Journeyman Complete Series DVD Review

The story centres around reporter and family man Dan Vasser (Kevin McKidd) who suddenly starts traveling back through his own past to change the destiny of those around him before jumping back to the present. During his travels to the past he encounters his presumed dead fiancée Livia (Moon Bloodgood) – putting him in an awkward situation with his present wife (Gretchen Egolf) and child.

So far, so Quantum Leap. However, Journeyman never found the loyal fan base that Sam Beckett and co. did.  The pilot episode showed a  good deal of promise. McKidd, who is now best known to American audiences as Dr Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, is a likeable lead.  It’s major failing is that it tries to weave too many back stories and setups for future episodes into the first hour.

Vasser’s time travelling starts to effect his family life and his work and his brother Jack (Reed Diamond), a police detective becomes suspicious of his behaviour.  The love triangle between Vasser, his current wife and former fiancée is straight out of a daytime soap but thankfully is relegated to ongoing subplot later in the season.

The fickle nature of the US TV networks meant that Journeyman wasn’t given a fair chance.  After a few early formulaic episodes the series really hit its stride and took a few chances with story development.   The small screen has been crying out for another quality time travel drama but it looks like for now, we’ll just have to get our time travel fix from our box sets.

★★★

Vikki Myerscough

Out in UK on DVD  on  29th April / Cast: Kevin McKidd, Gretchen Egolf, Moon Bloodgood / Dir: Kevin Falls /Freemantle Home Entertainment / 15 / Pre-Order/Buy:Journeyman The Complete Series [DVD]

DVD Extras

• Going Off-Course – The Making of Journeyman

• The Back Nine – Featurette

• Audio Commentaries

• Blooper Reek

• Stills Gallery