Entertainment
Hulu’s 5-Part Superhero Sci-Fi Series Is Perfect From Start to Finish
The sci-fi genre has received a lot of attention recently with shows like Pluribus, Severance, Murderbot, and many more. However, one notable entry into the genre that deserves more attention isn’t particularly new. In 2009, sci-fi fans were introduced to the fascinating superhero comedy Misfits, which follows a group of teens in trouble with the law as they accidentally gain supernatural powers, placing them in danger. Not only is it an original take on the traditional superhero origin, but with five seasons, Misfits will keep you entertained for a while, especially as it only gets better.
With a talented cast, many of whom were only beginning their careers, Misfits becomes a coming-of-age story as the characters grow from misbehaving teens into more balanced, though still flawed, adults. Even as the cast changes, the show remains engaging with its dark and cynical exploration of superpowers. In this way, Misfits was ahead of its time. These days, there are many gritty superhero shows that question the traditional story, from The Boys to Umbrella Academy to Doom Patrol, but at the time, Misfits was a unique concept. This deconstruction of the superhero narrative highlights the characters’ flaws as well as their powers, creating a more complex and rewarding story that viewers can easily invest in.
What Is ‘Misfits’ About?
While there are many twists along the way, Misfits follows a group of superpowered teens as they figure out who they are. The story begins with Alisha (Antonia Thomas), Simon (Iwan Rheon), Kelly (Lauren Socha), Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), and Nathan (Robert Sheehan), five young individuals doing community service, when a supernatural thunderstorm hits. This gives them unexpected superpowers, or most of them. Nathan struggles to figure out what he can do, while Alisha realizes she can arouse people with a touch, Simon turns invisible, Kelly develops telepathy, and Curtis can rewind time. Yet, they are not the only ones affected; their probation officer, Tony (Danny Sapani), receives superstrength, but it also amplifies his rage, sending him into a frenzy directed at the children. After killing him in self-defense, they must hide the truth of what happened, including their powers, which is easier said than done, especially once Tony’s fiancée and fellow probation officer, Sally (Alex Reid), comes into their lives.
However, with five seasons, that is only the beginning of their journey. The threats they face grow, going from angry probation officers to religious cults and power-switching villains. This allows the story to develop in unexpected ways, and it certainly takes advantage of that. Misfits often takes bizarre twists, incorporating concepts like time travel and resurrection, which are always good for a surprise. However, the show also features grounded elements by showing realistic character struggles, such as difficult family situations, exploring sexuality, and a lack of self-confidence. The result is an exciting series that is impossible to stop.
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‘Misfits’ Isn’t Your Average Superhero Show
While superheroes have become widely popular, Misfits doesn’t follow all the classic hallmarks of that genre. The series is a less optimistic version of the story as the characters struggle more than ever after they get their abilities. With a grim and violent tone, Misfits doesn’t follow your typical heroes, and that is especially clear in the abilities they receive. The group doesn’t get random powers, but ones that highlight their flaws and insecurities. Take Simon, for example, who often feels ignored and isolated even before he can turn invisible, which only amplifies those feelings. Similarly, Curtis’ power of rewinding time is tied to his feelings of regret. This unconventional method of assigning power highlights the character’s personal struggles and makes their abilities darkly ironic.
As a show centering around the young and superpowered, Misfits is in the vein of Gen V or Marvel’s Runaways, but it was years ahead of its time. When the show premiered in 2009, superheroes were not yet at the peak of their popularity, and a show that highlights the flaws in the hero system was not what people were looking for. However, today, these are some of the most intriguing additions to the genre. Misfits picks apart the traditional superhero story with its dark commentary. Featuring themes of trauma and redemption, the series gets deeper than you might expect, yet it maintains the wit fans love, making it a perfect binge that never loses its touch.
Misfits is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
- Release Date
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2009 – 2013-00-00
- Showrunner
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Howard Overman
- Directors
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Howard Overman, Tom Green, Jonathan van Tulleken, Tom Harper, Wayne Yip
- Writers
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Howard Overman, Jon Brown, Mike O’Leary
- Franchise(s)
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Misfits
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