Impulse

Impulse is a thrilling and evocative web television series produced by YouTube Red, one of the platform's many ventures into original programming. Running from 2018 to 2019 for two seasons, it was based on Steven Gould's eponymous novel, a part of his Jumper series.

Impulse invites the viewer into a murky and suspenseful world viewed through the lens of the show's protagonist, Henrietta "Henry" Coles, a rebellious and somewhat aloof 16-year-old high school student who is new to the small town of Reston, New York, having transferred there from New York City. With its fast-paced script and in-depth character building, it swiftly acquaints the viewer with the series' unique take on the science fiction genre.

The central plot of Impulse is driven by Henry's extraordinary, life-altering experience during which she discovers she possesses the power of teleportation. This mind-bending ability is uncontrolled and induced by stress, particularly following traumatic events, leading to Henry teleporting involuntarily and leaving her in a state of perplexity and apprehension.

However, the series isn't a basic superpower drama but takes a unique course to deal with their characters' special abilities, specifically focusing on Henry's struggle to comprehend and make sense of her newfound power. It delves deep into the metaphorical exploration of human experiences and reactions to trauma, depicting Henry's journey of self-discovery and the confronting of her personal demons.

While dealing with the enigma of her teleportation ability, Henry is also shown navigating the complexities of her day-to-day life, juggling school, relationships, and an intricate family dynamic. Her strained relationship with her single mother and step-sister layers the narrative, adding another dimension to the complex world around Henry.

As Henry grapples with her power and its debilitating implications, she realizes that she is not alone. There are others in the world who share her ability, and she must deal with the fact that some of them pose a threat to her very existence. The series thus synthesizes themes of human vulnerability with paranormal abilities, cloaked in an atmosphere of constant suspense and intrigue.

The show's elevated drama gains further depth with the presence of an exploitative pharmaceutical giant who is hell-bent on harnessing these supernatural powers for their profit. Corporate manipulations and greed serve as an effective counterpoint to Henry's personal struggle, painting a vast picture of a world where the extraordinary exists amidst the ordinary, and where greed and power can take menacing forms.

Character development is at the core of Impulse's storytelling, with each character finely etched and imbued with a sense of reality that pulls viewers deeper into its unique universe. The creators of the show take time to build each character in depth, adding layers of complexity that reflect the indissoluble bond between individual experiences and societal dynamics.

The series is also notable for its exceptional portrayal of women, primarily through the character of Henry. Impulse provides a powerful representation of a young woman coming of age in the face of adversity and stand firm in the face of personal trauma, societal pressures and the struggle for survival. It dares to depict stark realities, issues of consent, and the resulting trauma, framing its narrative within the overarching theme of feminine grit and resilience.

Impulse is backed by a solid cast, with Maddie Hasson in the leading role, delivering a nuanced performance that brilliantly captures Henry’s confusion, fear, and determination. Supporting performances, including those by Sarah Desjardins, Missi Pyle, and Daniel Maslany, also add weight to the narrative with their well-etched characters and convincing portrayals.

In terms of visual presentation, Impulse is a treat. It exhibits a significant degree of creative ingenuity through innovative cinematography, creating a dark and brooding environment that mirrors the protagonist's internal struggle. The show makes great use of special effects in depicting the teleportation sequences, creating visually spectacular scenes that are both intriguing and engaging to the audience.

The series is an amalgamation of drama, mystery, and science fiction, resulting in a compelling watch filled with numerous cliff-hangers and twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats till the very end. Impulse combines an intricate plotline, intense performances, stunning visuals, and a finely-woven personal narrative to present a unique, thought-provoking, and suspenseful science fiction series.