For once I'm stumped by the cybercritics who contribute to IMDB. "Epoch" is not that bad Z-grade flick some cynics asserted. I was pleasantly surprised, which pleased my boyfriend, who wanted to watch another Sci-Fi film. I ate crow on this one after consulting this website. David Keith is an easy hunk who's engaging, and Stephanie Niznik does a Mary Wouronov-like turn as Kelly McGillis and Jodie Foster (the psychic lovers of "The Accused").
The movie's mystery is consistently upbeat despite the standard brutality of the military sectors. This is quite unusual, refreshing. Even the threat of nuclear war has a fey warmth in this tale, as if a blanket wrapped round you will neutralize the deadliest virus.
"Epoch" is consistently intelligence without arrogance. The cheap special effects are equally charming, evocative of the 1950s, and as effective as the inserted computer-generated screens that fill the film's landscape.
Brian Thompson actually does some character development as Captain Tower, and James Hong is spare and most amusing.
Lots of unexpected turns adorn this smoky gem. Congratulations to the cast and crew, and "Tsk-tsk" to all my fellow critics who dogged the show a little too communistically.