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| The Gifted |
Welcome to a new column called Channel Surfing, in which I sporadically look at current TV shows and talk about them. These are not ones that I care to write weekly recaps for and are instead reflections either on the episode, the series, or particular moments. This will hopefully help to share personal opinions as well as discover entertainment on the outer pantheon that I feel is well worth checking out, or in some cases, shows that are weird enough to talk about, but should never be seen.
It seems to be a big week for the X-Men franchise. Following last week's Inhumans, Fox gets in on the game with a show that isn't afraid to say the "X" word. Even though this doesn't feature heroes like Storm, Rogue, or Wolverine, The Gifted definitely feels like an extension of the cinematic universe that audiences have known for most of the 21st century. There's a desire to control mutant powers, a certain level of oppression, and the same familial aspects that have made the series generally admirable. But one must wonder how The Gifted could possibly separate itself from every other X-Men based show from 2017. While Legion is in a league of its own, The Gifted has at least the distinct honor of being the second best show of the three because it feels like it has real characters and stakes, which is not too bad given that the first episode is at times slow and/or anticlimactic.
Though one cannot fault the show for not trying. The opening scene portrays a chase sequence that is meant to convey the excitement for how things will be. These characters can escape any trouble no matter how big or small, and there's also a sense of hopelessness; as if they are unable to survive without each other. There's nothing wrong with this logic, as it does a solid job of establishing a world with a memorable moment. Who wouldn't want to watch a show that has an exciting opener that pops with a life that TV's realm of superhero shows should have? It's especially charming given that this hasn't been seen too often outside of The CW's version of the D.C. Universe, which even then shows the wear and tear of smaller TV budgets.
If there's one area that the show needs to work on, its general pacing. As with most pilots, the exposition to establish the world may suck out the momentum. However, the show manages to find some heart in its characters with small moments that make the larger plot matter. Simple tricks such as showing faulty teleportation, or a party gone wrong are enough to make The Gifted's outcast scenario make sense. The only issue is that they still come across as insecure and a bit unformed within the universe. Of course, it doesn't help that in general these are B-Level X-Men characters who have standard powers. It will take awhile for them to differentiate themselves from the bigger movie franchise. If nothing else, one hurdle that they will have to overcome is being the same concept, but in an underground bunker. Everyone still needs to learn how to control themselves, and there's some fun in watching the trial and error.
Still, it's an establishment episode that doesn't have a lot of fun when it's not playing up the big action moments. The actors are good, but aren't given a chance to do much with the story that doesn't feel reminiscent of the X-Men's more dramatic elements. With that said, it works most of the times in ways that will appease fans who want to see mutant teenagers kick butt. There's definitely a lot of anticipation in the final stretch for the show to turn in a few juicy battle royales when the moment arrives. For now, it has ended on an inciting incident that will hopefully bring out the best in the series and get the ball rolling. Will it? One can only hope.
The Gifted is by no means an awful show, though it hasn't done much that is memorable yet. Still the idea of a conventional X-Men drama on basic networks sounds a bit appealing, if just to expand the world and possibly serve as a healthy competition to their older siblings. For now, the show is fine and has plenty of catchy moments to suggest promise. Whether or not it will be delivered on is another matter. Even then, it's nice to see a show unafraid to legally say the "X" word and feel like it's part of a universe instead of hiding behind obscure and abstract properties that nobody would tell the difference between. It may never be Legion good, but it could be The CW good in time.
Though one cannot fault the show for not trying. The opening scene portrays a chase sequence that is meant to convey the excitement for how things will be. These characters can escape any trouble no matter how big or small, and there's also a sense of hopelessness; as if they are unable to survive without each other. There's nothing wrong with this logic, as it does a solid job of establishing a world with a memorable moment. Who wouldn't want to watch a show that has an exciting opener that pops with a life that TV's realm of superhero shows should have? It's especially charming given that this hasn't been seen too often outside of The CW's version of the D.C. Universe, which even then shows the wear and tear of smaller TV budgets.
If there's one area that the show needs to work on, its general pacing. As with most pilots, the exposition to establish the world may suck out the momentum. However, the show manages to find some heart in its characters with small moments that make the larger plot matter. Simple tricks such as showing faulty teleportation, or a party gone wrong are enough to make The Gifted's outcast scenario make sense. The only issue is that they still come across as insecure and a bit unformed within the universe. Of course, it doesn't help that in general these are B-Level X-Men characters who have standard powers. It will take awhile for them to differentiate themselves from the bigger movie franchise. If nothing else, one hurdle that they will have to overcome is being the same concept, but in an underground bunker. Everyone still needs to learn how to control themselves, and there's some fun in watching the trial and error.
Still, it's an establishment episode that doesn't have a lot of fun when it's not playing up the big action moments. The actors are good, but aren't given a chance to do much with the story that doesn't feel reminiscent of the X-Men's more dramatic elements. With that said, it works most of the times in ways that will appease fans who want to see mutant teenagers kick butt. There's definitely a lot of anticipation in the final stretch for the show to turn in a few juicy battle royales when the moment arrives. For now, it has ended on an inciting incident that will hopefully bring out the best in the series and get the ball rolling. Will it? One can only hope.
The Gifted is by no means an awful show, though it hasn't done much that is memorable yet. Still the idea of a conventional X-Men drama on basic networks sounds a bit appealing, if just to expand the world and possibly serve as a healthy competition to their older siblings. For now, the show is fine and has plenty of catchy moments to suggest promise. Whether or not it will be delivered on is another matter. Even then, it's nice to see a show unafraid to legally say the "X" word and feel like it's part of a universe instead of hiding behind obscure and abstract properties that nobody would tell the difference between. It may never be Legion good, but it could be The CW good in time.
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