Limitless

Limitless is an American science fiction drama television series based on the 2011 film of the same name, which was itself inspired by the novel "The Dark Fields" by Alan Glynn. The series aired on CBS from September 2015 to April 2016.

The series features the life of the central character, Brian Finch, played by Jake McDorman, an aspiring musician fallen out of luck and confronted with the difficulties of life. His life takes a radical turn when he is introduced to a mysterious drug called NZT-48. The obscure nootropic drug gives him access to an unprecedented level of cognitive abilities, making him utilize the full potential of his brain (a 'four digit' IQ and total recall of everything he has ever read, heard or seen). These dramatic enhancements provide Finch with extraordinary, almost superhuman powers and he soon becomes an invaluable asset to the FBI.

Jennifer Carpenter embodies the role of Special Agent Rebecca Harris, a tenacious and capable investigator. She becomes partner and handler to Brian at the Bureau. Harris affords a character contrast as she is career-oriented, focused, and distrustful of the power that NZT provides. Her relationship with Brian forms a focal point of the series, with a narrative featuring trust, connection, resentment, and mutual dependence.

Hill Harper portrays the role of Special Agent Spelman Boyle, an experienced agent at the Bureau with a stern but fair attitude. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Nasreen "Naz" Pouran, the Special Agent in Charge. Her main concern throughout the series is managing the unexpected asset they find in Brian Finch.

Bradley Cooper, starring in a recurring character as a senator and presidential candidate, Edward Morra, first introduced NZT to Brian. Morra provides Brian with an immunity shot to counteract NZT's deadly side effects. His opportunistic approach, coupled with intricate long-term goals, adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the series.

The supporting cast consists of various talented actors who introduce a plethora of intriguing characters adding depth to the storyline. Colin Salmon, Georgina Haig, Analeigh Tipton, Ron Rifkin, Blair Brown, Megan Guinan, Tom Degnan, Michael James Shaw, Desmond Harrington, Michael Devine, Michelle Veintimilla, and Sipiwe Moyo are some of the select actors who really drive the story home with their performance.

"Limitless" successfully merges crime procedural and science fiction elements into a unique blend. Its narrative showcases the high-risk, high-reward nature of NZT's effects and portrays the tumultuous effects it has on Brian's life on personal and professional fronts. With his superhuman abilities, he dives into high-profile criminal cases, unraveling them with a genius-level intellect often taking unconventional and creative approaches to solution-finding. Along with its narrative dynamism, the series also explores ethical connotations of brain-enhancing drugs and presents the omnipresent conflict between power and morality.

The cinematography and visual elements add to the overall aesthetic of the show. Meanwhile, the layered narrative incorporates humor, emotional drama, and action-packed scenes that keep the viewers engrossed throughout.

In spite of a blend of brilliant characterization, excellent storytelling, and engaging visual imagery, "Limitless" was unfortunately limited to only one season. However, within its concise tenure, the series managed to present a compelling story with lots of twists and turns. Overall, the show offered a scintillating mix of science fiction and crime procedural genres that make for a binge-worthy watch.