Round Two: The Gifted

The Gifted: Season 1, Episode 2 “rX" (B)

So far, I’m pleased with my decision to stick with this show, though it’s going to take a bit more time to prove itself. The opening scene was very effective, flashing back to an innocent family bowling outing where they witnessed a mutant being taunted just for being different and then told by Reed that she should leave because she had committed a felony just by using her powers. There are so many comparisons to what’s happening in society today – most acutely accusations of sexual assault where the accuser is demonized – that make this show a layered and powerful allegory for real life despite its very science fiction-oriented depiction of powers. Speaking of those powers, their strength is incredible, with Clarice opening portals at an alarming rate while unconscious, Lauren closing them with serious force, and Andy dispelled their military foes with a simple wave. I was excited about the “Burn Notice” reunion we got with Coby Bell’s hardball-playing interrogator and Sharon Gless as Reed’s mother even though they didn’t really share screen time. Reed is doing well holding up under pressure, and this seems to be a great role for Stephen Moyer, who was great on “True Blood” in a totally different part and has now shown his talent here. And I’m thrilled to see that Amy Acker isn’t being wasted, even if I liked her a lot better on “Person of Interest,” but at least she’s getting out into the field and showing what tremendous value she adds as the lone human hanging out with a bunch of mutants. I’m less thrilled about the prison plotline, so let’s hope that doesn’t go on for long.