Critic Reviews

A a surprisingly fun and engaging game of Clue. ... Surface has the deliciously engaging, nail-biting episodic structure of a suspenseful primetime soap you would’ve watched on ABC in the mid-2000s. The series is also bolstered by an ensemble of captivating performances.

Finally getting the chance to be the show it was always meant to be, Surface Season 2 elevates itself past its early missteps, delivering a second act filled with intricate plotting and a moody atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

The exploration of identity and why we make particular choices ensure the framing of this series isn’t just a cheap gimmick and worth scratching beneath its shiny exterior.

In general West has wisely borrowed a page from British thrillers that don't try to do too much and focus instead on giving discerning audiences what they tuned in for. The only criticism after watching the first three episodes is that Surface already feels one episode too long.

It’s a stronger season than the first, leaving the door open for more Surface in the future.

West’s decision to expand the scope of the characters here creates a more propulsive viewing experience. Instead of the repeated shots of Sophie running through San Francisco that felt like filler, for example, we dive into the backstories of not only Eliza but also Quinn, their father and grandfather, as well as Grace. While this decentralizes Mbatha-Raw’s character, to a certain extent, it helps with the pacing of the show.

"Surface," created by writer Veronica West ("Ugly Betty," "High Fidelity"), does a decent job of keeping us puzzled.

What Surface fails to understand is that it isn’t clever in its lack of clarity. Sure, revelations about Sophie’s previous memories shouldn’t be abundant. But giving nearly nothing to viewers, Surface makes a poor case for itself as anything but fluff TV.

The show’s unique selling point remains its sheer silliness and is great fun, provided that you accept from the outset that Surface is entirely lacking in depth.

It’s a pleasure to see this actor [Gugu Mbatha-Raw] at the center of the frame, even if everything around her isn’t quite up to snuff. ... “Surface” has a certain book-club-thriller breathlessless; its jaunty indulgence can be intoxicating in doses. But as a binge, the tendency to never settle for a whisper when a shout will do can grow exhausting.