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TV: Runaways and Travelers
Jan. 7th, 2018 12:11 amPretty minimal spoilers for runaways thru ep 1.08; Travelers thru 2.03
Runaways - on Hulu
This is a Marvel show with high production values, great casting, good style, and an interesting premise/source. Unfortunately it has two major problems: It's way too slow, and it spends too much time showing us the villains.
I might drop this show, or I might keep going. I enjoy all the kids, especially Karolina, who is queer. The extremely slow pace is something I could handle. But, I'm increasingly uncomfortable with how the show is handling the villains, who are the parents of the protagonists. Gert's parents in particular are played by very likable actors and seem to be portrayed as funny and quirky scientists. Gert's mom looks like Mrs. Frizzle from the magic schoolbus. Chase's mom is also somewhat sympathetic in the way she's portrayed. And while there's something to be said for complex villains, and for how conflicted a person (especially a kid) can feel when someone they love is acting in evil ways-- I'm tired of it. I want the kids to take a firm stand, as they do in the comics.
In issue one of the comics, the kids run away, giving the story its name. I've seen through episode 8 of the show, and the kids have not run away, nor really done anything except investigate. Chase acts in an especially upsetting manner, and as the only white male of the group, seeing him angry and violent, and acting against the group's interest, is upsetting.
eta: We're living in a time when sympathy and understanding are routinely granted to some of the most evil people. I want this show to say, no, we are not doing that. Murder is wrong and standing up for what's right is hard but you can do it. I don't want to watch a show that is about sympathy for the devil.
Travelers - Netflix
I started season 2 and watched 3 episodes in one go. I love this show, primarily because I love the characters. They are all people who are trying very hard to do the right thing. Sometimes they don't know what that is, or they fail, but they are trying together.
The men on this show are not typical of SF action/adventure characters. They are compassionate, kind, and respectful. Part of their rules as time travelers is that they are not supposed to take a life, or save a life, unless directed to do so. Two of the characters, Trevor and Phillip, really struggle with this and try to save lives anyway. There is a man who's a social worker, and he struggles a bit maintaining his own boundaries, and loving too much. It's so refreshing to see these portrayals. The women are also great: Carly, the tactician, and Marcy, the team's medic. In late season one they introduce a woman who is a programmer; she's sarcastic and a little mean.
Highly recommended.
Runaways - on Hulu
This is a Marvel show with high production values, great casting, good style, and an interesting premise/source. Unfortunately it has two major problems: It's way too slow, and it spends too much time showing us the villains.
I might drop this show, or I might keep going. I enjoy all the kids, especially Karolina, who is queer. The extremely slow pace is something I could handle. But, I'm increasingly uncomfortable with how the show is handling the villains, who are the parents of the protagonists. Gert's parents in particular are played by very likable actors and seem to be portrayed as funny and quirky scientists. Gert's mom looks like Mrs. Frizzle from the magic schoolbus. Chase's mom is also somewhat sympathetic in the way she's portrayed. And while there's something to be said for complex villains, and for how conflicted a person (especially a kid) can feel when someone they love is acting in evil ways-- I'm tired of it. I want the kids to take a firm stand, as they do in the comics.
In issue one of the comics, the kids run away, giving the story its name. I've seen through episode 8 of the show, and the kids have not run away, nor really done anything except investigate. Chase acts in an especially upsetting manner, and as the only white male of the group, seeing him angry and violent, and acting against the group's interest, is upsetting.
eta: We're living in a time when sympathy and understanding are routinely granted to some of the most evil people. I want this show to say, no, we are not doing that. Murder is wrong and standing up for what's right is hard but you can do it. I don't want to watch a show that is about sympathy for the devil.
Travelers - Netflix
I started season 2 and watched 3 episodes in one go. I love this show, primarily because I love the characters. They are all people who are trying very hard to do the right thing. Sometimes they don't know what that is, or they fail, but they are trying together.
The men on this show are not typical of SF action/adventure characters. They are compassionate, kind, and respectful. Part of their rules as time travelers is that they are not supposed to take a life, or save a life, unless directed to do so. Two of the characters, Trevor and Phillip, really struggle with this and try to save lives anyway. There is a man who's a social worker, and he struggles a bit maintaining his own boundaries, and loving too much. It's so refreshing to see these portrayals. The women are also great: Carly, the tactician, and Marcy, the team's medic. In late season one they introduce a woman who is a programmer; she's sarcastic and a little mean.
Highly recommended.
