As a lover of all things superhero, I can confidently say that the current TV landscape is truly a marvel (pun intended). If you’ve recently binged “Supacell” and are still craving some heroic action, let me guide you through three fantastic series that are sure to satiate your appetite.
Occasionally, unexpected gems pop up on Netflix, sparking conversations across the streaming platform. For instance, “Supacell”, a British sci-fi production, gained popularity, primarily due to its creator, writer, and director Rapman. By weaving an engrossing narrative from the streets of South London, he crafted an exceptional story that was highly praised for its compelling storytelling.
Over six episodes, the series focuses on several characters who share a common bond – sickle cell disease, which grants them extraordinary abilities. As these unique talents attract unwanted attention from a secretive group, they find themselves marked as targets. Consequently, they must band together to protect themselves and fight back.
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building as the second season of my favorite series gets the go-ahead. However, it seems like an eternity before I get to rejoin Michael (Tosin Cole), Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo), and the gang in their thrilling adventures. In case you’re seeking a power-packed distraction until then, or perhaps another British drama that may have slipped your radar, here are some recommendations to keep you entertained.
Heroes
Two years prior to Tony Stark and his team becoming widely recognized, another group of heroes graced our screens on a weekly basis back in 2006. This innovative show, “Heroes,” was created by Tim Kring and changed the game as it brought together a diverse group of strangers who intersected in extraordinary ways with superhuman abilities, paving the way for several of the cast members to achieve household fame.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the thrilling rise to fame Hayden Panettiere experienced, largely due to her mesmerizing portrayal of the invincible cheerleader Claire Bennett. In this intriguing universe, the stage was often graced by Peter Petrelli, skillfully played by Milo Ventimiglia (who later discovered a peculiar fondness for crockpots on “This Is Us”), and Sylar, portrayed masterfully by Zachary Quinto. These unforgettable superpowered characters captivated audiences, standing as the show’s main attractions. However, despite the anticipation they generated, their highly anticipated showdown fell a bit short of expectations.
For some time, people were engrossed in the shadow of the show “Heroes”, but by Season 2, numerous problems arose that ultimately led to its termination. However, a spark of excitement was rekindled with “Heroes: Reborn”, and there’s speculation that it could return once more with the upcoming reboot titled “Heroes: Eclipsed”, which was announced in 2024.
Misfits
If you’ve found it intriguing to explore the world of superheroes from a different perspective, then “Misfits” should definitely be on your watch list. This British series ran from 2009 to 2013 and focuses on a diverse group of young individuals who are serving community service for their own misdemeanors. However, an unusual lightning storm that hits their unnamed city grants them each extraordinary and eccentric powers.
The series featured an unusual character each episode, setting it apart as a profanity-laced, sexually daring show that appealed to Gen Z before “Gen V” became popular. Remarkably, some characters in the show share similar tales, such as one acquiring the power to change genders and another utilizing his Lactokinesis, an ability to control milk, which unexpectedly proves fatal in certain instances.
Even though it has become somewhat outdated, watching rising stars in action wearing the show’s recognizable jumpsuits remains entertaining. The main cast featured actors such as Robert Sheehan (“The Umbrella Academy”), Iwan Rheon (“Game of Thrones”), and Antonia Thomas (“The Good Doctor”). However, the guest stars were equally impressive. Actresses like Ruth Negga, Nathalie Emmanuel, and future “Thunderbolts*” member Hannah John-Kamen also made appearances. At times, this show provides a hilarious dose of superhero fun, though it may occasionally fall short on heroic elements.
Top Boy
Among the shows on the list, “Top Boy” stands out as the only one that has been empowered, having found success on Netflix with significant financial backing from rap icon Drake. This British series is worthy of recognition and comparison to “The Wire.” The show originally aired in the U.K. in 2011 but was canceled quietly in 2014 before being revived on Netflix in 2017. The plot revolves around the complex relationship between characters Dushane (played by Ashley Walters) and Sully (also known as Kano, played by Kane Robinson), who are trying to establish a drug empire within Hackney, London.
The gritty London-based series “Top Boy” may not feature time travel or psychic powers, but it delivers captivating narratives about characters who straddle the thin line between hero and villain. Beyond its portrayal of drug issues in the U.K., the show explores themes such as immigration, gentrification in London, and mental health within struggling families. Much like “Supacell,” it boasts the acting talents of British music legends, with Ashley Walters (Asher) portraying businessman Dushane and Kano as the complex, charismatic Sully.
In addition to being a spring of talent, the series “Top Boy” featured performances by Benedict Wong, Letitia Wright, and Barry Keoghan. Take a peek and discover how some of Britain’s most prominent actors in Hollywood got their start in what is considered one of television’s finest shows.
The Boys
As a gamer, let me tell you, there’s no shortage of raw superhero content out there these days. But when it comes to setting the bar high, nothing quite compares to Amazon’s “The Boys.” Over four seasons, this Eric Kripke-crafted series based on the Garth Ennis comic book brings us a twisted reality where our so-called heroes aren’t as saintly as they appear and often carry a dark side. The titular vigilante squad is on a mission to unmask these hypocrites, making for one wild ride!
For five seasons, Karl Urban and Antony Starr have taken the lead roles, with Season 5 marking the finale. In this series, Urban portrays a rule-breaking employee who often clashes with Starr’s enigmatic character resembling a superhero in stars and stripes. The show also incorporates elements of political satire and brutal violence amidst its captivating plot twists.
In its fourth season, the “Boys” universe has gained significant praise and Amazon is eager to expand it with shows like “The Boys Presents: Diabolical,” an animated anthology series, and “Gen V,” a spin-off focusing on college students who are superheroes. While Season 5 is currently in the planning stages, fans have ample opportunity to delve into this profanely entertaining world before its primary storyline wraps up.
Watchmen
Initially, the “Watchmen” series was considered a daring move. A TV show following the acclaimed Alan Moore comic book series and the less popular film adaptation by Zack Snyder carried significant expectations. The narrative had numerous plotlines to continue, along with managing multiple characters in a way that pleased both long-time fans and new viewers. However, Damon Lindelof skillfully crafted a complex time-jumping tale that met and even surpassed these expectations.
Jeremy Irons dominates each scene with a powerful performance as Ozymandias, while Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Jean Smart all deliver memorable portrayals of heroes, villains, and complex characters in between. The standouts among these are the return of Doctor Manhattan, who takes center stage in a captivating solo episode, as well as Hong Chau, who outwits the smartest man alive. Much like other outstanding HBO one-off productions, this series is worth revisiting and could potentially rank among the greatest superhero stories ever told.
Stranger Things
If you’ve recently stumbled upon Netflix and have been hooked by “Supacell,” you might want to delve deeper into the lives of Hawkins’ heroes if your superhero craving isn’t quite quenched yet. You see, “Stranger Things” is a series that, while it carries a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of Amblin, has crafted its own universe over four seasons – a universe filled with alternate dimensions and secretive government facilities exploiting them. At the heart of this intricate web is Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown), an enigmatic character who possesses superhuman abilities, finds solace in a group of “Dungeons & Dragons” enthusiasts, and stands strong against the forces threatening from the Upside Down.
Just like an average Marvel Cinematic Universe film, ‘Stranger Things’ has earned quite a reputation. It’s been nothing short of super-human in its attempt to follow the pattern set by blockbuster TV shows. With the departure of ‘Game of Thrones’, these characters and their extraordinary abilities have kept viewers captivated for years. If you haven’t yet joined forces with Jim Hopper (David Harbour), Steve (Joe Keery) and the gang, now could be the ideal moment, before Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) reappears.
Extraordinary
In this rephrased version, the show “Extraordinary” on Hulu revolves around a universe where everyone receives powers upon turning 18, with the exception of Jen (played by Máiréad Tyers). Since she hasn’t received her powers yet, she finds herself struggling to fit in a world that is anything but ordinary. This leads to a mix of humorous and heartwarming experiences as she navigates life amidst extraordinary individuals.
Extraordinary” is more sophisticated than shows like “The Boys” or “Misfits.” If you’ve enjoyed watching “Derry Girls” or “Fleabag,” then “Extraordinary” should appeal to you as well. The series features clever writing from Emma Moran, which adds a touch of humor amidst the superpowered characters dealing with their powers and personal lives in an unusual world. I strongly recommend giving it a watch right away.
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2024-10-07 17:00