Powers

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!

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.

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.

First off a correction to the various misconceptions by earlier reviews on IMDb. This show is based on a comic book that appeared 6 years earlier than Heroes TV show and 13 years before the Reckoners book series. I'd posit that those works were probably influenced by Powers (and other comics of the time (Watchmen anyone?).

I was very disappointed in the pilot episode for the unnecessary massive info dump from of all people Mario Lopez as an on screen celebrity reporter. The pilot seemed like it had been shot cheaply and clearly seems written as network sales pitch episode and it doesn't fit with the more nuanced better 2nd and 3rd episodes I've seen. Third episode redeemed the pilot in all aspects. The direction, script and acting all made me accept the sometimes dramatic differences to the source comic book series.

This show doesn't really seem suited for the masses. I find it requires a certain amount of patience and passion for good dialog to really appreciate this.

If you want some action-packed big blowout bad-ass superhero show, then you're out of luck. But.... If you want something different, something dark and mysterious and interesting then this is for you.

It could be better, it's true, But personally I like what it is and where it's going. There were a few times I was ready to give up on it, But I pushed through and was glad for it. The thing that frustrates me most is that I really want Diamond to get his powers back, And the show keeps teasing me with it but it hasn't fully happened yet.

Either way though, It deserves a chance. Give it one.