Remedy has always worn its television and film influences on its sleeve, and Quantum Break is no different. During our visit to Remedy to see Quantum Break, we asked many of the game's leads what their favorite TV shows past and present are, regardless of their direct influence on Quantum Break. We also asked about time-travel films, and which ones are at the forefront of their minds while building Quantum Break.
Creative Director Sam Lake's Favorite TV Shows
Game of Thrones– It’s awesome.
True Detective– I haven’t given up on True Detective. The first season was really, really good. The second season got so much trash, but I don’t think it was quite that bad. I still am looking forward to the third one.
Fargo– It was awesome. I am really looking forward to the second season.
Twin Peaks– With Alan Wake, Twin Peaks obviously. That made a big, big impression back then.
X-Files– I liked X-Files… some of it.
Penny Dreadful– I like that quite a lot.
A surprise absence on Sam Lake's list was Twilight Zone. It was a show we wrongfully assumed would be a favorite of Lake's, considering the allusions to it throughout Alan Wake. When asked about the show, Lake said, "I used to watch, but I never was a huge fan. There were some episodes that would stay with you, but as a whole? It just fit the tone and stylization of Alan Wake. Mikko Rautalahti, senior writer, well he’s actually story team manager is his title these days, he is more of a Twilight Zone fan and he wrote all the Night Springs episodes."
Narrative Designer Greg Louden's Favorite TV Shows
Last Week Tonight– I think the political insight is brilliant. I really love watching the show every week. That’s the show I watch every week to see what’s happened.
Daredevil– I’ve really liked Wilson Fisk in Daredevil, the Netflix show. I think that’s brilliant and I love all the twists and turns that Drew Goddard’s got in there.
Narcos– I watched the pilot for Narcos. I have no idea what the show is going to be like by the end, but I think it kind of felt like Goodfellas, but from the DEA perspective.
Louden also offered up a list of shows that have more direct influences on Quantum Break, whether it's a matter of tone, time-travel elements, or narrative overlap. "There was Sliders back in the day, but I don’t think that really serves as an influence. Lost, for sure. I think in general, same with Alan Wake, we’ve always got plot twists in the end, and it’s very much like Lost– even Drew Goddard’s Daredevil has a little of that as well. We’re always pushing for that stuff," Louden said. "True Detective has been cool and influential for the project. Breaking Bad, as well – a lot of influences you wouldn’t expect. Moments from Breaking Bad that you wouldn’t think belong in a time-travel story? Definitely in Quantum Break. Stuff from True Detective that’s about detectives? That’s there as well. We’re very aware of what’s happening, and we’re always trying to take those ideas and push them further."
Remedy Art Director Saku Lehtinen's Favorite TV Shows
Star Trek– I actually like the original one the most. That was the one that got me into it. And then, later, Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Battlestar Galactica– I am apparently a sci-fi buff, because the latest Battlestar Galactica is quite awesome.
Breaking Bad– I was a few years late, but I thought it was quite awesome.
Drama Director Stobe Harju's Favorite TV Shows
Breaking Bad– I really enjoyed Breaking Bad. Everybody did.
Better Call Saul– I think that is going really well.
The Walking Dead– Here comes a clichéd one, but I really enjoy The Walking Dead, even though I know there are many people who don’t – especially our writers don’t – but I really like the one-on-one drama they have.
The Bridge– There is a Danish TV series called The Bridge, which is pretty damn good. It’s about this detective – very grim. You guys probably wouldn’t get that in the United States, but I think there is a remake, maybe.
For the time-travel films Remedy looked to when making Quantum Break, head to page two.
