Visitors Review

elven_rangers (2012-05-25 07:36)

Completely awful

Rarely have I seen a series that completely insults the viewer'srelative intelligence as this one. Alphas has as a premise a team ofpeople with special abilities led by a neurologist who areinvestigating strange cases for the US DoD. The premise itself (as wellas the characters) are bleeding with logical holes that are simply toopainful to bear through the first 6 episodes (I stuck through thisordeal trying to see some potential in the subject). - why is aninvestigative team led by a neurologist? What exactly qualifies adoctor to be an investigator of any sorts? (this is the same hole thatplagues CSI series) Moreover the team also acts as a tactical team ledby nothing else except "Common sense" as none of them are trained to betactical leaders - the only thing they have going is their abilities. -the autistic kid (Bell) can intercept any sorts of wireless signal andprocess the information within "as fast as any computer" (to quote thedoctor). Is he? No. Within the pilot he is shown tracking a direct lineof communication between two mobile phones. Dude! That's not howmobiles work! The signal from one goes to a tower then to the secondphone. At best he would've been able to track the signal to the mobiletower and then get the general location of the second phone (in thatcase a mere triangulation would've given a much more accuratelocation). But wait, there's more! The kid can practically decrypt anyand all protocols carried over a wireless signal. That includes anykind of video stream, TCP packets, communication over SSL, GSM signalsand the list goes on. Any and all encryption algorithms are useless.This kid would be better put to work cracking terrorist communications.Hell, he's the universal decoding machine, in real time! TSL, RSA, AESare useless regardless of cypher strength, which goes way beyond thecombined power of all normal human brains added to the total power ofall the CPUs in the world. - the "marine" (Hicks) could very well bethe equivalent of Bell in abilities. He can't tap communications but hecan process just as fast. - the linguist (Pirzad) - initially herability was described as heightening one sense and lowering the others,but it was changed to "disabling all the others". The problem here isthat it's not just the senses that get boosted. Her ability is againthe equivalent of Bell, because a sense simply feeds information to thebrain. You need absolute knowledge in order to interpret that volume ofinformation. One time she uses a heightened scent to detect complexchemical compounds. But first of all she needs the ability to processthat much detail and then to have a comparison term - this kind ofknowledge is available only to aging doctors in chemistry with so muchexperience. Unless her brain has the infinite processing power of Bell,there's no way she could know what she's smelling. And how could shedescribe the smell to another? It smells like .. aaaa ... potassiumpermanganate? For that she should know from experience what potassiumpermanganate is ... and she's a LINGUIST!!The list goes on, in an annoying and unbearable fashion. I really can'tbelieve that this level of stupidity gets to be compared to Heroeswhere (granted, 1 great season followed by soapy ones) at least thepowers were well defined, strict and well explained.The acting (on the other hand) is decent and on the par with otherseries (Warehouse 13), but the terrible and poor universe given to usby the inept writing and senseless characters turns this show into aterrorizing experience for the average intellect.

CrispyJ (2012-05-24 21:42)

Safe, soft science fiction

The recent SyFy lineup seem to be largely bland, watered down versionsof previous attempts at genre shows that just didn't bring in theviewers.Alphas follows this proud tradition in many ways. It is an obviousrehash of other, similar shows such as Heroes and The Cape. Anotherreviewer even noted the near shot-for-shot match of scene in the pilotto one in Heroes. I can only assume that this is a nod, or homage, toHeroes, as a coincidence would be hard to swallow. It seemed to me thatthey wanted to acknowledge what came before, before moving forward.One element that makes Alphas different from previous superhero showsis the strong reliance on their other influences. Another reviewermentioned cop shows; I myself feel Alphas to be a mix of Heroes andLeverage. The writers use the super abilities as a plot device to putjust enough of a spin on some typical investigation or caper stories tomake them feel fresh, while at the same time not delving quite deepenough into the science or 'reality' behind the powers to require theaudience to think too much (and thus drop out of the story). This is atrend that is seen in other SyFy shows such as Warehouse 13, Eureka andSanctuary. It's 'soft' sci-fi, and it allows the writers more freedomto stretch beyond a typical procedural to give the audience somethingnew, but without having to establish a hard set of rules that mightcome back to bite them later.One positive thing I see with this show is how the writers thus farhave a tight leash on the powers. Power creep is the bane of just aboutevery super hero story. Rather than having super heroes shooting boltsof something or stopping time, all of the abilities we've seen so farin Alphas (as of Episode 3) are merely enhancements of things peoplecan normally do (Gary being a possible exception; if he merely saw thedata streams, that would be one thing, but he seems to have a limitedability to manipulate them). This has the dual effect of being mucheasier to write for from a continuity standpoint while having much lessof an impact on the special effects budget.So I see it as a reasonably decent espionage/investigation/caper showthat happens to include super powers to help drive the plot. As long asthey don't let power-creep take over, they should be able to keep itgoing for a few years at least. It won't make any hardcore sci-fi fansfall in love with it, but it will definitely appeal to a wider range ofeveryday viewers.I am guessing that a wider, more apathetic audience appeals more toSyFy than a smaller, yet more dedicated group of fans like yougenerally see with science fiction shows. I believe that is the newdirection of SyFy, and I'll have to admit, it does make good businesssense.I think that was also an element in changing from SciFi to SyFy. It'snot about science fiction so much, but it feels just enough likescience fiction to be a reasonable replacement. Like, the diet coke ofscience fiction.

dreamer2point2 (2012-05-23 11:29)

more beta than alpha

Yes, the acting is reasonably decent and the plot moves along withouttoo many starts and stops, I just have some trouble with the wholepremise. Alphas are people with extraordinary abilities who can wreakhavoc or save us all as the mood, and the writers, strike them. OK, Iguess, but this series, based on the pilot episode, seem a little likeNYPD Blue with super powers. How would we fight crime if we could readminds and jump over tall buildings? The Alphas only reason for existingis, apparently, to fight other Alphas. It just doesn't capture myimagination. Also, I'm wondering why someone hasn't strangled DavidStrathairn's character, Dr. Rosen. He's infuriating and self-important.His whole answer-a-question-with-a-question approach to the mentalhealth of his team seems very ineffective, not to mention irritating.I'll watch a couple more episodes to see if things improve but I won'tbe holding my breath.

brainwerx (2012-05-22 14:10)

yawn!!

I have been watching this show, based on the other reviews, hoping thatmy impression of the series was wrong. Sadly, it wasn't. It ispredictable, almost laughingly so. The only remotely interestingcharacter is Gary. Aside from that the premise, a group of individualswith unique talents under the control of the government, and abenevolent overseer. In other words, they cannot be left to their owndevices otherwise, they could 'implode'. This is the same laughablepremise that is always put forward in order for people watching to feelbetter, so that they can believe the that if there are people like thisin the world, different from them, they can be 'monitored' by peoplethat 'know better'. Really, is this truly what is considered leadingedge good?!?!?I'm not much of a writer, but, I could probably come up with muchbetter premise. Sadly it would never get funded because it would notallow for the concept of benevolent overseers.

Vanguard (2012-05-21 17:36)

Acceptable, but borderline Plagiarizing Heroes

So, anyone else remember the scene with Eden with her power of"Suggestion" from Heroes? The scene where she suggested Matt Parkmannot write her a ticket and go eat donuts? So. Remember the sceneintroducing the woman with the power of suggestion in Episode one? Itwas almost frame by frame, I swear.That particular bit of near plagiarism out of the way, it's actually apassable SciFi (I refuse to spell it the 'new' way) show. I watched thefirst two episodes and I am genuinely interested to see what happensnext. The "Prediction" guy is actually a very compelling villain andI'd like to see him again.Little else to say. It's only four episodes in and I've only seen two.I just really had to express the scene-steal from Heroes.

Nathan Makalena (2012-05-21 17:14)

Alpha Review

This year I was watching two Sci-Fi series. Alphas and Falling Skies. Ihave to say Alphas has wiped the floor with Falling Skies. It has agood characterization without getting away from the nitty grittyaction. Falling Skies seemed at first like a great series but despiteit being about aliens invading earth it was more terrestrially basedthan out of this world. Alphas managed that perfect blend of showingcharacters and fight scenes. I'm looking forward to the next episodevery much.I'm living in the UK so am watching it on 5* but if thoseacross the pond have reached the end of the series I hope it's good.There is still lots to be told with quite a good plot line with twistsand turns. It isn't that complicated but at the same time they haven'tdumbed it down like most Sci-Fi shows.

banteros (2012-05-18 16:36)

Boring.

When you find yourself looking at the clock every now and then whilewatching a TV show and find that only 5 minutes had passed since thelast time you looked at the clock, you know that something is verywrong with the "entertainment."Since the Sci-Fi channel decided to dumb down their programming,including the new Sy-Fy for dummies name, I have been very disappointedwith that network. Still, I had hopes for "Alphas," given the premise,but it just didn't work out.This is "Heroes" for dummies or, even worse, "X-Men" for dummies. It isflat out boring. The characters are boring, the pacing of the show isboring, the dialogue is boring!When I looked at the clock again, already feeling very mentallyfatigued from the boredom and found that only half an hour had passed,I couldn't take it anymore. I shut it off.The dumbing down of America continues... to rave reviews.Sigh.

lordmagic (2012-05-18 13:38)

Very good for a Copycat

OK Alphas meaning " Alpha Male " a term of Evolution just Like " Mutant". Sound familiar? Think X-men.Dr. Rosen = Professor X ( without ability ) taking in and searching for" ALPHAS " to help them realize their potential and help them controltheir abilities. His team of "ALPHAS" fighting the EVIL team of ALPHAS"RED FLAG" ergo ( X-men vs Magneto and friends or Brotherhood of EvilMutants...you decide ). Either way, its a new spin on another comicbook Idea that is over 30 years old. Not to say it's not entertainingand I like that they highlight the handicapped and show them howpowerful they can be in other ways, especially for the comic book lover( like me ) out there but, come on SyFy, come up with something a bitmore original please..... I am begging you.

dougo13 (2012-05-18 01:15)

More dumb fun Syfy Summer series

Laughable. Stop trying to make Canadian cities look to be US ones (allthe Ontario license plates and that Purolator delivery truck should bedead giveaways that the show is in Canada and not in NYC (asdepicted)). Haven't we seen this all before in Mutant X? I guess SyFymust like it 'cause it's cheaper to make than Stargate Universe. Thewhiny kid could do with getting himself blown up...or better yet, lethim drive the car. It will result in an accident and we'll be rid ofhim. So far I've not seen anything out of the ordinary with this show.I notice that demographically, us over 40's seem to think this show isaverage while the under 20's think it's the best thing since slicedbread. Stick around kids. You haven't seen enough really good stuffyet...PS At least the Marc Bolan/T-Rex fans should get a kick out of themusic and references. I'm not a fan, so I didn't...

stefgrig (2012-05-17 16:35)

Most of the reviews are premature , this has potential

It keeps getting better . Episode 1 was , lets say unremarkable . Anintroduction , but with most of the cards hidden . But episode 2 getsthings going . Opens up possibilities , starts giving us a backgroundfor the characters . And there is a transformation in progress , agroup of misfits starts to become a team .I do like the psychological aspect of it . And I will give this seriesa chance , will not judge it from 1 or 2 episodes . There are seriesthat started of slowly and matured into greatness . "The event" is oneexample , even though they never got back most of the viewers they lostdue to a slow start , in my opinion its their loss , as the seriesturned into one of the best .I think this is a series that will surprise me more with episodes tocome , and I will keep watching it . Characters are quirky , damagedand interesting , and the concept of alphas gives the series a hugewhite-board to sketch anything they want on it .I for one am looking forward for more .

nigelridehalgh (2012-05-16 07:53)

Loved it so far

I have to disagree with most of what the negative reviews say - Ithought the characterization and the acting were excellent so far, withthe promise of much more to develop as the series goes on. Of coursethe basic concept of the show is not new, or breaking any particularlynew ground yet, but it seems well done and definitely worth a watch.There are so few shows that are ever completely original, so not tryingthis series out because because you've already seen another 'group ofpeople with special abilities' series would be a shame.I think one of the best aspects so far is the way in which all thecharacters talents appear to complement each other and the situation,in a way that seems much more natural and less forced or coincidentalthan other shows of this genre, which I imagine is not easy to achieve.I am looking forward to the next few episodes extremely keenly.

sagei (2012-05-15 12:12)

No.

Guy shot in sealed interrogation room. Should grab you by the throat shouldn't it ?Not.The 'freaks banding together to fight evil' concept is decidedlywornout but they give it another shot anyway. And they fire blanks.The powers maybe different but everything else is mind numbinglysimilar to stuff that has been done before and done better.Not one character stands out to engage you intellectually oremotionally. The guy from bones is so like the guy from bones(with someextra hand waving) that you wonder if he is acting or if he just islike this all the time.Some decent parkour sequences but otherwise the pace is plodding. Thedialogue and chemistry between characters is flat. Cast, characters, dialogue, story etc not one thing caught my interestor aroused even a lukewarm desire to see the next episode. Wish them well and hope their work improves but doubt it.Thank you.

scottpelath (2012-05-12 21:40)

Very Inventive Writing

First of all, yes, this show has a re-hashed premise (tons of comics,as well as the X-Men and Heroes Movie and TV franchises, not to mentionNo Ordinary Family and Mutant X), but really, what's the big deal aboutcopying a high concept about a team of super-humans fighting anotherteam of super-humans? It's what the show adds to the genre thatmatters.What Alphas adds is relative realism. Each power has a steep geneticprice: seeing and accessing radio waves is accompanied by autism, andrecognition of all languages is accompanied with the inability tocommunicate. Adding to this, Gary's visualizing signals is actually oneof the only truly "unbelievable" abilities. Most of the others could bedrawn from youtube videos (lifting a car off a baby or throwing aquarter into a Coke machine from across the room). This "down-to-earth"mindset for its creation allows the viewer to more readily suspenddisbelief when required.The acting is only okay, but Sci-Fi Network is not really known forphenomenal acting. I'll admit that certain characters were gratingearly on, but what makes up for that is the writing. Not the dialog perse, but the in-episode concept and plot development are certainly to beadmired. Between the visual representation of a DDoS attack in theepisode "Rosetta" and the bottle episode "Blind Spot" (whichbrilliantly hid its lack of computer graphics), the writing (as well asdirection) is captivating and original. The show take the best elementsof a supernatural thriller and grounds it the plausibility that comesfrom a scientific explanation (many times using real phenomena unknownto most of the audience), and the realism of a procedural cop drama.Detractors may decry its repeated high concept, but Alphas is a notablepositive addition to the genre.

Sennara (2012-05-12 11:52)

Seriously, only watch it when you want to fall asleep right away.

This show used to be somewhat interesting at the first few episodes,but lately it has become so unbearably boring. I can't even finishwatching an episode.The characters are like robots, especially that Gary. He acts exactlylike what he's supposed to be, an idiot. No, not just Gary. All of thecharacters act like they have no brain!There's nothing fun, or at least interesting, in the story, either.These alphas just keep doing meaningless things. Their super powers donot seem to be of any use. They're like a bunch of people being underthreats or attacks all the time. Get a new screenwriter, or better cancel the show, please!

Basilisk Cho Ishikir (2012-05-09 14:54)

This is so amazing! Nigel-Murray is such a great actor, and so adorable!

Alphas is a great SciFi series and I hope it goes far. Five people,called Alphas, have supernatural powers. Strength, Extremesenses,ability to see all forms of electromagnetic wave, mind control,and many more are all stressed in the first episode of suspense andquestions. Bill is aggressive, an so far my least favorite character.Gary is my favorite characters, and that's not just because hes Vincentoff of BONES, but because of his abnormal attitude and great...well,not so great, personality. Nina and the other girl are very conflictingcharacters. On one hand, ones a whore and the other is kinda annoying.On the other hand, Vincent is so cute in this series! Ahem.... Myfamily and I loved this Pilot and hopes the series continues.BTW, the people with negative reviews should have better reasons than,"Oh this is old" or "That's not America!". The show is amazing, and hasNO qualities of the X-men. Why? Because the X-men comics have to dowith SCIENCE and mutations and FOCUS on that. Doesn't that mean EVERYSINGLE SUPERHERO show copy the X-men? No, it means this is different,and action-y and well written!So WATCH IT! It's a great thinker, and leaves you at the edge of yourseat!

heynello (2012-05-09 04:37)

I love it.

I loved Ryan Cartwright on Bones. He's the main reason I wanted towatch. Syfy also does pretty decent shows so I decided to take a lookand I was instantly hooked. There's something about the show that setsit apart from the other 'superheros'. Because they're NOT superheroes.They're just people with neurological differences that give themspecial abilities. Abilities that are not over the top and quiteplausible. As well, with these abilities come downsides.Bill, (Malik Yoba) has the ability to gain strength by igniting hisfight or flight response and pumping his adrenaline. You don't see himpicking cars up and tossing in the air over his head. No. He can push acar and he can be a good fighter but he doesn't have a super strength.The downside to this is that once he's going for 5 minutes, it startsto take effect on his body.Nina, (Laura Mennell) has the ability to "influence" or "push" someoneinto completing an act against their will, by simply looking into theireyes. (Doesn't work on Gary, though). Her downside is mostly trustissues being that nobody who knows of her ability can know for surewhether what acts are genuine.Rachel, (Azita Ghanizada)has the ability to enhance her senses, forexample scan a room or read the New York Times from blocks away, butthis comes at the expense of her other senses, leaving her vulnerable.Gary, (Ryan Cartwright) is I think one of the most interestingcharacters just because they haven't done many autistic people onshows. His powers are that he can read electromagnetic wavelengths inthe air. (Nobody can see this but him). He can track signals from cellphones, look things up on the internet and even watch videos fromanywhere. The downside to this is apparently headaches. Some peoplewere mistaken in saying that the downside was that it left himautistic.By the way, to the person who said that Gary had Aspergers (which I hadthought too, being that many people online have stated this fact) thatis incorrect. HE HAS HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM, NOT ASPERGERS. This hasbeen confirmed not only by Ryan Cartwright himself on Twitter but onthe show pilot when his file comes up in the beginning, you can seeunder where his power is listed that it says "A high functioningautistic". It's VERY easy to miss! Besides, he doesn't act much likesomeone with Aspergers. He is definitely straight up autistic.Cameron, (Warren Christie) is the newest member of the team and the"sort of bad guy" in the pilot episode. His abilities includehyperkinesis (pardon me if I spelled that wrong) which gives him almostperfect balance, hand-eye coordination, etc. But his skills falter whenhis confidence does.and last but not least, DR ROSEN (David Strathairn)is the leader of thegroup.Saw the 2nd episode and loved it. The characters will develop overtime. This is my new summer show.

uchio (2012-05-09 10:37)

X-Men meets CSI

If X-Men and CSI had sex then had a baby, that baby would be this show.Everything in this show has been done. Not only that, everything inthis show has been done better. The acting is not terrible, but neverrises about the mediocre script.Alphas is a show about mutants with special powers. Only in thisseries, they are called - you guessed it - Alphas. Dr. Rosen leads agroup of good Alphas who use their powers to stop bad Alphas, much likeXavier and his X-Men. Red Flag are the bad guys. They are the Magnetoand Brotherhood of Mutants of this series. Throughout season 1 we learnmore about the motives of Red Flag and of a place called Binghamton,which is supposed to help Alphas live with their powers.Alphas is at best an average show, full of clichés and plot holes.While it is far from the worst show on TV, it's certainly not the best.You'd be much better off watching the X-Men movies or Heroes to getyour mutant fix.

hep (2012-05-08 19:43)

Moving backwards in time

I found nothing redeeming about this show. I couldn't understand theactors half the time because they talked over each other, the plottwists were obvious, and the sets dingy. This is to say nothing about the fact that the cookie-cuttersuperheroes perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes -- the person withsuperhuman strength and anger-management issues? A big black guy. Theperson who can manipulate others to get anything? A sexy woman. Theperson who is hyper-sensitive? Obviously a woman. The perfect athleteand soldier? Gorgeous white guy. Oh, and the requisite tech geek? He'snot just socially awkward, he's *autistic* (is that geekist?). This from the network that made Starbuck a kick-ass woman? I love SyFyand they do a lot of things right, but this one is oh so wrong.

Bolthouse (2012-05-06 13:14)

Yes! This is an excellent show!

This is an excellently done show, and any negative review is completelywrong! I was a little wary to watch it at first because I figured itwas just another random SyFy show, but I was sorely mistaken. The showis essentially about people able to tap into extraordinary abilities(called "Alphas") because of a unique neurological difference, workingtogether to fight a criminal group with similar abilities.The show was expertly done, with every character thoroughly establishedin the pilot. I was immediately gripped by the show after the firstline (watch it, it's funny and dramatic all at once). I was actuallyexpecting it to falter but I have to say that not once did the show notkeep me interested. All the characters mesh well together (check outthe hilarious banter between Gary and Bill, played by Ryan Cartwrightand Malik Yoba respectively), and luckily it's not one of thoseannoying shows where people have abilities without limit, yet somehowfind a way to thwart themselves by either "forgetting" their superpoweror just not using it for the sake of conflict (*cough* No OrdinaryFamily *cough*).While maintaining a superhuman atmosphere, this show realisticallyportrays an environment with extraordinary abilities that complementeach other in a complex and well thought out manner.My advice, give the show a chance. Watch the pilot and you won't bedisappointed. Awesome show with awesome characters, all of whom arewell-developed. This show will definitely make it to the top of your"must watch" list of the week!ALSO, TO EVERYONE SAYING GARY IS AUTISTIC, YOU ARE WRONG; HE HASASPERGER SYNDROME. YES, THEY ARE SIMILAR, NO THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

Ayay71 (2012-05-05 22:18)

Waste of time

First off are people so starved to have a new Sci-Fi to follow thatthey try and praise anything? This show have the most boring writingsince a Emmerdale farm episode that really let it self go, And thepowers they have is to put it gently , Slightly more powerful anduseful then a slightly miffed hamster.Only reason anyone would followthis is to see how the writers manage to build episodes to fit them.Iwill not harp on the actors performance since they have nothing buttripe to work with and most of them just have to think - Well it beatsdaytime soap.I would be surprised if this lasted more then a season ,but since Sci-Fi fans seem to swallow anything these days i might bewrong.But every episode i saw ended with me looking at my watch morethen the screen and lets face it that is not entertainment.