As a recent fan of this popular TV series, I have not had as long as some people to wait for the release of the third series. Misfits follows a group of teenage offenders, who are banded together as a result of community service. After a peculiar flash storm, they gain unexpected powers. It is this group of young offenders that fans of the series have come to both admire and relate to.
The essence of Misfits’ success lies upon the fact that the characters appear normal, yet at the same time unique in their own way. For me, the back-story is similar to that in Heroes (in that many characters discover sudden powers), yet, in addition; has a British, teenage cast and can also be viewed as a comedy. The third series will see the main cast return, with a set of new abilities to boot.
For me, there are two key differences with the show that will determine the outcome of its success compared to the first two series. Firstly, will the new powers fit the character’s that adopt them? Their previous abilities seemed fit for purpose, taking obvious traits and/or problems of their personality, and as a result of the storm, being resolved via the use of a newfound power. For example, Simon’s urge to be invisible in social occasions or when ignored was initially addressed by his ability to go invisible, plus Curtis’ desire to go back in time to before he got caught with the drugs had driven him to stop and rewind time.
However, it can be argued that in actual fact, every main character as a person have changed, therefore it seems right that they attain new powers. For example, Lauren appears to no longer care what people think of her and Alisha no longer wants to be a sexual object for men. The option for the protagonists to buy new powers has certainly enabled the producers and writers of the show to be creative, but will it be successful? As the old saying goes, why attempt to fix something that isn’t broken?
Secondly, an obvious point to bring up is the absence of Nathan – who many fans deem to be the life and soul of the show – in the third series. Robert Sheehan’s character was portrayed as the funny guy of the group; at times coming out with unbelievable, quirky one-liners.
The third series, however, sees Nathan replaced by Joseph Gilgun’s Rudy. Certainly for me, Nathan has been at the centre of Misfits’ most memorable moments to date. Will the new character fit in with the returning cast? Furthermore, will he be able to fill some very crude, yet fantastically funny shoes in that of Nathan’s?
The new series begins this Sunday night on E4 at 10pm.
Dale Murray
Image – Main: Bleedingcool.com
Tags: Misfits
after watching the 1st episode, i already miss nathan.i hope he is brought back at some point