This is one of these shows that is worth more as a whole than the sum of it's smaller parts. Beacon 23 is far from perfect, there could be multiple complaints about characters and the pace, a lot of unnecessary sentimental moments, uneven dialogs and some less impressive plot solutions. However, all these small problems aside, the general premise and the world building is very impressive. This show needs to be evaluated as overall concept and idea, less focusing on a smaller details.

I really liked how the show is built on a proper hard science and not on some fairytale mumbo jumbo like recent Star Trek excrements. Every aspect of the show has real scientific basis, the show only exaggerates it to show very high technological achievements. After all, if people just from 50 years ago would see a movie that reflects exactly our technological reality with all its gadgets and everything we have in real life, they would declare that a lot of it is just unrealistic. What seems unplausible now may well be very realistic in the future. And the show is full of small details that elevate this reality, like the high that humans feel from gravity wave machine, and the bandages that cure cuts and bruises in seconds, and many other similar things that are delivered so casually, without much emphasis at all, like it's a normal thing. It helps to be emerged in the world of the show, to make it very natural.

The show also touches many relevant and interesting themes and questions, like the nature of AI and if its an independent consciousness on the par with human or is it just a machine, sophisticated enough to only seem like it. Based on the show, the difference between AI and humans seems to be related to emotions and ability of humans not always to rely on logic and rationale for decisions making process. A difference that AI seems to understand, but unable to experience. But even in that aspect the show explores anomalies in AI, because Bart seems to learn emotions and was able to adapt to them, although it completely overwhelmed him. And Harmony as well seems to start feeling things similar to emotions, hopefully she adapts better than Bart.

Besides that, the show touches themes of capitalism and corporations, political structures, how religion may evolve in a time of space travel and the science that can seem as miracle. But overall the show is mostly how humans can achieve so much, yet still remain the same on psychological level. No wonder, because homo sapiens as a species remained pretty much the same for thousands of years since they evolved on the plains of Africa, and it's evident they will remain the same long in the future, despite the advanced technology. Whatever drove early humans, still drives us and will keep driving.

A lot of credit goes to the Hugh Howey, the original author. But a credit also goes to the showrunner for knowing how to adapt it into a TV show and how to visualize it correctly. This is the second show based on Howey that I liked. Silo is also based on his books and was also made into an interesting and thought provoking show. Recently I see a lot of announcements of sci fi books adaptations and it's really great. Authors actually know how to write interesting stories and not many TV writers can come close to their level. Will wait for season 2.