The Event returns tonight at 8/7c replacing The Cape in NBC’s struggling Monday night lineup.

The series stumbled a bit in the first couple of episodes but it recovered solidly by episode four and shifted to a fast-paced LOST-meets-X-Files (not as good as either, though) type of series that’s worth a look.

The Event doesn’t hold back the answers, instead it gives up the goods and makes the adventure the real mystery. The story has an epic feel that’s still missing in V with the huge story sitting on the shoulders of a single couple and a little girl. It’s complex and it could collapse under the weight of that complexity but if it doesn’t and if it stays alive it could be appointment television. Sure that’s a lot of ifs, but hey, coming off the mess that was The Cape we have nowhere to go but up.

Continue on below to get acquainted or re-acquainted with The Event with a synopsis, recap video, and preview of what’s in the future of the show. You can also join me tonight on Twitter to live chat about the show as it airs; follow @culturesmash.

SYNOPSIS

The Event is an emotional, high-octane conspiracy thriller that follows Sean Walker (Jason Ritter, The Class), an everyman who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his would-be fiancée Leila (Sarah Roemer, Disturbia), and unwittingly begins to expose the biggest cover-up in U.S. history.

Sean’s quest will send ripples through the lives of an eclectic band of strangers, including newly elected U.S. President Elias Martinez (Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, In Treatment); Sophia Maguire (Emmy Award nominee Laura Innes, ER), who is the leader of a mysterious group of detainees; and Leila’s shadowy father (Scott Patterson, Gilmore Girls).

Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind.

Videos

Catch Up With The Event

Preview of What’s to Come