Episode Reviews
Sliders
Review by: Matt Hutaff
The final sequence, which is perfectly realized, showcases just what kind of emotional resonance traveling to different worlds can have. Arturo's speech on the dangers of sliding, Rembrandt's thoughts of gospel music, Quinn's overwhelming enthusiasm... all leading to a crushing conclusion where they realize that their journey is far from over.
Summer of Love
Review by: Matt Hutaff
Tormé's "testament" to the 60s comes off remarkably strong humor-wise. Just don't expect any lasting consequences to come out of these outlandish situations.
Prince of Wails
Review by: Matt Hutaff
In interviews, series co-creator Tracy Tormé has talked openly about the idea of a world where the United States lost the Revolutionary War as the genesis of the show. This is his vision made manifest.
Fever
Review by: Mike Truman
It's nice to be getting away from the strict alt-American history format employed by the first few episodes. "Fever" opened up additional possibilities with its concern for the next dimension's welfare. Arturo would not willingly take a plague to the next world, but what if the four were to inadvertently do so? After all, the possibilities are infinite.
Last Days
Review by: Mike Truman
The Doomsday Asteroid is coming in two days. The next window of opportunity is in three. It's the end of the line for the Sliders and the end of the world for everyone else. With no time remaining, Rembrandt tries to come to terms with his situation; Wade and Quinn come to terms with each other, and Arturo with... Bennish?
The Weaker Sex
Review by: Mike Truman
This is a comedic tour de force – it's outrageously irreverent. John Rhys-Davies shines with the spotlight on his character and the writing is crisp and cutting. I almost pity the episode that follows.
Eggheads
Review by: Matt Hutaff
"Eggheads" attacks the cult of celebrity with a smart edge while placing Quinn and Arturo through the wringer morally and ethically. Where do you end and your double begin?
The King is Back
Review by: Mike Truman
Everyone always assumed Rembrandt Brown's biggest mistake was leaving the Spinning Topps for a solo career. That is, everyone but Rembrandt. What if he was right all along and it was his choice of agents that made all the difference? Forget Elvis Presley. The Crying Man is taking center stage.
Luck of the Draw
Review by: Matt Hutaff
"Luck of the Draw" will profoundly change the Sliders' lives. Sliding isn't quite so safe anymore. Hell, it might even be fatal.
Into the Mystic
Review by: Mike Truman
Maybe it's nostalgia — "Into the Mystic" is the first episode of "Sliders" I watched from start to finish — but today I enjoy this episode every time I see it.
Time Again and World
Review by: Mike Truman
"Time Again and World" is too riddled with mistakes to be considered adequate. It pains me to do it, but I can't in good faith give it two stars. Somebody hire an editor and try again.
El Sid
Review by: Mike Truman
I'd like to accuse this episode of not being well thought out, but that's not true. The storyline is coherent; it's just boring.
Love Gods
Review by: Mike Truman
While it may be fun to fantasize about being among the last men on earth, the events leading to that situation are so far-fetched that you're not likely going to put a lot of thought into it after the episode is done. While there are attempts to bring in additional sub-arcs, such as the effects on monogamy, everything happens in such a rush that nothing becomes fully developed.
The Good, the Bad and the Wealthy
Review by: Mike Truman
When all is said and done, "The Good, the Bad and the Wealthy" just isn't that compelling. Tormé himself admits that the concept had merit, but it was difficult to execute. Maybe he's right. Or maybe the Western genre truly is dead.
As Time Goes By
Review by: Mike Truman
"As Time Goes By" completely sold me on the show. This episode left me hungry for more and optimistic for what was to come. Sliders just has so much potential on a weekly basis to blow the viewer's mind away. This story fulfills that promise and will always remain a personal favorite.
Gillian of the Spirits
Review by: Mike Truman
"Gillian of the Spirits" goes beyond mere alt-history and starts taking on more esoteric concepts — in this case the astral plane. Combined with a gripping storyline and a haunting sense of loss, this episode alone was the reason to keep watching the show until the big episodes came out later in the season.
Obsession
Review by: Mike Truman
"Obsession" is the sleeper hit of the season. It simply doesn't get its due. It not only features strong character development for both Quinn and Wade; it also has one of the most complex and well-developed plots of the series. This story actually utilizes foreshadowing!
Invasion
Review by: Mike Truman
There's no getting around it. "Invasion" is a big episode for Sliders. It is far darker than anything we've seen yet and casts a very long shadow over the series. They can no longer just go home for that would mean potential devastation to their earth. Something tells me we haven't seen the last of the Kromaggs.
Post Traumatic Slide Syndrome
Review by: Mike Truman
"Post Traumatic Slide Syndrome" proved that a weird or wacky alt-world is not necessary for Sliders to succeed. The characters themselves have become compelling enough to watch them just for them. This episode changed the nature of the game and re-ignited excitement in the show's possibilities. Truly, they don't get much better than this.
In Dino Veritas
Review by: Mike Truman
As every good network executive knows, dinosaurs equal ratings. The FOX execs must have nearly wet themselves when the so-called action show Sliders finally delivered them a script they could promote. And promote they did!
Greatfellas
Review by: Mike Truman
Mel Tormé steals the show as a hard drinkin', country singin', government informant. I've never been a big fan of guest stars on television shows, but Mel's presence elevates an otherwise OK episode to a thoroughly enjoyable one.
The Young and the Relentless
Review by: Mike Truman
Despite its glaring story errors, I get a kick out of "The Young and the Relentless." The cast was able to pull out what should have been an unmitigated disaster and turn it into one of the finer stories of the season.
Double Cross
Review by: Matt Hutaff
"Double Cross" is an incredible hour of television that proves Sliders can balance believable antagonists, interesting plot twists, cool character moments, and action adventure when the need arises. If FOX is mandating more running, jumping, and explosions, I can certainly get behind it when this is the end result.
Rules of the Game
Review by: Matt Hutaff
"Rules of the Game" means well. It's a guilty pleasure. And that's about it.
Dead Man Sliding
Review by: Matt Hutaff
"Dead Man Sliding" succeeds by creating an America that has taken a serious idea — tort reform — and pushing it to absurd while believable levels.