Mutant X takes the useful SF trope of the mutant minority persecuted by the state and adds potentially interesting spins. The charismatic villain Mason Eckhart of the Genetic Security Agency (Tom McCamus) professes an ideology of service and sacrifice for which many mutants fall, unaware of his genocidal and exploitative real intentions–though his habit of dumping failed minions into glass tubes for subsequent vivisection might give them a clue. A quest for redemption underlies the apparent smugness of Adam (Michael Shea), the good guys’ mentor, who used to work for the GSA’s front, research company Genomex. The pretty central quartet themselves–fierce acrobatic Shalimar, reliable density-shifter Jesse, laddish electro-boy Brennan, and sensible mind-twister Emma–alternately rescue new mutants from Eckhart and neutralize those who are threats. In “The Shock of the New,” shopgirl Emma discovers her powers of persuasion have made her the target of murderous Eckhart and his henchman Thorne. Rescued by Shalimar and Jesse, she refuses their offer of passage into the mutant underground and is attacked a second time. Captured rescuing Emma, electricity-shooting Brennan is forcibly recruited into Eckhart’s kidnap squads in “I Scream the Body Electric.” Can he be rescued or avoid corruption? –Roz Kaveney
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May 10, 2010
#1
Could I just start off by saying that this is the reason Amish people live happily : they don’t have to subject themselves to this kind of lousy television. What were thinking when they created this?? All I unfortunately have to say is, thank God for books.
May 10, 2010
#2
This is the first of the USA (Zone 1) releases of Mutant X.
There have already been 13 DVD releases (as of 14 April 3003).
The major difference is that the USA Releases have ADDITIONAL material!!! not included on the previous international releases.
This disc includes:
1. The Shock Of The New
A top-secret human genetics program has gone awry, giving its unwitting human subjects, including Brennan and Emma, incredible special powers.
2. I Scream The Body Electric
The Genetic Security Agency, controlled by the maniacal Mason Eckhart, will stop at nothing to capture emerging mutants. Emma comes to acknowledge her own “telepathic” power and joins the Mutant X team to save her friend Brennan.
PLUS Additional Features:
Commentary for “The Shock of the New”
Outtakes
Gallery
Character profile: “Adam”
Cast biography: John Shea
Television promos
ADV Previews
The transfer is presented with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1, the video is full screen and naturally not enhanced for widescreen sets. Edge enhancement is also a problem and lowers the general clarity of picture. Despite this, the detail is general quite clear, grain is extremely limited, and film artefacts are rarely seen.
The colours seem well rendered, and don’t suffer from any bleeding or noise. Aliasing pops up on a couple of occasions, but not to any major extent. Overall it’s an acceptable, but middle of the range, transfer.
May 10, 2010
#3
I haven’t seen anything beyond this first disc, and after seeing the first two shows I don’t want to, either.
The other reviewers say that it gets better in seasons 2 and 3, but it has not where to go but up. The special effects are terrible, the writing is sterile, and the lines are delivered stiffly. The characters are not remotely available, except a little bit for the girl who can read minds. All in all just a terrible show. And this is coming from a scifi fan who absolutely loves XMen – both in concept and for the actual movies.
If you want to take a chance that the show gets better and want to start at the beginning – have at it. Otherwise avoid this clunker at all costs.
May 10, 2010
#4
That this is a rip-off of X-Men is undeniably true. They even have an X in the name — no originality whatsoever. The pilot had some good writing and sets up and intricate story that is very original unlike the idea for the show. However they try to rip-off the Matrix stuff and make it look absolutely ridiculous. Most of the consequent episodes are amazingly stupid. Cliche stories without any depth whatsoever.
HOWEVER!!! The show improves dramatically as it goes into season two and than improves EVEN MORE in season three. By season three this is an excellent show with amazing writing, stylish directing, and excellent cast even without John Shea. It is just so cool, it’s amazing. Very original execution of a very unoriginal idea!
I recommend waiting for Seaons Two and Three. However, at the state the show is currently in (as I write this, early Season Three), it is so good that it makes the pilot look good, simply because it is based on it. You may want to get the pilot and maybe a few other episodes that move the story along, just to know how it all started for the consequent seasons.
I admit, second season had some stupid episodes in it (one was actually written by Freddie Prince Jr., no joke!) but overall is pretty good. Third season so far, however, is pure quality.
May 10, 2010
#5
I love Mutant x. I have been a real fan from day One. I love the characters and the whole theme. I started buying these episodes but they are too much money for 2 episodes. True the commentaries are cool, but Don’t expect too many extras. I expected more from the extras than I got. It would be good to have some interviews with the people behind the characters. Is that too much to ask. I recommend the show but the dvd’s leave a lot to be desired.