Review - Human Target 2010 Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot

Since the pilot hasn't aired in the US yet, I want to give a heads up that the later half of the review will have spoilers. If you don't want to read spoilers, read up to the italicized warning.

Human Target isn't a smart show and it isn't meant to be, but it isn't completely brain dead either. Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) is a security guard with a reputation for being the best, and that reputation is well-earned. He is smart, suave, and not afraid to take risks. Valley is flat out incredible and pulls off the role with ease. He has a mysterious past few people know about, but I'm sure there's something juicy. The pilot touched on it lightly which is why I say it's not brain dead.

The amped up action is fast and ferocious and the episode flew by. Your enjoyment of the show will largely depend on your taste in shows. If action-adventure is your thing, you'll love the show. Human Target is the old school action show with explosions, fighting, and a manageable plot behind it. There is a bit of humor that adds a lightness to the show, but I thought it was more lame than funny.

Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley) and Winston (Chi McBride) work with Chance, and add another side to the show. Winston thinks Guerrero is out of control, and Chance agrees, but Guerroro comes through with vital information quickly. From the first episode, I didn't see Guerrero do anything crazy, so maybe he isn't as bad as he seems. Winston gives his theory of why Chance is wiling to throw himself into dangerous situations. Chance takes risks because he wants to die. It all plays into Chance's mysterious past.

Score: 8.7/10

If you don't want to be spoiled, please don't read further. I do reveal certain plot points.

Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica fame guest stars in the pilot, providing star power, and setting the tone for the show. She was the manager of developing a high speed train and looking for a protector, so she hires Chance whose plan is to ride the train. Bringing her out in the open will draw the assassin out. While Chance foils attempts to kill Tricia, Guerrero tracks down other leads. It turns out that the person trying to kill her is her husband who discovered her affair with a reporter.

The story wasn't particularly deep, but for the genre of the show, it was above average. The show is about as I expected--fighting, humor, a bit of mystery. It's a fun show to watch that won't force you to smack yourself over the head from stupidity as the Knight Rider remake did.