Misfits

Misfits is a British science fiction comedy-drama series, which aired on E4 between 2009 and 2013. The show was written by Howard Overman and is primarily set in the fictitious Wertham Community Centre.

The eclectic ensemble of actors leading the Misfits cast feature an impressive array of talent, namely Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Robert Sheehan, Antonia Thomas, Joe Gilgun, Nathan McMullen, Karla Crome, Matthew McNulty, Matt Stokoe and Natasha O'Keeffe. Each actor expertly portrays their character's unique personality and special abilities, contributing to the overall message of the show about the messiness of life, human potential and the unexpected twists that fate often deals.

Each of these characters are young adults who have been assigned community service for various petty crimes. They are, at first glance, a rag-tag group dissimilar in every possible aspect - from their backgrounds to their personalities, from their aspirations to their behavioural predispositions. They exude an air of despondency and seem to bear no more significant purpose in life than doing their time.

But the show takes a dramatic turn when a supernatural storm hits their city, exposing them - and many others - to mysterious cosmic energy that endows them with distinctive superpowers. The powers are not arbitrary, they are deeply tied to the characters' personalities and emotional struggles, embedding an incisive perspective on the dichotomy of inner and outer identities.

The shy, introverted Simon (Iwan Rheon) gains the ability to become invisible, summarizing his constant feelings of being overlooked in life. Kelly (Lauren Socha), who suffers from insecurities, now has the power to hear the thoughts of others. Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) gains the ability to reverse time, corresponding with his yearning to change past mistakes. The garrulous and often impetuous Nathan (Robert Sheehan) gains a power that aligns with his reckless willingness to live life on the edge, and finally, Alisha (Antonia Thomas), whose active social life perhaps masks deeper issues of intimacy, is bestowed a power that force her to confront these issues head-on.

The addition of later characters in the series continues this theme. Rudy (Joe Gilgun) can physically separate into two, mirroring the two sides of his personality. Jess (Karla Crome) has X-ray vision, reflective of her desire for always seeing the truth, while Finn (Nathan McMullen) can telekinetically move objects, mirroring his struggle of feeling powerless in his real life.

As the series progresses, the main characters grapple with their strange new abilities and the assorted complications that ensue. They navigate through a labyrinth of thought-provoking dilemmas, personal challenges and social confrontations, leading them to bond as a group in the face of adversity and find purpose as they try to understand and control their new-found powers.

Misfits is not just about flashy superpowers or comic-book thrill. It transcends the realm of the supernatural and explores thought-provoking themes like the human condition, morality, redemption, friendship, love and the societal implications of power. The script combines gritty drama and macabre plot elements with a heavy dose of British humour. The show artfully uses comedy to contrast and mitigate its darker elements, making it a unique blend of genres appealing to a wide range of viewers.

Visually, Misfits is highly compelling, featuring aesthetic cinematography that manages to portray both the mundane community centre and supernatural occurrences with equal panache. The production design is creatively effective, managing to ground the high-concept premise in a palpable, relatable setting.

Moreover, the element of unpredictability in the storyline keeps the audience on their toes, while the character development is slow and natural, making the viewer invested in their respective journeys. Each season introduces new mysteries and challenges, continuing to subvert expectations and maintain a sense of suspense.

In summary, Misfits is a well-executed show that combines elements of supernatural fantasy, interpersonal drama, black comedy and sci-fi, packaged in a highly original and engaging narrative. With its dynamic cast, inventive concept, excellent writing and production value, Misfits is not just another superhero series, but a fresh and ground-breaking take on the genre. Exploring the fragility and resilience of youth while effectively balancing humor and angst, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'finding oneself', making it an unforgettable viewing experience.