By: Ananya Nrusimha
One of the things that makes Quantico unique in this year’s fall TV crowd is its diverse cast of characters; the main character, Alex Parrish, is an Indian-American played by popular Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, and the supporting cast features a variety of ethnicities. This is one of several elements that works in Quantico’s favor; the show so far is solidly entertaining even though its plot may seem overly generic to some.
The show (which airs on Sundays at 9:00 PM on ABC) jumps between past and future. In the aftermath of the biggest terrorist attack since 9/11 (this time they’ve bombed Grand Central Station) main character Alex must figure out which of her fellow FBI trainees is the culprit while also treating the viewer to extensive flashbacks about her time at the eponymous FBI academy in Quantico. I would gladly watch a show that was just about Alex going through training. Her fellow trainees are all interesting, likeable characters, and those portions of the show have a sort of ‘Harry Potter meets Mission:Impossible’ vibe to them. While the ‘future’ aspect of the show presents an interesting framing device, Quantico doesn’t need it; the training academy is presented is done well enough to stand on its own. We are told from the start that none of the characters are what they seem, and the show does a phenomenal job of revealing their flaws and discrepancies. Pay attention to every detail in Quantico – even the inconsequential aspects of dialogue and scene will have greater importance later. However, it remains to be seen whether the show’s main mystery component – the identity of the mysterious terrorist Alex is trying to track – will be as good as its subplots.
Do not watch Quantico if you dislike mystery or intrigue. Avid Bollywood movie watchers who are eager to get more of the Priyanka Chopra they know and love will also be sorely disappointed. However, most viewers should find Quantico at least mildly entertaining – at the very least, it’s a good way to kill time.
