MARVEL has turned into an entertainment machine with multiple films and TV shows all over. Outside of the main MCU, there's another universe of X Men's world. Legion has been widely loved and Inhumans is a different story. The Gifted is definitely a gift. And it had Stan Lee in it. Another gift!
The series stars Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker as ordinary parents who take their family on the run after they discover their children's mutant abilities. Sean Teale, Jamie Chung, Coby Bell, Emma Dumont, Blair Redford, Natalie Alyn Lind, and Percy Hynes White also star in the show.
So, here's some thoughts
THE GOOD
- The cast. It's a beautiful cast, literally (they are all too good looking, like they walked out of a catalogue). I may not be excited about age/looks diversity, but that never hurt a show.
- The cast. It's kind of a talented dream cast
- Stephen Moyer is stellar as Reed Strucker. Who better could you ask for! he makes a good passionate father, wicked lawyer and a cool character.
- Our favorite Jamie Chung. She's a mutant, BLINK. And she got character. (She destroys a puppy's favorite toy, and then "puts it back" together).
- Natalie Alyn Lind as Lauren Strucker is quite something. She makes her character interesting, and not your atypical teenaged girl. Good job!
- Emma Dumont as Lorna Dane / Polaris, Magneto's daughter is pretty cool. Would we see Magneto too? Yes please!
- It's quite interesting, fast paced and filled with plot twists. A lot happens in first episode itself. We find a normal human family, that turns out to have mutant kids, that's getting chased by government, so they are on run, and they get separated. And that's just half of it. There's also an underground Mutant network, that we will learn more about.
- It's our favorite X-Men. They establish the connection quite well, for the fans to keep them excited and connected.
- There's impressive social commentary, from prosecution of minorities, to immigration, to bullying to lot more. Job well done!
NOT-SO-GOOD
- Reed Strucker seems kind of a rushed character. From being Government agent/lawyer prosecuting mutants, to suddenly making deals with them, it was not fully palatable in just one episode. I understand it's his family, bit you would expect him to try the system first.
- Amy Acker as Caitlin Strucker is grossly underused. She's just there to bash her kids and respond to surprises that come her way. It's just the pilot, so hopefully it changes as we move forward.
- Several other characters or not fussed out yet, but it is just pilot, and there are lot of characters. So I guess we shall wait.
- Not enough action, one may say!
- Reminded me of Heroes. Not that it's a bad thing necessarily, but not very original.
So, if you are not into sci-fi, comic book, superhero/superpower shows, you may wanna stay clear of this (I'll still suggest you check it out, for social commentary etc). But otherwise, enjoy this good pilot of hopefully a good show!