zkonedog As a huge fan of "The X-Files" and related fare, one would think I would have viewed Steven Spielberg's "Taken" earlier than its ten-year anniversary. However, I was a bit skeptical of the entire concept (thinking of it as "just another alien show") and only began viewing when it was purchased by another family member. Boy, was I ever wrong about the course of this delightfully nuanced miniseries.For a basic plot summary, "Taken" focuses on three families: the Clarkes, the Crawfords, & and the Keys. From the Roswell "crash" of the late 1940s until the "present day" (2002), this series tells the story of how the three families are intertwined both with each other and a mysterious alien presence stemming from that Roswell incident.The thing to be aware of regarding this miniseries is that it is MUCH more about characters & family relationships than it is about aliens. Kind of like how "Band of Brothers" is as much about friendship and brotherhood as it is about war. While the "alien" angle is deeply embedded in the overall narrative, the extremely rich characters are easily what will make you keep watching for all ten episodes. From generation to generation, Spielberg weaves a compelling dramatic tale that always keeps you wondering what will happen next.One word of warning: Do not be discouraged after the first 1-2 episodes, as this show takes a little bit of time to lay its own groundwork. Once you get to about the third episode, it starts really taking off to the point where you may finding yourself in "marathon mode" very quickly.Overall, "Taken" can appeal to three primary audiences: those who just love a good science fiction yarn, those who prefer character dramas of the highest order, and those who can appreciate the generational aspect of the whole experience. In other words, Steven Spielberg does it again.

gary-141-311720 I really don't understand how this show has such a high overall rating or where the people are coming from who gave it positive reviews.I gave up halfway through the second episode as it was so boring it hurt! I am amazed that Spielberg was involved in this, what was he thinking?! The acting is dire, the effects look like something from 1971, the plot is vague and the script is like something written by a retired maths teacher who has never married.Maybe it improved as the series went on? I don't know as I would rather gouge out my right eye with a spoon than continue watching to find out!I just wish there was a way I could get back the time of my life that I wasted attempting to watch this rubbish!

thu-4 I've been a SciFi fan all my life. Nevertheless I watched many of the effect driven shows, in the end its always the story that is important to me. Good if the effects are credible, but too many shows or movies have nothing really interesting besides the effects. I watch Taken for about the third time now. I really like that it is not just about good guys killing bad aliens. There are not effects all over the place, just where they are needed. The story is kind of like a theory that tries to make a probable explanation for all the abduction and flying saucer stories, crop circles or ancient astronauts we often hear about, a very entertaining way how all the mystery could be connected. And its told by using the history of several generations of three families and the consequences the aliens have on them. Some reviewers wrote to find Taken boring, and I can understand that from the view of someone looking just for action and effects. Taken is so much more then that.

Combat-Carl If you are the kind of person who will look at "Taken" and say "Oh yeah this is gonna be about aliens killing everyone and is gonna have explosions everywhere.". Then you better turn away now. Granted the aliens that are in it are very good the aren't important. Not important you ask?! No, the humans are the important characters in this tale. Firstly we meet the Keyes who are the main family the aliens are looking out for.The second of the three families we meet are the Crawfords. They are the "baddies" who want to destroy the alien "threat". Finally we meet are the Clarkes. The Clarkes are the first family to meet the aliens face to face. "Taken" is the first series I've watched and thought "Although this has not many scenes of violence i'm really enjoying this!" The reason for that is because you really get drawn into the characters lives. The stand out person in "Taken" has to be Dakota Fanning. She is the same age as me yet she can do things I wouldn't ever be able to do. She acts with incredible emotion and narrates beautifully throughout the entire series. I hope whilst watching "Taken" (which will take a long time as it's 877 minutes long) you will be mesmerised by the characters and the perfect plot as I was. "Taken" has taken me (see what I did there?) from someone who loves action and gore to someone who as well as liking that likes the characters and plot lines in all films.