Deepwater trilogy
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The Deepwater trilogy is a series of science fiction novels written by New Zealand author Ken Catran. The three books are titled Deepwater Black (1992), Deepwater Landing (1993) and Deepwater Angels (1994). The series addresses a number of current issues like pollution, racism and politics. The most prominent theme throughout the series is that "survival is not for oneself but for a greater cause." Other notable themes and elements include beauty, color, light amidst darkness, responsibility at a young age, the significance of youth in the ongoing existence of the human race, rebellion, and fear of the unknown.
Deepwater Black
[edit]Deepwater Black is the first novel in the Deepwater trilogy by New Zealand author Ken Catran, published in 1992. The story follows Robbie Mikkelson, a 13-year-old boy living an ordinary life until he experiences a phenomenon called "prexing," which transports him between two realities.
Plot
[edit]Robbie is an ordinary teenager on Earth, living with his family and dealing with typical school issues. His life changes when Yoona, a girl only he can see, appears and tells him he's needed on Deepwater. Robbie finds himself transported to a massive spaceship where he is Reb, second-in-command. On Deepwater, Reb works with other teenagers—Yoona, Bren, Gret, Lis, and Zak—who are descendants of Solar System colonists. They face challenges including: battling alien creatures (trites, amebs, solunks, and mag-mets), dealing with "Jel," a dangerous substance in the ship's ventilation system, managing long duty shifts to stay alive, growing distrust among the crew, questioning their identities and purpose, Robbie/Reb struggling to reconcile his dual existence as he "prexes" between Earth and Deepwater, with his life on the spaceship becoming increasingly real.
Themes
[edit]- Survival for a greater cause
- Identity and self-discovery
- The role of youth in humanity's future
- Environmental issues
Deepwater Landing (1993)
[edit]The second book focuses on Denie Miles, who awakens on Deepwater as Cei. The ship returns to space searching for a crucial mission element. New threats emerge both on Earth and in space.
Deepwater Angels
[edit]In the final installment, Conn (an "Earthkid") wakes up on Deepwater, which is now stranded on Earth. The crew must complete one last mission on their home planet.
Adaptation
[edit]The trilogy was adapted into a television series in 1997, marking the Sci Fi Channel's first original scripted production. Titled Mission Genesis in the United States, it was a co-production between YTV Network and USA Networks, distributed by Sunbow Entertainment.[1] In Canada and the United Kingdom, the series retained the original title, Deepwater Black.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Swedko, Pam (30 June 1997). "Video Innovations: Deepwater Black: young rave CGI: In-house effects add flexibility". Playback. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ Dafoe, Chris (18 August 1997). "Television: YTV season guaranteed to please tween audience". Globe & Mail.