Limitless
Developed by:
Craig Sweeny
2015-
Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
CBS
TV-14
After being chased into the Union Square subway station in New York City, Brian Finch is about to be hit by an oncoming train … on purpose. Screeeeech! But before we see the outcome of his seemingly fatal mistake, “Limitless,” CBS’s television adaptation of the movie of the same name, whisks us back in time to tell us his story. He’s a failed musician whose father has recently taken ill. His relatives are polite (especially his father) yet disappointed in his choices. But, of course, eventually he finds his way to success via the help of a former bandmate. It’s the kind of help you get in the form of a pill. This is no ordinary pill, though. For one thing, it helps Brian to finally do something worthwhile for his father. But it also puts Brian on a path to being up close and personal with that aforementioned train.
If you liked the movie version of “Limitless,” then the TV version will likely suit you just fine. Is it surprising? No. Is it believable? Certainly not. But it has energetic pacing that knows when to slow down just a touch. It also looks just fine with blue tones, cold lighting, and subtle hand-held camerawork. Regardless, the draw is the premise itself. I just like the concept. I still experienced a frisson when the drug’s effects took hold of Brian, even after seeing the film. After all, it would be cool to have a drug that makes your brain hyper-efficient. If you could have access to every single brain cell and every idea you’ve ever had, if you could have access to all of your memories, wouldn’t that be something? (I’d still refuse to take the drug, though.)
But wait a minute. There must be a catch, right? Of course. But “Limitless” comes up with an answer, the plausibility of which is immaterial, in the form of Bradley Cooper, who returns as his character from the movie. Cooper’s cameo explains how Brian will be capable of reaping the benefits of the drug without experiencing its fatal side effects … as long as that train doesn’t kill him. (It doesn’t, of course.) Plus, Edward Morra (Cooper) is a United States Senator seeking re-election who has plans for Brian. So, Brian will be taken care of.
Back to the chase. Unlike in Fox’s adaptation of “Minority Report,” “Limitless” sets up a chase in which the protagonist is the one on the run. He’s not the one doing the chasing. Well, not yet. That’s a much better way to start a procedural nowadays. In the first episode, you almost forget that that’s what you’re watching … almost. The question is: Can that last? You see, at the conclusion of the first episode, FBI agent Rebecca Harris (Jennifer Carpenter) agrees to team up with Brian to get to the bottom of this drug’s potential. He uses her, and she uses him. But neither is fully aware of the other’s motives. So, that’s nothing new.
Despite that, Jake McDorman is well-cast as Brian. He has redeemed himself from last year’s “Manhattan Love Story,” a failed romantic comedy that aired on NBC. He’s likable, and he can pull off this kind of character with relative ease. You believe him both as a failure and as someone who’s firing on all cylinders. He and Bradley Cooper have that in common. Also, the rest of the cast is equally well-chosen. The actors and the serviceable special effects, which are incorporated into digital illustrations and flashback sequences that depict what Brian’s remembering, deliver the concept clearly enough to be understood. After all, the first episode was directed by Marc Webb (“(500) Days of Summer” and the “Spider-Man” reboot franchise). So, style’s not an issue. On the other hand, the writing’s not that great, but it will serve.
The ultimate success of “Limitless” will depend on how clever the writers are. Will they be able to keep this series from becoming just another procedural? Will they be able to crank out compelling idea after compelling idea? With this premise, they certainly have lots to choose from. Let’s hope they choose wisely.
Verdict: Very Good
About: (Source: limitless)
LIMITLESS, based on the feature film, is a fast-paced drama about Brian Finch, who discovers the brain-boosting power of the mysterious drug NZT and is coerced by the FBI into using his extraordinary cognitive abilities to solve complex cases for them. Working closely with Brian in the major case squad in New York City is Agent Rebecca Harris, a formidable investigator with a dark past, and Agent Boyle, a former military officer and Rebecca’s confidante. They report to Special Agent in Charge Nasreen “Naz” Pouran, a canny manipulator of the reins of power. Unbeknownst to the FBI, Brian also has a clandestine relationship with Senator Edward Morra (Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper, recurring), a presidential hopeful and regular user of NZT who has plans of his own for his new protégé. Fueled now with a steady supply of NZT that enables him to use 100% of his brain capacity, Brian is more effective than all of the FBI agents combined, making him a criminal’s worst nightmare and the greatest asset the Bureau has ever possessed.
