TV Review: Alphas, Five*, 10pm, last night

IT’S the latest big thing from America, a groundbreaking show about a team of dysfunctional superheroes thrown together to save the world.

OK, so there’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking or fresh about Alphas, which on the strength of its pilot is just another show looking to have the heavy emotional plots AND kick-ass superhero action which should ensure bumper viewing figures.

Except it was all very samey. Being American it lacked the gritty British humour of Misfits, and by opting for the ‘enhanced abilities’ route - character powers include straining, grunting, being a bit stronger then normal; being, er, autistic, and having the same persuasive skills as Derren Brown - it misses out on the outlandish ‘invincible cheerleader’-type stuff that made Heroes such a joy.

Hide Ad

What it lacks in orginality, excitement and humour, however, it makes up for in talent, with David Strathairn having a ball as team leader Dr Lee Rosen. Hopefully he’s talented enough to keep this going until the scripts improve.