TV Show review
October 19, 2023 · TV-MA · Canceled · Action · Drama · Sci-Fi · Animation · Fantasy · Adventure
Stream on HBO Max, YouTube TV
Based on 1 season, 12 episodes · through November 9, 2023
Scavengers Reign is an animated science fiction series about the survivors of a damaged space freighter who crash-land on a dangerous alien planet. The show follows three separate groups as they try to survive the hostile wildlife and find a way back home. The series features highly capable female characters of color and a prominent lesbian relationship that is shown in flashbacks and a character reunion. These identity elements and themes of environmental cooperation are easily visible but mostly serve the survival plot.
Why 52%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Scavengers Reign.
Woke representation / casting
The voice cast is highly diverse, featuring prominent women of color in the main roles. Azi, a major character, is a lesbian who is in a relationship with another woman. Because of this confirmed LGBTQ+ representation, the score is higher. The casting shows a clear focus on diverse identity, but it fits the futuristic sci-fi setting.
60%
Woke political dialogue
The show has very little spoken dialogue in general. It does not contain direct political lectures or activist preaching. Most conversations are about survival or local situations, though there are minor sci-fi themes about corporate negligence.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
The plot focuses mostly on survival on a hostile alien world. However, Azi’s backstory and personal motivation heavily feature her romantic relationship with another woman, Mia. Because of this confirmed lesbian romance, the score is elevated. The theme is present but does not take over the whole show.
35%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show has some subtle critiques of corporate greed and weak-willed ambition through the character of Kamen. He causes the ship's crash due to his careerism and insecurity. Another character, Kris, represents a cold survival strategy that contrasts with the cooperative nature of the planet.
15%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some viewers on Reddit, Metacritic, and Steam complained about the show being woke. They criticized the lesbian relationship as forced. They also pointed out that the female characters are highly competent while the main white male character is weak and easily manipulated.
30%
Creator track record context
Most of the directors and creators have no public history of activism or social-justice work. However, some producers and writers have minor connections to diversity and inclusion programs in the animation industry.
25%
Production
