As a UK script consultant and script writer for hire I’m not really sure if the first series of Project Blue Book is getting enough love in the UK. I wasn’t a massive X-Files geek back in the day but fans of that show seem to think that this is the best thing since Mulder and Scully ruled the airwaves.
I like the fact that the show is based on real people and some real stories (although it’s all clearly heightened for dramatic purposes) and I think Aiden Gillen’s performance as Dr Allen Hynek (a real U.F.O. investigator for the US military) is a very good, and gets better as the first series progresses. Hynek is a Doctor, first and foremost and can be a bit of a pain in the bum.
The series has been produced by Robert Zemeckis and it feels like it has the touch of a Spielberg style show, which plunders Close Encounters at times (I suppose Dr Allen Hynek is the guy who coined that phrase, along with inventing the words U.F.O.)
The period (late 40s to early 50s) kind of adds to the charm of the series, and there are some nice references to classic sci-fi films of that era.
The rest of the cast are fine, Michael Malarkey (as Hyneks investigative partner) grows on you, and Laura Mennell is good as Hyneks wife (with her own dangerous sub plot). The special effects are excellent and there is good historical detail thrown in (look out for Werner von Braun showing up in an episode).
All in all, the series is flying under the radar a little, it deserves a bit more attention.
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire, UK Script editor and script doctor for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. He’s also a leading UK script consultant. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk or hire him on Peopleperhour
His directorial debut, the rubber reality horror thriller Markham will be released in 2020.