David Strathairn
Ryan Cartwright
Warren Christie
Azita Ghanizada
Laura Mennell
Malik Yoba

Created by:
Zak Penn
Michael Karnow

2011-2012
Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Syfy
TV-14

“Alphas” is a TV series with the now-familiar concept of a group of investigators going after people with exceptional powers. In this case, the group of investigators is comprised of the Alphas, who are people with superhuman abilities. Each investigator has a different ability: superhuman strength, powers of persuasion, control of the senses, control of electromagnetic wavelengths, and hyperkinesis. They work together to investigate abnormal occurrences caused by other Alphas.

I like “Alphas” a bit better than “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” because “Alphas” is a bit more plausible: Superheroes investigate superheroes in this show (instead of “normal” people investigating superheroes, as is the case at the beginning of “S.H.I.E.L.D.”). However, in “Alphas,” some things happen too easily and are a bit predictable. The dialogue is fairly banal, as well. There’s a little bit of fun to be had here, though, if you like the concept – emphasis on little.

In the pilot, creators Zak Penn (co-writer of “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “The Incredible Hulk” and co-developer of the storyline of “The Avengers”) and Michael Karnow set up the main characters. That setup includes the story of how the newest member of the team is recruited by team leader Dr. Lee Rosen (played by David Strathairn), who’s actually not an Alpha himself: He’s a doctor specializing in the field of superhumans or Alphas, a title that he coined. This new member of the team is the one with hyperkinesis. He’s a victim of the pilot episode’s villain, who’s another Alpha who warns this new member that he may not be choosing the right side.

While nothing’s done really well in “Alphas,” nothing’s done badly. And the actors do adequate jobs. The ever-reliable Strathairn does the best job of all, which is no surprise. And Malik Yoba has turned into a solid actor, but I still want more from him as a cocky former FBI agent with superhuman strength. None of the actors do anything revelatory, though, which is what this show needs to be truly engaging. …

During the second episode of “Alphas,” things settle down a bit, and the show finds a pretty good rhythm. I was able to take it more seriously and found it more interesting, as a result. I hope that this continues for the duration of this show’s run. But, even after the third episode, things are still a bit overcooked. Overall, “Alphas” works just well enough to satisfy fans of the genre … barely.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: alphas)

Five ordinary people are brought together to form one extraordinary team of Alphas — people with the unique power to stretch the capabilities of the human mind, giving them superhuman physical and mental abilities. Operating within the U.S. Department of Defense and led by preeminent psychiatrist and expert in Alpha phenomena, Dr. Lee Rosen, the team investigates cases that point to others with Alpha abilities. As they work against the clock to solve this new brand of crime, they must prevent their own personality differences and disparate backgrounds from interfering with their ultimate mission.