Frequency follows Raimy Sullivan, a detective who discovers that she can communicate with her deceased father, Frank Sullivan, through an old ham radio. The twist is that Raimy is in 2016, while Frank is in 1996, and their communication alters the past, causing ripple effects in the present. As they work together to solve a cold case from Frank’s time, the consequences of their actions drastically change their lives, sometimes for the worse. Key themes include the butterfly effect, alternate timelines, and the emotional weight of tampering with the past. The manipulation of time in Frequency is both a tool for solving crimes and a source of unintended consequences, as Raimy and Frank’s efforts to change history continually disrupt their reality. The show touches on family, grief, and the unpredictable nature of time.
Frequency
Gravity Index: 6
Frequency is a drama that uses time travel as a mechanism to explore themes of family, fate, and the unforeseen consequences of altering the past. While the show takes its subject matter seriously, focusing on the emotional ramifications of reconnecting with a deceased loved one, it doesn’t delve deeply into the science behind its premise. Instead, it emphasizes the human element, making it a balanced story between speculative fiction and drama, with real stakes stemming from choices across time.
Tone: 6
Frequency balances drama with emotional weight, especially focusing on the relationship between the protagonist and her father across time. While the concept of communicating across timelines could lend itself to lighter or more fantastical elements, the show treats it seriously, particularly when exploring themes of loss, family, and fate. The emotional depth is heightened by the stakes surrounding crime-solving and the consequences of altering the past.
Consequence: 7
The consequences of altering the past are central to the series, as small changes in the past ripple into major changes in the present. The show explores the butterfly effect, showing how even seemingly minor actions have irreversible and often tragic consequences for the protagonist and those around her. This leads to significant emotional and narrative consequences, emphasizing the danger of tampering with time.
Depth: 5
Frequency offers some explanation for its time-travel communication mechanic, primarily through speculative technology (the ham radio), but it doesn’t dive deeply into the scientific or philosophical implications of time travel. The focus is more on the emotional and narrative impact of changes across timelines than on exploring the mechanics of the phenomenon.