Waiting for The Last of Us to return? Fox's The Passage might be just the fix you need. This 10-episode sci-fi thriller, based on Justin Cronin's novels that predate the hit game, follows a gruff ex-military man tasked with delivering a young girl to scientists experimenting on her to save humanity—while monsters lurk in the shadows. It's a familiar setup, but The Passage carves its own eerie path.
A Father-Daughter Bond That Hits Hard
At its heart, The Passage thrives on the relationship between Agent Wolgast (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and orphaned Amy Bellafonte (Saniyya Sidney). Wolgast is ordered to bring Amy to Project Noah, a secret facility trying to harness a vampiric virus to fight an oncoming plague. But almost immediately, he abandons his mission to protect her. Their chemistry is electric—Amy is clever as a fox and fiercely loyal, while Wolgast is instantly endearing. Sidney, only 12 during filming, delivers a performance that feels raw and real, never falling into the trap of precocious child characters. Together, they create a bond that makes every scene compelling.
Virals: More Than Just Monsters
The show's creatures, called "virals," are a standout. Infected with the virus Project Noah is studying, they're outwardly ghastly and animalistic, but they communicate through a complex telepathic network. When they appear in visions, they look beautiful and seductive, luring humans into their web. The virus doesn't erase their humanity—it heightens what's already there. Patient zero, Tim Fanning (Jamie McShane), uses his powers to infect his best friend's wife, Elizabeth, to cure her Alzheimer's, driven by love and obsession. This gothic sci-fi blend makes the virals deeply personal villains.
Stellar Performances Across the Board
The cast is phenomenal. Gosselaar and Sidney anchor the series with warmth and grit, while Henry Ian Cusick's Dr. Lear and McShane's Fanning share a heartbreakingly layered dynamic. Lear knows Fanning had an affair with his wife, yet still fights to save him from the virus. Their scenes are painful and beautiful, a testament to the actors' skill. It's a shame The Passage was canceled after just one season—it was building something truly intriguing. For fans of top-tier thrillers, this overlooked gem is a must-watch.
If you're into sci-fi binges or just need a Last of Us fix, The Passage delivers. Stream it now on Amazon Video.
