Netflix’s The OA is a mind-bending sci-fi series that is incredibly difficult to watch because of its frustrating final episode. The streaming platform has created some fantastic TV shows like Squid Game, Bridgerton, and You that have become pop culture phenomena. With that said, the streaming giant still hasn’t dominated the sci-fi genre.
In 2016, Netflix made an ambitious move with the creation of The OA. Although this pointed to the streamer going in the right direction when it came to its sci-fi offerings, fans were left disappointed when The OA was unceremoniously canceled after two seasons. 10 years later, The OA’s cut still stings, particularly because the series ended before it reached its full potential.
The OA Is One Of Netflix’s Best Sci-Fi Series
Prairie in a hospital bed touching Nancy’s face
Stranger Things, Black Mirror, and 3 Body Problem have proved that Netflix has what it takes to produce sci-fi series that leave a lasting impression. The aforementioned TV shows became major hits once they were released, but one of Netflix’s best science fiction series hasn’t had the privilege of having the kind of popularity that it deserves.
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The first five minutes of The OA are deceptively simple. The sci-fi series begins when a blind woman who went missing years ago returns to her hometown with her vision restored. What follows is a mind-bending story with plot twists that no one sees coming. From its very first episode, the Netflix sci-fi show reveals that it isn’t afraid of taking risks when it comes to its characters, themes, and plotline.
The OA is, of course, a sci-fi TV, but it is in many ways more than that. The NDEs (Near-Death Experiences) that the characters go through raise questions about what happens when we die, whether traveling across realities is possible, and our place in the universe. The OA blends science fiction and spirituality with Gnostic philosophy, resulting in a multidimensional show.
The OA Season 2 Ended On A Cliffhanger
At the end of The OA season 2, Prairie and the other characters in the series break the fourth wall. They are depicted on a film set, alluding to the possibility that they are part of our reality. While it seems like that might be the case, the truth of what is actually happening isn’t revealed.
The Netflix series never truly solves all the mysteries that are presented during its run. The show masterfully keeps its best card hidden and prompts viewers to think about what’s real and what could be made up. The OA’s season 2 cliffhanger ensures that it left enough breadcrumbs for audiences to follow, but shies away from making the discovery of its true meaning too easy.
The cliffhanger in the sci-fi series’ final episode points to the show continuing for another season, because leaving such an important twist hanging wouldn’t make sense. Unfortunately, Netflix still canceled the show to the dismay of The OA’s fans and cast. According to reports, The OA was expensive to create, as sci-fi TV shows often are. As much as the series was loved, it just wasn’t bringing in enough viewership numbers to balance the expenses (via BBC).
Watching The OA Is A Bittersweet Experience
Dimensions in the OA
The OA is such a riveting series because, despite the many theories that fans made about the events in the show, it was incredibly difficult to predict what could happen next for Prairie and her friends. Watching The OA is an incredible experience, but it’s also a double-edged sword because of the knowledge that the story isn’t complete.
Granted, the fact that the series doesn’t answer its questions can be a deterrent for some, but The OA is still worth watching due to how unique its concept is. There really aren’t any other TV shows that are as thought-provoking, original, or have the emotional pull of the show. It’s been a decade since The OA was canceled by Netflix, but the demand for its return hasn’t waned.
Source: BBC
Release Date
2016 – 2019-00-00
Network
Netflix
Directors
Andrew Haigh
Writers
Dominic Orlando, Henry Bean, Damien Ober, Ruby Rae Spiegel
Brit Marling
OA / Nina Azarova
