A review by Nalini Haynes
The Misfits are a group of 5 young offenders – Alisha, Curtis, Simon, Nathan and Kelly – doing community service after being caught in misdemeanors. After a storm gave them superpowers, they’ve been struggling to stay ahead while, preferably, staying alive in this comic book style TV series.
New girl appears. This one is pregnant and doesn’t know who the father is. Who will she have sex with this episode?
How many sex scenes can get shoehorned into this story? Lots! Because this time they really don’t have enough plot or convincing motives to fill the timeslot.
Alisha gives her superpower away. As Alisha’s superpower meant that any guy who touched her wanted sex, even if it meant rape, this was convincing. What wasn’t convincing was Nathan selling immortality. For $2000. ‘Sif he’s never needed that superpower.
In first season the women were great characters but in this season they’ve lost their independence. Probably the worst scene of the season emphasised this: Alisha, Kelly and Nikki sit in the bar discussing divesting themselves of their superpowers. While Curtis literally stands over them. The girls ask his permission to talk to the guy about selling their superpowers and don’t do anything until Curtis has agreed.
Simon is against selling their powers but Alisha lies to him.
Shit happens.
A baby is born, a Christmas song is sung, the baby is placed in a manger. Just so we don’t get all mushy, the characters reassert themselves.
The theme of this episode is ‘power corrupts’. While an excellent issue to explore, implying the Roman Catholic church is unremittingly evil in the Christmas special is rather tacky. While the church – and religious institutions everywhere – have much to answer for, there are more appropriate times of year and better ways to send that message.
This episode is deeply flawed but is essential viewing to bridge seasons 2 and 3.
IMDB gives the series 8.5 out of 10 stars. So far I think the first season is the best.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆ 2 out of 5 stars
