Stan Lee's Lucky Man

Stan Lee's Lucky Man is an action-packed, exciting drama series that originally aired on Sky 1 from 2016 to 2018. The story centers around Detective Inspector Harry Clayton, masterfully portrayed by acclaimed actor James Nesbitt. He is a cop from London’s notorious Murder Investigation Unit, struggling to come to terms with his gambling addiction - a vice that has, until now, brought him nothing but misery and hefty losses.

The show kicks off when Harry crosses paths with the enigmatic Eve – shot with precision and depth by Eve Best, known for her admirable resume of complex performances. Eve is a mysterious woman gifted with otherworldly powers who offers Harry a unique, unsettling gift – an ancient, magical bracelet that promises to make the wearer the "luckiest" person in the world. The plot twists when Harry realizes luck comes with a heavy price, and there's no such thing as a free ride. He soon finds himself grappling with the quandaries of fate, luck and fortune.

Sienna Guillory, of 'Resident Evil' fame, takes on the role of Harry’s estranged wife, Anna Clayton. The ups and downs of Harry and Anna’s strained relationship add another layer of complexity to the narrative. She is a defense solicitor, erecting another conflict wall between her and Harry.

Other well-crafted characters of the show include the charming and quirky Suri Chohan, Harry's partner, brought to life by Amara Karan. Meanwhile, Darren Boyd portrays Harry’s boss, Detective Superintendent Winter, his pragmatic and stringent nature often at odds with Harry's unpredictable manner.

Omid Djalili lends his comic finesse to the role of Kalim, a small-time criminal with an uncanny knack for finding trouble. Jing Lusi and Kenneth Tsang portray characters bound by a shared criminal past that adds depth and suspense to the storyline. Sendhil Ramamurthy appears as the smooth-talking businessman, Nikhail Julian, whose dubious character and intentions muddy the story's waters.

Steven Mackintosh takes on the challenging role of Paul Lermontov, an art dealer with unexpected ties to Harry's past. Thekla Reuten portrays Isabella Augustine, a character shrouded in mystery, and her interactions with Harry give the story a thrilling edge. Lastly, John Hopkins delivers a memorable performance as the relentless Freddie Lau, whose path crosses with Harry's in intriguing ways.

Stan Lee’s Lucky Man uniquely blends crime, mystery, fantasy, and action, presenting a narrative that stands out in the cosmos of superhero dramas. The cinematography captures London's striking landscapes, from its grimy alleys to its swanky high-rises. The series further boasts of a well-balanced script that expertly juggles the various plotlines, and the director's flair for tightly packed action sequences keeps the audience on their toes through all three seasons.

The creator of the show, Stan Lee, is an iconic figure in the world of superheroes, celebrated for bringing to life some of the most beloved comic characters of all time. His distinctive storytelling shines throughout the series, as it weaves intricate relationships and deep-dives into moral dilemmas faced by an average man blessed and cursed with an extraordinary power.

The show expertly probes questions about luck, fate, and destiny, often asking – Is there such a thing as pure chance? Or are we all tied to the strings of an unseen puppet master steering us to our destiny?

Stan Lee's Lucky Man sets itself apart from the standard assortment of police procedurals and superhero TV shows, offering a fresh take on the genre that will leave viewers reflective and entertained in equal measure. With its engrossing storyline, stellar performances, riveting action, and thoughtful exploration of life's intrinsic elements, the series proves to be a 'lucky' choice for any viewer in search of a unique, captivating watch.