Reviews of Fox’s new action show Human Target are beginning to roll in. I’ve had my eye on this show for a few months now, and I have to say it is one I’m looking forward to seeing. Based on the comic book, HUMAN TARGET is about a bodyguard who essentially takes the place of people marked for a hit. It stars Mark Valley (Boston Legal, Fringe), and co-stars Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies and reason enough to watch ANY show) and Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen). Also, the music is being done by Battlestar Galactica’s Bear McCreary, who in my opinion is one of the top film/TV composers working today.
2 Hour premiere airs on Fox Jan 17. Set to air Wednesdays at 9PM thereafter.
From its splashy opening credits evoking fond memories of “I Spy” or “The Wild Wild West,” “Human Target” feels like a fun throwback — a lighthearted action thriller with fine chemistry among its male trio of regulars, anchored by Mark Valley’s breezy charm as Christopher Chance, a bodyguard whose willingness to put his life on the line for the client hints at a darker past and, perhaps, a death wish. Although the series departs from its comicbook roots, the premiere establishes a topnotch look, clever style and bigscreen tone.
In each episode, the story is weighed down by mechanical technicalities that are far-fetched enough to make an engineer’s eyes glaze over. At the same time, writer/executive producer Jonathan E. Steinberg and executive producer/director Simon West compensate by injecting enough action and suspense to make watching a genuine thrill ride.
Target combines daredevil tactics with a deadpan sense of humor that reminded me of both a previous Human Target starring Rick Springfield (1992) and the ’90s cult item The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. — both ratings failures.
Well there you go. Somewhat mixed but mostly good. I can’t help but think Tucker might be on to something as Fox is notorious for canceling shows that they fail to promote properly, er they put in a doomed time slot, er are really good, er don’t get big, sustained ratings right away. In all fairness though, most of the broadcast networks have a hook at the ready these days. But we’ll see.
And as promised, the promo reel:
So what do you think? Looking forward to it, or dreading it?
What other shows are coming out that look good to you?
What Are Reviewers Saying of HUMAN TARGET?
by John D. Estes on January 14, 2010
Reviews of Fox’s new action show Human Target are beginning to roll in. I’ve had my eye on this show for a few months now, and I have to say it is one I’m looking forward to seeing. Based on the comic book, HUMAN TARGET is about a bodyguard who essentially takes the place of people marked for a hit. It stars Mark Valley (Boston Legal, Fringe), and co-stars Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies and reason enough to watch ANY show) and Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen). Also, the music is being done by Battlestar Galactica’s Bear McCreary, who in my opinion is one of the top film/TV composers working today.
2 Hour premiere airs on Fox Jan 17. Set to air Wednesdays at 9PM thereafter.
“Read More” for reviews and a promo clip.
From Variety’s Brian Lowry
From Barry Gannon, Hollywood Reporter
From Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly
Well there you go. Somewhat mixed but mostly good. I can’t help but think Tucker might be on to something as Fox is notorious for canceling shows that they fail to promote properly, er they put in a doomed time slot, er are really good, er don’t get big, sustained ratings right away. In all fairness though, most of the broadcast networks have a hook at the ready these days. But we’ll see.
And as promised, the promo reel:
So what do you think? Looking forward to it, or dreading it?
What other shows are coming out that look good to you?