Those yet to discover the brilliant British, sci-fi dramedy TV series Misfits, I’m not sure whether to commiserate with you for so far missing this fantastic series, or envy you because you have three excellent series of TV ahead of you.
The series, which began in 2009, follows a group of five young offenders sentenced to community service in the fictional London borough of Wertham. On their first day they are caught in an unexplained supernatural storm, each left with a superpower. This being a British series though and not an American one, the powers come with more than a few downsides, and the group are often forced to hide their powers as other residents of Wertham appear to have unusual abilities.
Rudy (Joseph Gilgun)
The storylines built over two Seasons have played with both serious and silly topics as the group struggle with their powers and their responsibilities, however the show’s dialogue has always remained darkly comic. At the beginning of Season Three, Misfits‘ favourite Nathan (Robert Sheehan) has left for Las Vegas (and left the show to pursue a film career), so the quintet is completed by new character Rudy (This is England’s Joseph Gilgun). Fans who were worried about the loss of such an important character, needn’t fear, Gilgun is more than a suitable replacement for Sheehan. Though there are similarities between the personalities of Nathan and Rudy, the unique situations that arise from Rudy’s ability add a lovely new dimension to the series.
Season Three sees the Misfits fight Nazis, zombies and a rapist, with the new powers they picked up at the end of Season Two. Simon (Iwan Rheon) and Alisha’s (Antonia Thomas) relationship is the season’s major subplot, with love and the good and bad things people do for it the focus of the show. BAFTA-winning Lauren Socha as Kelly is given some of the show’s best lines and gets her own romance with a character introduced in the Second Season, but Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) is sidelined for much of the series’ eight episodes, though his new power does make for some interesting sexual politics.
Alisha (Antonia Thomas) and Simon (Iwan Rheon)
The DVD’s special features are sure to delight fans. Along with behind the scenes snippets from each episode and stunt and visual effects extras, there are also two short Misfits‘ films, one which looks at Nathan’s life in Las Vegas.
Misfits is an example of the best of British TV, mixing comedy and drama it is constantly inventive, refusing to rest on the laurels of already being a cult favourite. The latest season is a masterclass in recovering from the loss of a much-loved character, and is an example of how you can, arguably, make the show even better. Gilgun is fantastic, and by refusing to simply replicate Nathan’s character the show has matured. Be warned though, Season Three is a bit of a tear-jerker so make sure you have some tissues ready.
Misfits Season Three was released in Australia on April 5th
