DVD Review: ‘Misfits Season Three’

Article first published as DVD Review: ‘Misfits Season Three’ on Blogcritics.

Misfits Season Three was recently released on DVD by the BBC. In these eight episodes, the familiar not-quite-heroes figure out their new powers, but more importantly, try to decide what they want for themselves in their lives. It’s a series with super-human abilities, but the characters are extremely down-to-earth, and their complicated relationships, both within and outside of the group, are the focus of the story.

As season three begins, Nathan (Robert Sheehan) has moved to Vegas with his lady love, leaving a hole in the central gang. It is quickly filled by Rudy (Joseph Gilgun, Emmerdale), a young man who is as obnoxious and overly sexualized as Nathan, but who is more open about his insecurities that make him that way. In this manner, Rudy does not quite replace Nathan, but serves in a similar capacity, while also deepening the archetype in a new and engaging way.

Rudy’s power is that he can split himself in two, essentially separating his good side from his bad, though neither personality is as extreme as one might expect from watching other science fiction shows. It’s cool that Misfits takes such an old trope and puts their own unique, grounded spin on it, as the series has done with other superhero elements. This also provides an appropriate conceit to illustrate Rudy’s inner turmoil.

In season two, viewers saw a badass future version of Simon (Iwan Rheon) come back in time to save his lady love, Alisha (Antonia Thomas), only to die in her arms. In this third outing, young Simon is striving to become that man, though Alisha doesn’t want him to be, as the end result would be her losing the guy she cares deeply about. Must Simon fulfill his destiny, or can time be re-written?

This question plagues the story for a lot of season three in a very intriguing way. There is an examination of fate, and a discussion about whether Alisha would just disappear if Simon doesn’t go back, or if, now that she’s been saved, she’ll be OK. Ultimately, the fate of Simon and Alisha is both poetic and poignant, not quite answering these queries, but providing a satisfying conclusion just the same.

Kelly (Lauren Socha) soon discovers her new power, being a rocket scientist, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when people have a hard time taking her seriously because of her physical appearance and accent. Similarly, Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) has many difficulties with his ability to turn into a girl, especially when sex is involved. Both of these seem more like comic relief than Simon and Alisha’s plot, but find room to delve into pathos occasionally, too.

Most of the eight hours in season three are concerned with these character-driven arcs, as well as Kelly’s relationship with power broker Seth (Matthew McNulty). But a couple of installments interrupt most of the forward momentum to present an alternate, Nazi-controlled timeline or battle zombies. Misfits is stronger in keeping to the bigger stories, not being bogged down in weekly stuff, so thankfully there is much more of the former.

At the conclusion of the season, the past comes back to haunt the group, quite literally, as three of the characters they previously killed (including a Downton Abbey star) return as ghosts that can interact with the physical world. It’s a cool callback, especially as most of the central cast ends their story permanently, and a prompt to examine what has happened to the characters, as well as who they have become. It’s a wonderful ending.

The three disc set includes a few special features. Each episode has around 3 minutes of Behind the Scenes footage, too brief to be very informative, but it does give us a glimpse of what happens on set. The featurettes on visual effects and stunts are more than ten minutes each, and go a bit deeper, though also aren’t anything special, too technical for the casual fan, but too light for those actually excited about such things. And there’s an “On the Set” bonus that is interesting.

The best inclusions are two extended webisodes, “Vegas” and “Erazer.” “Vegas” is what happens to Nathan after leaving the group, giving us a glimpse of what he is up to now. The story is totally in keeping with the established character, whom is missed, so the mini-episode is welcome. “Erazer” explores a brand-new hero, which kind of makes it case-of-the-week stuff, but it’s short and artistic and presented separately, so it’s more fascinating than distracting to the overall story.

That makes this a great set for Misfits fans, a fitting continuation of the story. Misfits Season Three is available now.

Mistfits still up to no good in season two

Article first published as Misfits still up to no good in season two on TheTVKing

The second season of the British series Misfits is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from the BBC. All five of the main characters from season one return, the same as ever, but their world is changing. They are approaching the end of their community service, and taking stock of what the powers mean to them and how they can be used in their lives. They aren't the only ones around with powers, though, and as the world begins to find out about people like them, it becomes harder to maintain control over what they want and who they are.

Misfits is a fantastic show. It's about characters that look and act like regular people, and who live in a low-income area. They aren't middle class, by any means, which already makes the series feel different and unique. While there have been many shows about people with superhuman powers, these characters aren't heroes, either, further setting itself apart.

This is a gritty, realistic look at a familiar world turned on its head. Good does not always win the day, and people don't always do the right thing. Great power may come with great responsibility, but that doesn't mean that there will be capes and tights and rescuing damsels in distress. Even those who have developed beyond the average person in the evolutionary scale still have lives to lead, and everything doesn't get put on hold, nor come easily, just because they can do something extraordinary.

Plus, the writing and the acting are just so sharp, it really is hard to give a feel of the tone and makeup of the show in a written review. You must watch it to get a feel for what it is doing.

The characters grow deeper and develop in season two. Simon (Iwan Rheon) is the most dynamic, coming out of his shy boy shell, and finding love for the first time. He alone maintains a moral compass, and while he isn't infallible, he is the rock that the others can lean on. He becomes their equal this year, no longer just the weird kid they tolerate, and his nobility allows him to be a leader, and to begin to be seen as such by his peers, even if his potential is not yet fully realized.

There are plenty of opportunities for romance for all of the main players. Alisha (Antonia Thomas) moves beyond her games with Curtis (Nathan Stewart-James) to find something real. Curtis, too, moves onto someone better for him, discovering Nikki (Ruth Negga), who sort of joins their little band. The long-anticipated (by Nathan) hook up between Kelly (Lauren Socha) and Nathan (Robert Sheehan) goes about as expected, but even Nathan finds himself maturing a bit by the end of the year.

Besides the personal stuff, which is great, there are bigger arcs going on this year, which also challenge the turpitude of the cast. First, there's a mysterious man in a mask, who ends up holding quite a few surprises for our protagonists, as well as hints at some of what will come. Then, they encounter a handful of others with powers, some good, some bad, with mixed results. Their secrets are exposed, and they go public in a very big way. Finally, a man who desires to be worshiped like Jesus Christ becomes their most dangerous foe yet.

The year ends with major self-evaluations for everyone, and a shake up that may or may not result in them each getting different powers for the next year. The ending is a little ambiguous, but there is definitely potential for some fresh new direction next season.

This two disc set, which contains seven exciting episodes, also has a trio of featurettes that enrich the viewing experience. We get to go behind the scenes, hear about how the show is made, and some bonus scenes are included. None of these are too short, and fill out the set nicely.

Misfits Season 2 is well worth your time. Check it out.

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Misfits Season One crashes onto DVD

The latest import from the U.K. is Misfits Season One. While a fourth season is in production across the pond, we finally get the first six episodes of the saga on DVD. Five young people working community service are struck by lightening in an ice storm and end up with super powers. Figuring out how these new abilities affect their lives, which pretty much stay status quo, is difficult. Especially when trying to get away with murder.

The quote on the front cover of Misfits compares the show to Heroes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This is woefully inaccurate, as this series resembles both very little. Of course, it doesn't really resemble anything else, either, making comparisons hard.

The cool thing about the world of Misfits is that not only are these average people, but they stay average people, at least in season one. Others around them have been affected by the storm, too, so it's not like they are particularly special. They don't attempt to fight crimes, or begin to alter their schedules. They just go about their lives, adapting to the changing circumstances.

If you think that's a little bit odd, you're right. That is the one thing that nags throughout the episodes. If the affects are so widespread, why is it never covered as a news event? How come the police aren't shown to be investigating, or the government taking action? This kind of thing could not happen in modern society without repercussions of the type that are not seen on Misfits.

On the other hand, part of the theme of Misfits is that these characters are people who do not fit into society. They don't go with the normal flow, so it is arguable that they could be unaware of any such public action, and remain outside of those circles. In that regard, it is forgivable, as long as it is addressed in future seasons.

The characters of Misfits are all unique individuals, and the powers they get are based upon the personalities of each. Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) is a runner who made a mistake that he regrets, so he gains the power to go back in time and change things. Alisha (Antonia Thomas) likes boys, and soon she can make them lust after her. Simon (Iwan Rheon) is lonely and feels invisible... literally. Kelly (Lauren Socha) gains the ability to read thoughts. And smarmy Nathan (Robert Sheehan), well, you'll just have to wait and see about him.

The stories are interesting too. Sure, these guys will encounter others with powers, and that does lead to some conflict. But more important is how these new changes impact upon their normal activities. Some get to dwell for entire episodes, while others get scenes in multiple installments that explore the possibilities. Each is a rich personality, well acted in an authentic way.

The cast is buoyed by some wonderful recurring characters that help to flesh out their world. In particular is Sally (Alex Reid, Ultimate Force), a parole office who is searching for what happened to her fiance. Tony (Danny Sapani, The Bill) is memorable as the original guardian of the misfits, and viewers might recognize Michelle Fairley from Game of Thrones as Nathan's mother, who appears at least one time too few.

The thing most striking about Misfits is how different it is from your average show, and how almost none of the major characters have the typical look of an actor, especially for those of us accustomed to Hollywood's standards of beauty. It lends a level of reality to the proceedings, especially when the great, believable acting really sucks you into this world. This is a series I would recommend checking out for sure.

If you're a fan of bonus features, Misfits has you covered. There are a ton of interviews with various cast and crew. Three "Making Of" featurettes last over half an hour, breaking down the casting of the main characters, as well as two special effects sequences. There are also four of Simon's short films, which he is seen making throughout the episodes, and contain mostly new footage. Together, all of this is definitely enough to satisfy.

Misfits Season One is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Misfits Season One on Blogcritics.