Misfits

Misfits (8.5/10)

(Seasons 1-3)

Netfflix Description: After being sentenced to six weeks of community service, five ne'er-do-well teens discover that a freak storm has given them superpowers.

Bechdel Test: 8/10
While this show does pass the Bechdel test in the majority of its episodes, this show doesn't have an incredibly large cast and so it is harder to put a number to the level of representation. Even so, the women in this show are diverse in their personalities, interests, body type, relevance to the story line, etc... and were each written and cast very well. So although you might not always agree with the actions, or choices of these characters, they are all very well thought out.

Character Development: 9/10
Each of the main characters, (Simon, Nathan, Kelly, Alisha, Kurtis, and eventually Rudy), are given at least one episode which showcases their past and how they ended up stuck doing community service in the first place. These episodes help to flesh out the characters a bit more and provide a base line for how the character was  so that their development as a person becomes even more apparent. The characters of Simon and Alisha are probably the ones who experience the most character development throughout the show. They each start out as somewhat ridged stereotypes on opposite ends of the social spectrum, but by the end of each season, you will notice a great deal of change to both their personalities and characteristics.

Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 7/10
Again, this show has a relatively smaller cast of main characters and so it is harder to give a calculated number to the levels of representation. However, two of the five main characters are POC and are both incredibly well written and are not, (from my little understanding), misrepresented in a way which isn't then immediately addressed in one way or another by the characters. 
Shown through the unique style of the misfits universe, it must be mentioned that some elements of gender and sexuality are explored within the plot. Unfortunately these issues are not looked into particularly accurately, this is mostly due to the characters who are made to deal with these issues and how they are not incredibly mature, along with the fact that they hadn't been living with said gender/sexuality for their entire life and were thrust into it out of the blue.
Overall, representation is present, (to an extent), and is dealt with in a unique and interesting way.

Acting Skills: 9/10
Well written, well cast, well played. The main actors are all really good at what they do, what with comedic timing, natural presentation of moods, and the ability to make a character (which might seem entirely different to you), appear relatable in one way or another.

Visual Presentation: 8/10
This show is very dark and grungy in its appearance. The colours are relatively muted which helps give the show its overall feel, as well as brightening the colour of their jumpsuits in contrast. This show has a relatively minimalist style to its settings, this allows for a clean and crisp presentation of the characters and their plot lines, as well as making the show a lot more aesthetically pleasing.

Story Line: 9/10
This show has one of the most unique takes on the recurring super-hero trend of ordinary people gaining extraordinary powers. Misfits is able to blend between the more common black and white portrayal of characters being either; a hero or a villain instead of being a hero and a villain, (or in this case of being an troubled teen who then simply continues to be an troubled teen only now with special powers).

Additional Comments: Overall this show is really well put together and the plot is refreshingly unique. The characters are whole and dynamic, they are often annoying, rude, self centred, as well as being kind, clever, and well spoken.  Misfits is one of my all-time favourite shows despite the characters not always being entirely likeable. The plot is incredibly well thought out and there is great attention paid to symbolism such as; the 'be careful what you wish for' aspect of each characters powers.


Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!