REVIEWED: SEASON 1 (EPISODE 1) | WHERE TO WATCH: NOWTV, SKY GO
When it comes to the 1980s comic book, Watchmen shattered that front by having a brutal, slow-burning idea that no one had ever experienced before. After going on to fuel the Watchmen film in 2009 (view the Director’s Cut for a wholesome version), Alan Moore’s storytelling again re-shaped how we interact with superheroes in a very groundbreaking and human way, surrounded by hard-hitting political elements. In recent years, it has accomplished a cult-like acceptance and global following, and to many, it’s a satisfying encounter that just can’t be improved upon. However, HBO has dared to step into renowned territory to give their interpretation…
When you see the HBO logo fuzz its way onto the screen, you just know that what you are about to see is more than likely a story that’s worth telling. Known for Game of Thrones, The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and countless other modern masterpieces, they’ve had an unsurprisingly momentous impact on the boundaries of TV. So, when you combine their outstanding craft with the game changing principle behind Watchmen, then the result should be nothing short of epic. In a social media post, writer Damon Lindelof (The Leftovers) explained his lifelong love for the graphic novel, and how it eventually felt right to bring it into this medium. After previously turning down chances to work on what he describes as “sacred ground”, he is simply a fan that wants to make this new project the best it can possibly be, whilst respecting the source material. It’s a note that should be very comforting for addicted fans, as he hasn’t just randomly gone into such a delicate place just for a paycheck.
Set 30 years after the disastrous conclusion to the comic, we are now in an alternate timeline set in Tuska that battles politically-charged subjects including white supremacy, in possibly, only a way that this setting, and HBO can. In the middle of this slightly post-apocalyptic environment, Oscar award winner Regina King takes on the fierce role of Angela Abar AKA Sister Night. She gives us a first-hand view of this treacherous stage as she battles the horrendous 7th Kalvary, a cult-like gang that have poorly interpreted Rorschach’s intentions, and are living in a status where it’s illegal to be a vigilante. From squid storms thanks to Adrian Veidt (you’ll have to do a bit of background research into that one), to horrific gun fights under a lookalike Owlship, it’s a harrowing tone overall, which is a suitable homage to past Watchmen material.
The introduction of an older Adrian Veidt, played by the legendary Jeremy Irons is a pleasant surprise, and looking at his dynamic take on the world’s smartest man in the first episode alone it’s obvious that he is going to become one of the most indulging arcs (unless they kill him off early, you never know with HBO). Harking back to Rorschach at times, Looking Glass (Tim Blake Nelson) is an unreadable part of the play thanks to his slick attire, and as he interrogates a potential member of the 7th Kalvary, we get our first look at his ruthless outlook. Showing their admiration, Damon and director Nicole Kassell preciously staple Watchmen cornerstones into the episode, with even a highly anticipated first glimpse at Doctor Manhattan. They don’t overdo it so that viewers with little information on the background can just jump in. We also get a sublime soundtrack from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross who provide a suitable undertone, and natural sound with their score.
Sure, this will at some points leave die-hard fans scratching their heads due to what we see not really acknowledging the events before it, but with cool new characters, and an infectious mashup on older ones now established within such a harsh storyline, this pilot alone does show promise of something spectacular.
