Alphas tries to put a new spin on an old concept: the superhero series, and tries to succeed where few have before.
As a rule, superheroes don't translate too well onto the small screen. Firstly, because super abilities require decent special effects, which in turn requires a decent budget, that TV shows simply just don't have. Secondly, super abilities tend to limit story options dramatically. Just look at Superman: if only kryptonite can stop the Man of Steel, then those glowing green rocks tend to become a pretty lame plot device round about episode 3. Alphas tries to overcome both these problems by limiting the powers of our heroes from the super to the almost-possible and by also burdening them with significant weaknesses. The end result is a show about troubled not-so-super heroes, some of whom even stay with their parents, drive lift club and carry a packed lunch. Perhaps too wholesome and tame for a modern TV audience, Alphas features some clever concepts, an excellent cast and even something for the eye. On the whole, it is almost as good as the first 11 episodes of Heroes, definitely better than the rest of it and miles ahead of the horrible old Mutant X.
Alphas does not burden us with the events that led up to formation of their team. Instead, it gets us right into the action and amazes us with how well these squabbling comrades supplement and protect each other. The Alphas battle other rogue Alphas under the influence of the supposedly sinister Red Flag. Charming and fun entertainment, it's a good alternative to your Sunday night movie.
Alphas airs on Universal Channel on Sundays at 20h00.
Alphas airs on Universal Channel on Sundays at 20h00.
Dr Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) is the Professor X of the team. Well, kind of. Whilst he does not have any super powers (that we know of yet), he holds the team together by helping them to strengthen their abilities and overcome their weaknesses. Maybe too much of a goody two shoes, he is not beyond a little bit of blackmail to make sure his Alphas stay safe.
Gary Bell (Ryan Cartwright) is a Transducer - basically a human antenna and computer who can pick up and interact with electronic signals and radio waves (unless they come from a Nokia device). A brilliant researcher and tracker, Gary's abilities come at a high price as he suffers from functioning autism.
Rachel Pirzard (Azita Ghanizada) can boost any one of her five senses by temporarily disabling all other senses, which makes her very vulnerable, but also turns her into a human blood hound or microscope. A gifted crime scene investigator, Rachel also suffers from synesthesia, which results in an altered perception (i.e. where smells are perceived as colours).
Making up the more physical side of the Alphas team, Bill Harken (Malik Yoba) is an ex-FBI agent who can control his adrenal gland to such a degree that he can gain superior strength for limited periods. Too much adrenalin and he loses control. His ability also burdens him with a general bad attitude.
The only team member who does not seem to have any significant drawback to the use of her abilities is Nina Theroux (Laura Mennel), who practises hyper induction - a verbal persuasion or "push" ability (as witnessed in the movie by the same name). Nina seems to have been with Dr Rosen longest and has the best control over her abilities, even though they do not always work on everyone.
The pilot episode of Alphas focused on the recruitment of the last team member, Cameron Hicks (Warren Christie). Cam suffers from hyperkinesthesis, which allows him to jump, throw, shoot and dodge with inhuman precision. Most impressively, he can shoot around corners by accurately bouncing bullets off objects. Unfortunately he loses this ability when subjected to too much stress.
