‘Revolution’ is a great addition to Monday night TV

For months, people have been buzzing about J.J. Abrams’ new television series, "Revolution," which premiered Monday night on NBC. The pilot episode can be summed up in one word – amazing.

That said, if you were not a fan of Abrams’ last big hit, "Lost," then you probably won’t like "Revolution." The two shows are remarkably similar, but Abrams’ latest has more of a family-first theme and much more action.

Not even one minute into the series, the action begins.

Ben Matheson rushes frantically into his Chicago home after work one night to tell his wife to hurry because they don’t have much time.

That’s when it happens. Everything turns off, and it doesn’t come back on. Cars, phones, lights. Nothing works anymore. Everything we rely on for day-to-day life in the 21st century is a thing of the past (pun intended).

Fast forward 15 years later, and the world seems to be surviving but not thriving. The Mathesons have moved out of the city and joined a small, self-reliant community. In one of the earliest conflicts of the series, we learn that Ben’s wife, mother of main character Charlie, has died in the past 15 years.

Then the local militia, known as the Monroe Republic, shows up in the Matheson’s village.

They shoot Ben and take his son, Danny. With what are presumably his dying words, Ben tells his daughter Charlie to seek her Uncle Miles in Chicago.

And so the adventure begins.

Young, stubborn and beautiful, Charlie Matheson is played by Tracy Spiridakos. If we were comparing to "Lost," Charlie would be the Kate Austen. Spiridakos has exceeded expectations thus far.

"Its about love and family in many ways, with a lot of adventure and fun, fun, fun, fun stuff," Spiridakos said in an NBC exclusive. "Crazy things happen, scary things happen, but overall, it’s a really fun adventure."

Spiridakos isn’t lying about the love and family either. That seems to be the basis for the whole show until this point. No matter what happens, it’s clear family always comes first for the characters. Every event that takes place is tied into the family theme somehow.

Charlie’s brother, Danny Matheson, was just a baby when the "blackout" occurred. Graham Rogers takes on the role of Danny.

"I guess it’s about a family reuniting," Rogers said. His favorite thing about his character is that "he’s not like most kids because he didn’t grow up with technology or can’t even comprehend what it is."

Is it any surprise J.J. Abrams has created another masterpiece? Was anyone expecting "Revolution" to suck? I don’t think so. But, even with the bar set so high, the show still delivered.

"Revolution" airs every Monday night at 10 p.m., but full-length episodes are also available at www.nbc.com/revolution. This is a must-watch show.