIA? And whatever the answer, what was the motive?), Manifest bounces around like a pinball machine with bumpers marked "sinister," "heartbreak," and "redemption," and scores high whichever one it touches.

Manifest wants to be "This Is Us" with a taste of "Lost." Over the first episode, it manages the feat with considerable skill. A good cast sells the improbable hook by at least making it emotionally probable.

Its inquisitiveness and willingness to be bold and fairly uncynical given all the things it’s trying to be is more than welcome.

Episode One is well-made and poses many more questions than answers. But you know the drill.

There are a number of really interesting ideas to be uncovered in Manifest.

Self-important much? There’s an awful lot of big emotion on this show, which is my polite way of saying that it’s pretty soapy. ... But there’s a “Lost”-like mystery afoot that drew me in, as the passengers begin to experience similar after-effects.

The bumpy flight scene is indeed terrifying (firsthand advice: don’t watch on a plane). But once on the ground, rote themes of redemption and faith dilute an otherwise intriguing supernatural occurrence. ... [Recurring themes] point toward a potentially addictive series if “Manifest” allows its gripping supernatural narrative to rise above its characters’ less interesting personal dramas.

Manifest moves fast, but it plays like a ticket to nowhere.

Seems like it should be a movie instead of a serialized weekly series.