SkimIt
Thanks to cable network Logo, US viewers can now watch this British hit about a group of teenage delinquents who gain super powers thanks to an abnormal electrical storm.
What works most for Misfits is its stellar cast of relatable characters. Iwan Rheon stars as Simon, a slightly creepy loner who gains the power of invisibility. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett stars as Curtis, a talented athlete who was disgraced after being caught with drugs. Curtis gains the power to reverse time, something that comes in handy given the group's tendency to land in dangerous situations. Lauren Socha stars as Kelly, a straight-talking insecure girl who gains the ability to hear others' thoughts. Antonia Thomas stars as Alisha, a pretty, somewhat vain young woman who is given the most problematic of powers. Alisha's power is activated by touch, in that whenever someone touches her, they have an overwhelming -- and often violent -- sexual reaction to her. And Robert Sheehan stars as Nathan, the childish goofball lacking a verbal filter. Nathan is frustrated, as he is unable to figure out what his power is or if he has one at all.
With the exception of the seemingly-powerless Nathan, all of the characters gain powers that reflect something about their personalities or personal struggles. Simon's power reflects his feeling of being invisible and unimportant to those around him, while Curtis' power plays on his desire to go back in time and make different decisions. As someone who worries about what the people around her think of her, Kelly's power lets her hear their thoughts. Unfortunately, Kelly does not get to choose which thoughts she hears and that inability to turn off her power makes it difficult for her to interact with others. And Alisha's power takes her sexuality and turns it against her. Like Kelly, Alisha struggles with her power and how it changes her approach to those around her. The challenges these kids deal with thanks to their powers is a highlight of the show's first season, as is the growing friendship between them.
Misfits is far from a show for everyone, which is possibly why it took so long for an American network to pick up the rights to the series. Full of sexuality, violence and crude humor, the show is geared toward an audience not bothered by those elements. The series is a good fit for a network that showcases LGBT-themed material, as it often blurs the lines of gender and sexuality and centers on a group of outsiders who find friendship and acceptance by tackling their problems as one. Let's hope an American audience will embrace this delightfully different -- and undeniably British -- series.
Misfits airs Thursday nights at 10/9c on Logo.
