9 'Minority Report' Movie References In The Show

It's the same in many ways, but it's not in many more. That's the best way to describe the new FOX series Minority Report when comparing it to the 2002 film starring Tom Cruise. Minority Report the series takes place a decade after the events of the film, but the lingering effects from what transpired are still felt everywhere, especially to the series' main character Dash. What's important to note about the series is that it's not pushing aside what happened in the film, it's embracing the results and using them to create a new storyline in this new, futuristic age. Minority Report references the original movie quite a bit in the pilot, from its big picture message, down to some of the small details. And, it seems to do it in a loving ode to a film that deserves further discussion even as the years go by.

From futuristic technology to the overarching subject of how we treat criminals in society to how we grapple with the idea of free will vs. the current future, Minority Report the series is definitely enjoying how much it gets to play with the ideas of the its predecessor and turning some of those ideas around to make way for a new type of show that doesn't follow exactly in the film's footsteps. For now, the series is being set up as a cop-psychic procedural, but with the addition of some new ideas including a new way to prevent and stop crime via technology called Hawk-Eye, a new dawn of Minority Report is coming. But, at least it's still connected to the world we already know in the following ways.

1. The Recap

Minority Report the series begins with a full recap of the film's events as well as a slightly more detailed backstory for the precogs. There's no doubt in my mind that this backstory will continue to be explored, but the recap definitely gives viewers who have not seen the film all the information they need to watch and appreciate the series even if they haven't seen the movie.

2. Precrime

The series touches on the film's Precrime division quite a bit. At first it's used in the recap and to explain why Dash is roaming around free in the future. But, as the series continues, it will most likely continue to be used to debate how to treat criminals in this futuristic justice system.

3. The Island

The film tells us that after the Precrime division was abolished, the twins were sent to live on a secluded island in peace. This is that same island where one of precogs still resides. But, it's no place of peace for Dash as he continues to see visions of the murders he wants to stop.

4. Agatha

Agatha is the big sister in the precog trio. She currently still lives on the island where the precogs were sent to live in peace, and she is also the precog kidnapped by John Anderton in the film.

5. Wally

Wally was in the film Minority Report as the pre-cog caretaker/technician. He returns for the series as Dash goes to visit Wally when he needs help getting a better, clearer picture of his incomplete visions. Of course, if Wally returns that means some tech involving those visions has to return as well...

6. The Helmet

This creepy helment is also used in the film to help the precogs (in the film's case Agatha, in the series it's Dash) see their visions more clearly. The series references the helmet a few times and is likely to keep it up as the season continues.

7. Muscle Paralyzer

In the film, John uses a temporary muscle paralyzing machine that he stabs into his body much like an EpiPen. In the series, Dash uses one of these devices to roam around undetected. He uses it again to temporarily paralyze one of Detective Vega's legs so he can escape.

8. The Jet Packs

The film has these cool zip line jet packs that the police use to capture their suspects. The officers can release from the line when they reach their destination, and it's actually really cool to watch.

9. The Underlying Issues Of Morality & Society

The series references the film's events and brings up the same questions about free will and the future. Those who were arrested during Precrime were pardoned in the film and are in the series as well, but many are sent to a rehab facility that actually messes with the brains of a few patients, thus the events of the pilot. The question the series brings up is whether or not these "criminals" could actually choose a different fate for themselves and choose not to kill? Tom Cruise's John Anderton chooses not to kill in the film but the attitudes regarding these "precriminals" are still so mixed in this futuristic society on the series. Hopefully the show continues to bring up this debate as the season progresses, and makes even more references to the film that came before.

Images: Katie Yu, Screenshot (8)/FOX