The Canadian Entertainment industry, specifically Marvel Entertainment, came up with an interesting series that I discovered by accident. It ran three years, and was set to run for a fourth season when it was abruptly terminated -for reasons only known to studio executives, although it was blamed on the collapse of a production company associated with the show.

ORIGINS

This science fiction series was Toronto based, and part of the set is indeed the sewer /water treatment plant that all the Canadian locals will no doubt recognize. It was entertaining, but not without some flaws. Its main appeal has been the fantastic (if unbelievable ) premise on which the show is based, the action scenes, the cast, and to a lesser degree the week to week stories.

The flaws in the first season involve the shaky science that created the mutants , inconsistencies like for example, calling these mutants NEW mutants, the improbably perfect leader (Adam) who appears to know everything, and is almost too good to be true. He can design anything from a new gene sequence to a stealth plane that flies itself. He can cure life threatening illnesses in minutes, diagnosed with a scanner he developed, and word has it, even his sweat don’t stink. He is pitted against a villain with little humanity left, and the diametric opposites may be a little too much at times. At the end of the season, there will be many unanswered questions.

Avi Arad, the CEO of Marvel, is given credit for the concept for MUTANT X . It was probably initially very similar to, or the same as, the X-MEN movies and some abrupt changes needed to be made to divert the 100 million dollar lawsuit coming from Twentieth Century Fox, claiming conflict with the movie X-Men. Maybe that is why the series appears to have lacked the confidence to plan long term goals for the first season. Occasionally the writing is less than adequate barely “fixing” the points of disagreement. Case and point is the term NEW mutants. The new mutants had known of their powers all along, although the X Men mutants discovered their new powers only at puberty. The series could have remained overstated and campy,( and a few of the episodes are a little cheesy) but to its credit, Mutant X became character based, and plausible within the fantastic limits already set. The investment we have in the characters from the first season will carry our interest through a second and even a third season.

(Due to the lawsuit some basic info had to be changed, including the essential characteristics and names of the main characters. Much of what had already been written had to be rewritten, and it did not always fit well. The second season will prove to be a little less chaotic, and more focused.)

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There are several directors listed for the episodes of Season I . TJ Scott, married to cast member Victoria Pratt, is the only director who bothers to do a commentary on any of the episodes of the first season. Other directors include John Cassar (24, Six Feet Under) and John Potter. The head writer for the first season is Howard Chaykin (the Flash) well known writer and comic artist.

THE BACK STORY

Adam Kane , the leader of mutant X, (not a mutant, although in the original story he was a “wealthy mutant”) once worked at GenomeX as a genetic researcher, where they were able to alter defective genes to save lives . With GenomeX, Adam treated a number of babies, we presume in utero, to “fix them”. When he discovered that his experimental alteration of the genes caused the affected children to develop certain special powers, and realized that GenomeX, really a super secret branch of the Government, was planning to exploit the children or exterminate them, he left the company and took the data base with him. He built a sanctuary and set up an underground movement to get new mutants out of the vicinity and the clutches of GenomeX . He began to assemble a team of a few new mutants including one feral and one molecular mutant. Interestingly the term NEW mutant should not apply, since these children were all at least twenty, and each of them has had their powers since birth.

The four major types of enhanced talents of the children of GenomeX make them Ferals, who have animal characteristics, including better reflexes, and heightened senses (Shalimar) , Moleculars, who can change the density of their body mass, among other things (Jessie), Elementals, who can manipulate the elements, including for example, electricity (Brennan ) or fire , or Psionics (Emma) , which include telepaths, empaths, psyhcokinetics and other types of mind manipulation.


The Mutant X members live in a state-of-the-art (and more) mountain hideaway, They have a self-flying jet which can become invisible, and a computer command station, as well as a training and living space. Their adversary is the guy who runs Genome X now, Mason Eckhart, whose immune system was destroyed in a lab accident (we are never given specifics) and who lives in a plastic skin to protect himself from the germs in the environment. Eckhart and Adam were once colleagues and seem to know each other well. Eckhart is bitter and cruel, and claims that his goal is to protect humans from the mutants by finding them and recruiting them, putting them in stasis pods, or simply destroying them. We suspect intricate plots involving the military/industrial complex, and nefarious uses for the mutant superpowers. It is interesting that the US government is identified as the bad guy. This has to be Canadian.

THE CAST AND PERFORMANCES


The performances vary episode to episode, with a trend to improvement sequentially. By the end of Season one, the main characters will have developed personalities beyond the scope of their superpowers. They seemed to enjoy the work and they had good chemistry on screen.

Forbes March- as Jessie Kilmartin (Molecular). One of the first recruits of GenomeX, this guy can phase in and out, by changing molecular density. At least initially this actor had less dramatic roles in fight scene, and generally became solid to deflect flying bullets. Like others of this cast, March got his real start in show biz on daytime soaps. He had also been a model for various clothing lines. In terms of performance, I believe this is probably the best overall of any of the 4 mutants. The character evolves and develops a personality, martial arts skills and is articulate enough to voice the questions viewers would have. The actor was 29 at the start of the series, and looks younger. He was in school in a premed program, which he deserted for show business.

Victoria Pratt-as Shalimar Fox, Feral. This character shows the agility, keen reflexes and heightened senses of a large cat, and although this is not stated is clearly the major star of the four mutants. Of course being married to the director may nave helped. She is also the oldest of the younger actors, 33 at the start of the show. The actress was already known for her role in the XENA series. Before acting Pratt had graduated with honors from her university, written a book on fitness and body building, and even done a morning show. Her physical skills are impressive, and her acting not bad either. She has grace, power, and believability in her action scenes.

Victor Webster as Brennan Mulray, Elemental. This character was recruited from a life of crime and easy going self interest, not abusing his powers or hurting people, but definitely using making a decent living as a thief. He is pretty impressive physically and his black belt martial arts skills didn’t hurt. He was also a soap opera graduate. His few awkward acting moments are compensated by his handsome face and physique. The bad boy persona he has developed appears to be not that far from his real life personality. The character is volatile and a loner, and his integration into the team is a major task for season one. The rumor is that he was once a stockbroker. I can’t imagine when that would have been.

Lauren Lee Smith as Emma de Lauro, psionic. Emma’s gift is as a telempath. She can feel others’ emotions and to some extent is able to project emotions as well, allowing for some interesting getaways by the team Mutant X. Her task, like Brennan’s, is to fit in, and she has a harder time of it, until she gets some martial arts training. Demonstrating her powers was the easiest performance of all, because all she has to do is look intently at something and special effects did the rest. Of course, this actress has extraordinarily, beautiful eyes. Emma is the most vulnerable and sensitive Mutant x-er, and the alienation never completely goes away. The actress started her career as a model; obvious by the way she moves and presents herself. Her hair stylist though should be beaten severely.

John Shea as Adam Kane. This character is the key to the series. Although he has no mutant characteristics, he is a genius, a modern day Da Vinci-and most importantly, he is trying to expiate his guilt as the researcher who created the “monsters” by protecting them. He organizes and trains the team, and provides all the “adult” nurturing they will need. This has to have been a hard role to act, without turning the character soppy, and Shea pulls it off. He exudes compassion without speaking a word, and is able to create a believably human character for the series. He is, we realize, a slightly flawed character even from the start as little secrets are revealed one by one. In season one, the secrets don’t do much more than humanize the character. Shea is probably better known for his role as Lex Luther in the Lois and Clark series.

Tom McCamus as Mason Eckhart, the CEO of Genome X and a true villain. This is my favorite performance of them all, and the classical stage training is certainly put to good use here. The character is selfish, petty, power hungry, and occasionally a wee bit vulnerable, something that only shows in his eyes, although we never see him waiver in favor of mercy or justice. The actor dominates a scene merely by being in it, and this is a stage presence we rarely talk about but can’t help but notice, He was written out of Season two to do a run of Shakespeare on stage.

Michael Easton -as Gabriel Ashcroft- (Patient zero) the character was the first experimental GenomeX child to show special powers, and he has ALL of them. He is also devoid of conscience, and has been in a stasis pod most of his life. Needless to say, he is a littler miffed. This character does not appear until the last episode, but he is clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with. A penultimate all around bad guy, who can charm as well as force his followers to do his bidding, this sociopathic character is quickly established by this excellent actor, and we can almost look forward to his participation as we reluctantly bid farewell to Mason Eckhart.

BRIEF SYNOPSES OF EPISODES , (Feel free to skip this section)

Disc I

Side A: Commentary episode 101, some outtakes from the filming, a character profile of Adam, and bio of John Shea .Side B: Commentary episode 104, character profile of Shalimar and Bio of Victoria Pratt.

101-Emma, a Psionic, reluctantly joins team Mutant X. We are introduced to Brennan Mulray, an Elemental. A commentary, with Victor Webster (Brennan) and TJ Scott the director, helps explain the first episode.

102-Brennan Mulray, an Elemental who throws lightning bolts from his finger tips, leavers his comfortable life of petty crime to join team Mutant X.

103 Two Russians with a weapon that can detect and destroy new mutants arrive at Genome X, and Brennan’s life is endangered, as Jessie ‘infiltrates’ to discover the secret to reverse the effects of the weapon on Brennan.

104 –Shalimar falls for another Feral, a new mutant who believes he has a way to return the mutant genes to “normal”. The pattern for disaster for all serious relationships outside mutant starts here. X The episode is a sensual revelation f the Shalimar character, and is accompanied by a commentary by Victoria Pratt (Shalimar) and her husband, T.J.Scott, the director.

DISC 2
Side A: Character profile of Brennan, Bio of Victor Webster. Side B: Character profile, Emma, Bio of Lauren Lee Smith.

105-An outside new mutant who can transform into electrical current (and can infiltrate any computer system) wreaks havoc with the world in general and Mutant X in particular. One of the least believable stories to come the first season.

106. A deadly virus that affects only new mutants is killing young people. Adam and adversary Mason Eckhart share resources to cure the disease.

107. Another new mutant is discovered who can suck the energy from a light plant. Se is being actively pursued by the bad guys and Mutant x when they tell her that her normal boyfriend sold her out. She manages to incorporate Brennan, and the challenge will be to get him back.

108. Jessie gets a crush on an old acquaintance of Brennan’s, who has great computer skills. GenomeX wants her as well. Predictable story follows.


DISC 3

Side A: Character profile Jessie, bio, Forbes March. B: background on the mountain hideout, notes from evil GenomeX.

109: A young new mutant is kidnapped. Complicated plot, involving GenomeX who claim they can “fix” the kid. Like that would happen.

110-Mercenaries are affected by a genome-x chemical created by cultivated fungus, and come looking for payback. Mutant X to the rescue.

111. Adam reunites with an old girl friend and works to find a way to stabilize her DNA to prevent her from dying.

112. Brennan meets with an old friend, whose skills have been enhanced by GenomeX. Emma is caught is the crossfire and is separated into two Emmas: the reckless one and the cautious one.


Disc 4

Side A: Commentary with Forbes March and Victoria Pratt on episode 113. More exposition on the dojo, the COM link, and notes from GenomeX.

113 Jessie’s father appears on the scene many years after he left his wife and son. Jessie still sees his father through the child he was when he saw him last, and is going to have to face some facts.

114. A new mutant shows up with links to Adam’s past, when her father worked with him. The girl has the power to change the “moral compass” making good guys bad and vice versa, with a touch. It wears off on other new mutants. But it appears to be permanent on normal humans. Havoc wrought when she targets Adam.

115. Emma is picked up by a new mutant who can kill her with a kiss by sucking the life out of her and can come back to life when killed. A challenge for Mutant X and probably my favorite episode of the season.

116 Emma’s high school buddy has cyberkinetic powers and is working for the other side. Some mildly unpredictable sequences.

DISC 5
Further expository notes; on the double helix and GenomeX.
117. In going to meet a new mutant seeking help against the bad guys, a girl is killed and Adam is confronted by the new mutant who can take away the memories of his victims. Adam with amnesia is blamed for the murder, while Mutant X tries to find him.

118. An old boyfriend of Shalimar’s is rescued from GenomeX, when he refuses to help them crack a safe .He claims to have changed, and agrees to help mutant x get the item that GenomeX wanted to steal. These girls sure can pick ‘em.

119. A POWERFUL NEW Mutant shows up with an obsessive need to get revenge for his wife’s death. He mostly blames Mutant X. His ability is connecting to his victims and torturing them.

120 A beautiful new mutant who Adam claims was crossed with a scorpion takes control of Brennan through her pheromones. The least plausible of all the episodes.

Disc 5

Only one side: Adam (John Shea) gives a complete tour of the set, to be used in season two. The most interesting of any of the extra features.

121. A reporter has footage exposing Mutant X and Genome X, and a powerful adversary from GenomeX threatens the team with his deadly heat ray.

122. The 4 mutant members of Mutant X are each experiencing a disconcerting surge in their mutant abilities and have to learn to control it. Meanwhile Gabriel Ashlock, patient zero, with every mutant ability , and no conscience, is released from his pod, and plans to rule the world. He puts Eckhart in a pod in Genome X and sets up the second season as the new bad guy.( Eckhart went and did Shakespeare. –the cad)

FINALLY

I recommend this series in spite of the somewhat shaky first season - for entertainment, action and finally for the developing drama and character evolution that will occur. It was worlds better than most of the stuff being excreted by Hollywood.


American television studios are still hung up on sitcoms and soap operas so innocuous that my overwhelming response is “Who Cares?”. For the record, there is at least one viewer who doesn’t like Raymond and believes that Sex in the City in insulting to humanity of many levels, if for no other reason than it trivializes life choices . But then I never understood the appeal of Letterman or Seinfeld either, so what could I know?




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older