Pilot Perception: Marvel’s Inhumans

Welcome to Pilot Perception, our feature in which we break down the first episode of each new show in order to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.

The Show: Marvel’s Inhumans, ABC in the U.S. and CTV in Canada, Fridays at 9/8c

The Pedigree: The series was created and written by Scott Buck (Dexter), who executive produces with Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory, who have produced pretty much all of the recent Marvel shows. Roel Reiné (Black Sails) directed the first two episodes.

The Cast & How You Know Them: The show stars Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels), Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), Serinda Swan (Graceland), Eme Ikwuakor (Extant), Isabelle Cornish (Home and Away), Ken Leung (The Night Shift), Ellen Woglom (Castle), Sonya Balmores (Beyond the Break), and Mike Moh (Empire).

The Premise: A community of superhumans on the moon disagrees about whether to protect themselves there or go back to Earth, which leads to a coup and fighting among the royal family and their associates.

A Taste:

What Works: I’m fine with the concept here — I love palace intrigue and stories about family and loyalty and power. So this had potential, in theory. And Iwan Rheon is always great.

What Doesn’t: Pretty much everything else. It’s just not well-executed. The writing is weak, the characters flat, and the show looks laughably cheap — sets, special effects, everything. (Though I know they must have spent a lot! That makes it even worse!) I spent most of the first two episodes just being astonished that anyone thought this was ready to air.

Our Favorite Line: “As leader of the royal guards, it was my responsibility to do something.” “Yes, something smart, ideally.”

You Might Like This if you’re a diehard fan of the comics or Marvel in general and you feel the need to be a completist.

If You’re Interested: Catch the first two episodes on demand or on the ABC or CTV site, then set your DVR for Friday at 9/8.

(Photo courtesy of ABC.)