Feb 4, 2010

Human Target

When I heard that FOX would be adapting a version of Human Target (a comic book character created by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino back in the early 1970's) I was mildly interested. I didn't really need another weekly television series to get involved with, but I plugged it into the DVR anyway.  Just for shits and giggles.

Then I watched the first three episodes last Wednesday when nothing else was going on, and I hate to say it but I think I'm hooked.  It's got a few things going for it so far.
  • I dig the premise.  An episodic case study of a bodyguard/private investigator who impersonates the intended victim in order to draw out the killers.  The murky and intriguing background of the character only adds to the fun.
  • Jackie Earle Haley.  I am so digging this cat's reincarnation as a fun character actor.  He plays a wildcard hired gun named Guerrero in this series and he is about as dangerous as they come.  My favorite bit with him so far was in the first episode when a couple of hired thugs came to rough him up.  The way he, um, dissuaded them was just about as cool as it gets on network programming.  I think I would enjoy watching this guy eat soup.  He's THAT good!
  • The rest of the cast and the guest stars.  This show seems to have a very genre-specific casting director, because through three episodes I've already counted three actors from Battlestar Galactica, one from Firefly/Serenity and Danny Glover.  Huh, what?  Yeah...Danny Glover showed up in the pilot for a brief cameo for some weird reason.  The lead turns by Mark Valley (Fringe) and Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies) only add to the good times.
Yeah, it's a fairly mindless bit of fluff.  But it's entertaining and harmless, and sometimes that's all I need from a television program.

Mr. Jackie Earle Haley as Guerrero.  Respect!
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Note: Remember to play the Bug-Eyed Trivia Challenge every day. One more reason to watch TV.  Yeah, I need that like another hole in my head.

21 comments:

Kevin McKeever said...

He is rockin' that Sgt. Pepper era look, is he not?

Mrs. Hall said...

i don't know how i feel about locke taking this turn that he has. and i found sawyer to be overacting the whole death scene.

but, sayid was, as always, rocking the black tank top and black dress pants like nobodies bidness.

yeee haaww!!!

Mrs. Hall said...

WAIT . . . that's Rorshach!!!

HOLLAH!!

You think I'm trapped in here with you . . .

Verdant Earl said...

Uncool - whatever it is, it's working!

Holly - Exactly!

savannah said...

i did notice this series, but hadn't looked...i will now, sugar! xoxox

hello haha narf said...

when is it on?

Water Logged Canine said...

You sonuvabitch! I need another series to hook into, like I need another set of tits. If this is on Hulu, it's all over.

BTW--This dude is the new Freddy Krueger. 1,2...Freddy's comin for you!

Kate said...

Sounds fun. But I can't add it to the list.. too long already. Glad you're enjoying it, though.

Verdant Earl said...

Savannah - And I will eventually watch that Pink video. ;)

Becky - Wednesday nights. 8PM, I think.

Doggie - It's on FOX, so yeah...Hulu.

Kate - I know the feeling.

Ren said...

My wife and I are definitely enjoying this one; it's one of our new favorites.

Verdant Earl said...

Ren - I didn't even mention last night's episode which I loved. I think Guerrero is gonna be one of my all-time favorite TV characters. Looks like he's got Chance's back in a big way.

Dr Zibbs said...

He was so great in the Watchmen. Can't wait to him in that next flick. On the Island.

Anonymous said...

I'm with ya, homie. I did not want to like this but I really really do.

Verdant Earl said...

Zibbs - And he is playing Freddy Krueger in the remake.

Hilly - Sucks, doesn't it? In a good way.

Bobby "the Blue" said...

I started watching it too. It's like an action movie every week. Fun, leave your intellect at the door.

teeni said...

Love Jackie Earle Haley! Might check it out just for him.

Verdant Earl said...

Bobby - total brain candy, but sometimes we need that.

Teeni - go to Hulu.com and watch the pilot episode. He shines in that one. And if you like it you can watch the next three episodes there as well.

Bruce Johnson said...

I watched this show for shits and giggles as well....sad to say, all I did was giggle. While the premise is intersting, the reality of the show is so ludicrious I couldn't take watching it.

In the first episode on the speeding train across California, the BRAKES GO OUT and we are heading for dead man curve, so we just strap on a parchute and hope off the back to 170mph.....PUHLEEASSE....

I totally gave up when he piloted the 737 UPSIDE down to put out the fire in the cargo bay......a...excuse me, plane not structurally capable of that, the wings would have ripped off and everyone would have died.

Drama and action I can take, but I will take my fantasy in outer space with semi-nude cat-like 9 foot tall aliens.

Verdant Earl said...

Bruce - um, really? Did you really roll your eyes at them flying a 737 upside down? Really? Dude, it's not meant to be taken seriously. So yeah, this show isn't for you.

Avitable said...

I haven't tried it yet, but I am skeptical. I'll probably wait to see if it gets canceled or not and then decide whether I want to watch it.

Verdant Earl said...

Avitable - I was skeptical too, and if you don't expect too much (see Bruce's comment above) I think you'll find it enjoyable.