How is the writing? Average. How is the acting? On par with the rest of television. How are the set design and special effects? Flawless. This show isn't perfect, but when I watch it, I escape from the rest of the nonsense going on in the world. So, I recommend it. A good show well placed in our time. If you want award winning allegory, go rewatch Battlestar Galactica. If you want an enjoyable escape, watch Lost in Space.