By the end of Expats’ pilot, it becomes clear that the show is less of a mystery and more of a slow burn drama about regret and overcoming trauma. I appreciate that it makes an effort to have its moving parts coalesce around the same subjects and circles, as the characters in these intertwining stories are gently pushed into each other’s orbit. Unfortunately, it makes little effort to be visually distinctive, and it fails to craft a compelling story that leaves you wanting more. There is still more from these characters’ pasts to be unearthed, but it already feels as though we can easily parse together what these backstories will look like. I’m still interested enough to keep watching, but I would be surprised if the series will make for captivating, must-watch TV as it continues.