Misfits

Not all heroes wear capes, and not everyone with a superpower is a hero. British TV series Misfits explored this concept back in 2009, seeing the show on to five seasons before concluding in 2013. The choice of calling the show’s protagonists ‘misfits’ was actually the perfect characterization of how they were written as well. This group of outcasts are the last people anyone should expect to save the day. To be fair though, that’s what is so interesting about the show. The ragtag group of offenders are almost more ‘anti-hero’ than anything, even if this isn’t really their fault.

Misfits was one of those fun series that could’ve arguably kept going for a while longer, but still took its bow at probably the best time.

Set in the south of London, Misfits begins with a group of youthful offenders who have been sentenced to community service. None of them have any prior affiliation to one another, and the reasons for their probation all vary and are otherwise unrelated. Their relationship with each other changes rapidly once they get caught in a storm that nearly kills them. Following the incident, each member of the group begins to develop supernatural abilities, these of which are unique to them personally. From here their lives turn upside down as they struggle to gain control over their abilities as well as the conflicts that ensue as a result of their new gifts.

The production budget was sufficient for an FX heavy show like this, but far more expense was paid to the writing department. At first glance, a show like this may give audiences the wrong idea. The way the series is written has less to do with super human traits and more to do with the problems that can stem from possessing them. The sub plots also explore the characters and their personal issues; be it loneliness, family trouble, intimacy issues, and insecurity. It is oddly ‘coming of age’ yet these aspects are shown in a much darker tone where plot structuring and character arcs are concerned. The actors are certainly a driving force of course with most of the initial season’s life given by Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, and Antonia Thomas. Rheon as ‘Simon’ is introverted and mysterious whilst Sheehan’s ‘Nathan’ is obnoxious yet vibrant. Thomas’s character ‘Alisha’ carries most of the show’s complexity, especially considering her superpower is almost more a curse as opposed to being a gift. Each compliments the other, making the show hilarious in some moments and tragic in others.

Misfits was one of those fun series that could’ve arguably kept going for a while longer, but still took its bow at probably the best time. It was obviously a big enough hit in the United Kingdom to stay in circulation for a few years, and even though it’s now concluded, there’s no reason the rest of the world has to miss out. Being late to the party is still better than not showing up at all, and there are plenty of online platforms that have Misfits available for purchase or stream. Hulu Plus is a good place to start. Otherwise, just buy it.