Powers

With the first episode of Powers I wasn't really sure what to think. It was good, but it seemed fairly obvious that the budget probably wasn't all that big and it has a different direction than the other superhero TV shows, yet I couldn't put my finger on it until about the third episode when it really take offs into being one of the best, if not the best of the superhero shows. First is that it's a real ongoing story, and it's solid, where everything that happens actually matters. People die, characters have both good and evil aspects, and everyone has a real back story that affects the big picture. BUT what probably works better than anything else in Powers is that the characters have complex relationships with each other that seem fairly realistic, or at least genuine in their motivations towards each other with invested interests so that the action carries a lot of weight. Show like Gotham, Arrow, and even Daredevil don't reach this level of effectiveness in their characterization.

One thing I would note is that this probably isn't for kids. There are a lot of F bombs, and though it doesn't really have sex, there are a few discussion about people using sex as a way to get what they want. Just FYI.

I don't know why so many user reviews for this show are so negative, but I like it. I will agree with others that the story starts out a little wobbly, but the more you watch and actually pay attention, the better it gets. This isn't a mind numbing superhero show.

Instead of the usual good vs evil shtick, there is this gray area that people with powers reside in making the actual concept of good and evil a bit hazy. As for the whole people having powers and everyone knowing about it, as a fan of superhero flicks like The Avengers, it wasn't hard for me to believe and accept the concept. Cheesy superhero names? Sure. Cliché costumes? Of course. Rip-off of some other superhero flick? Every superhero flick rips off of other superhero flicks in some way or another, should be used to it by now.

All in all, I say give it a chance. Watch the first few episodes. If you still don't like it, then obviously this show isn't for you. However, if you find yourself wanting to know what happens next episode, then you and I are in the same basket.

While not perfect, powers offers the best take on super powered beings thus far. Why? Because it actually focuses on heroes making real choices, not supermodels running around with teen angst, or layers of conspiracies that detract from characters.

The acting is great and the interaction between powers and ordinary people is believable. That is what makes the show special. When a power is confronted, there is real tension. The show plays on that interaction well, and often to great effect. The powers in the show know they are above the law and the non power know there is little they can do about it.

The dialogue is a bit rough and the show only plays with being a procedural, something I think they should focus more on. Solving crimes in a super powered world would be interesting However, not committing to being a cop show or a show strictly about powers is the shows greatest weakness. It is a show stuck between two genres and not developing or committing to either.

A world where people with powers coexist with normal people, yea sure it's been done before. Though I believe with this one they got things right. Unlike so many other shows these days that try to grab the audiences attention through sex, violence and special effects, powers focused quality actors, good dialogs and interesting musical choices. Sure the theme has been visited before, though none quite like powers. When I first saw the play-station logo appear I very nearly stopped watching all together, but I was glad not to. The plot seems thick the characters are extremely well rounded (not your usual good Vs evil type thing) and the acting is just superb. This show is a true work of quality, not just some mind numbing rehash as others might suggest, original and clever and just reeking of humanity. I would give it 8/10

As other reviewers have pointed out, the first couple episodes are lousy (like I'm-kind-of-embarrassed-for-these-actors level of lousiness). BUT the rest of the season more than makes up for the rocky start. While the whole superheroes thing has been done to death, Powers has definitely made the theme their own. With characters that aren't flatly just "good" or "evil" but rather more realistic humans, superb acting, and good dialogue and plots, this show is a must-see for any sci-fi/superheroes fans. There is so much potential for development of this universe; you can really see they have planted seeds for this to go so far above and beyond what we see in the first season. The PlayStation logo alone almost turned me away but I'm so glad I listened to the other reviewers and gave it a shot. Sure it's not perfect - the special effects could definitely use more work, and the writing and sets could be better, but I have a feeling they will really catch their stride in the second season - and I for one can't wait for it!