Misfits / Howard Overman

Misfits

category: fantasy... etc, created by:

Howard Overman

produced by Clerkenwell Films, in 2009,
watched in June 2010 on ABC iview

Agamedes' opinion: 8 out of 10

Whatever you do -- do not start watching this series anywhere other than at episode one!

This is a series with a continuing and developing story. Also... it just may not make sense if you start watching at a later episode:-)

Misfits is -- according to Wikipedia -- a "Supernatural drama, Dark comedy, Superhero, Teen drama". I'll just categorise it as fantasy and subadult. Comedy? Yes, it's there -- but that's not the main thrust of the series... it's a drama. Dark comedy? Not really... The comedy is funny. It just happens to be set in the middle of a drama.

Classic comedy scene, where the time-reverser finally manages to dump his former girlfriend: Clever edit, minimum time spent for maximum explanation of his difficulties. With an over-riding demonstration of what a nice person he really is.

Plus, there's the regular chuckle with the running gag of what other strange super-powers have been created.

This series aims at a "subadult" audience. The characters, language, dress sense, all are for younger people. Yet the story and characters could appeal to all ages. The characters are extreme, yet sympathetic. Even the smart alec ratbag is starting to become more likeable, as he ... well... learns life's lessons of friendship and trust. Perhaps.

The language is rough, plenty of expletives-not-deleted. The accents are mixed, with at least one star being almost incomprehensible. The sex scenes are regular, though only one was explicit. This is a show for the adult subadult.

Misfits is both clever and enjoyable.

Clever?

Just watch the time-reversal episode... One of the best stories that I have seen, to explain the difficulties of changing the past in order to improve the present. There is a slow start, to explain what is happening. Then faster and faster, edit and cut, flash back leap forward, as we understand the principles and need to see the action. With a very satisfactory and absolutely believable result.

I stopped reading the Wikipedia article when it seemed to be approaching a plot spoiler. Now, I am eagerly waiting for next week's episode...

..o0o..

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