When I first stumbled upon “Class of ’09,” I was intrigued by the premise: a psychological thriller that melds elements of “Psycho-Pass” and “Minority Report.” With a cast featuring Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara, I had high hopes for this FX on Hulu miniseries. After binge-watching all eight episodes, I can say that while the show has its moments, it doesn’t fully live up to its potential.

A tale told through time

“Class of ’09” cuts across three distinct timelines: the past (2009), the present (2023 and 2025), and the future (2034). This structure allows us to see how a group of FBI recruits evolve over time, both personally and professionally, in a world increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence to predict crime.

The time jumps are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer a comprehensive look at the characters’ development and the escalating stakes surrounding AI in law enforcement. On the other hand, the constant shifting can be jarring and sometimes confusing. There were moments when I had to pause and recalibrate to figure out which timeline I was in. A more linear progression might have made the story more digestible.

Stellar performances anchor the show

One of the show’s strongest assets is its cast. Brian Tyree Henry delivers a great performance as Tayo. His character’s journey from an idealistic recruit to a key player in the AI-driven future is convincing. Kate Mara shines as Poet, bringing depth and vulnerability to her role.

Supporting actors also hold their own, but some characters feel underdeveloped. For instance, Poet’s love interest didn’t resonate with me. His character seemed unlikable, and his storyline felt more like a distraction than an essential part of the plot.

Exploring themes

“Class of ’09” tackles big questions about the use of AI in law enforcement. It delves into the ethical implications of predictive policing and mass surveillance, echoing real-world debates sparked by figures like Edward Snowden. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker possibilities of an AI-dominated justice system, painting an unsettling dystopian picture.

However, while the themes are intriguing, the execution sometimes falls flat. The series tries to juggle too many ideas at once, leading to a scattered narrative that doesn’t fully explore any single concept. I found myself wishing the show would dig deeper into the moral quandaries it introduces.

Pacing issues and a rushed finale

One of my main critiques is the pacing. The first few episodes set the stage nicely. Just when the plot starts to gain momentum, however, it seems to rush toward the finish line. The finale, in particular, feels hurried. It attempts to tie up loose ends felt anticlimactic.

It’s as if the writers had grand plans but were constrained by the eight-episode format. An extended season might have given the story room to breathe and the characters more space to evolve.

Visuals

Visually, the show is impressive. The cinematography was the main thing that helped me to distinguish between the timelines, where  different color palettes and settings were used to represent the past, present, and future. The depiction of the near-future world is believable, with subtle technological advancements that enhance the story without overshadowing it.

“Class of ’09” is a mixed bag. The show feels like it was on the cusp of being something truly great but didn’t quite get there. If you’re a fan of sci-fi thrillers that explore the intersection of technology and ethics, there’s enough here to keep you engaged.