Powers (U.S. TV series)

Powers
Genre	Superhero Police procedural Drama
Based on	Powers  by Brian Michael Bendis Michael Avon Oeming
Developed by	Brian Michael Bendis Charlie Huston
Starring	Sharlto Copley Susan Heyward Noah Taylor Olesya Rulin Adam Godley Max Fowler Michelle Forbes Eddie Izzard
Composer(s)	Jeff Rona
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	10 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	David Slade David Engel Lawrence Mattis David Alpert Frank Frattaroli Michael Dinner Mike Avon Oeming Brian Michael Bendis Rémi Aubuchon Charlie Huston
Running time	45–53 minutes
Production company(s)	Circle of Confusion Sony Pictures Television
Distributor	PlayStation Network
Release
Original network	PlayStation Network
Original release	March 10, 2015 – present
External links
Website

Powers is an American online streaming series adaptation of the Powers comic book series published by Marvel Comics under their Icon Comics imprint. The PlayStation Network's first scripted original programming,^[1][2] the series premiered on March 10, 2015.^[3][4] The first two episodes of the series were written by Charlie Huston and directed by David Slade.^[5] The first three episodes, (the third directed by David Petrarca), were released on March 10, 2015, on the PlayStation Network. The pilot episode is available for free for people in the USA on YouTube^[6] and the entire first season is available on Crackle until May 3, 2016.

On May 6, 2015, Powers was renewed for a second season^[7] and is set to premiere on May 31, 2016.

Plot

Set in a world where humans and superheroes (called "powers") co-exist, a former power now homicide detective, Christian Walker, had his own powers taken from him. Along with his partner Deena Pilgrim they work in a special homicide division called Powers, which investigates crimes involving superhumans.

Episodes

Cast

Main cast

• Sharlto Copley as Christian Walker, formerly known as Diamond - a detective for the Powers division. Christian was once a hero, with the ability to fly, and was one of the best, but he had his powers taken from him by his previous mentor, Wolfe. Now Christian uses his experience to help the powers division stop destructive powers.
• Susan Heyward as Deena Pilgrim - Christian's partner in the Powers division. Her father is a successful retired policeman whom everyone admires.
• Noah Taylor as Johnny Royalle - another protégé of Wolfe, and former friend of Christian Walker, though it is unknown what happened between Royalle and Walker to cause their split as friends and partners. Royalle has the power to teleport.
• Olesya Rulin as Calista Secor - a wayward girl, she may or may not be homeless. She is a "wannabe" as she hangs around with powers, wanting powers of her own. She is convinced she has powers inside her, and believes they will awaken someday. She intends to use her powers on her abusive father for hurting her mother.
• Adam Godley as Captain Emile Cross - the head of Powers Division. He hates all powers and butts heads with Christian and Deena.
• Max Fowler as Krispin Stockley - the teenage son of Christian's deceased former partner. He feels that the more unstable 'Powers' should be held accountable for their mistakes.
• Michelle Forbes as Janice, aka Retro Girl - a female 'power' who dated Christian when they were young and were on the same team. Their relationship is strained after all the years apart. Retro Girl has the standard super powers of super strength, invulnerability and flight.
• Eddie Izzard as "Big Bad" Wolfe - possibly one of the most powerful and dangerous villains. Wolfe has the ability to absorb powers, an ability he used on Walker. It is unknown exactly how he takes powers, as Christian is shown with a scar on his back, so it is unclear if he just needs to be close or needs physical contact. Wolfe is mentally unstable, which is why he was not executed. Wolfe consumes humans and powers alike, both of which fuel him. Wolfe has shown to have multitude powers which include extreme strength, speed, and regeneration which grew in strength as he consumes or "eats" others. Triphammer states in episode 3 that all Wolfe's powers stem from extreme cellular regeneration.

Recurring cast

• Logan Browning as Zora – a blooming powers kid with the ability to manipulate light. She admires Christian and is ambitious about becoming the next powers hero.
• Andrew Sensenig as Harley Cohen, aka Triphammer – a non-powered hero, double amputee, and scientific genius who designed himself a suit of state-of-the-art armor to fight crime. A former member of the superhero team with Christian and Retro Girl, he now watches over the powers prison and has built a device to drain the superhumans' powers.
• Aaron Farb as Simons – Royalle's assistant and lover. He has the power to make multiple copies of himself with their own thoughts and personalities. He commonly uses his powers for the advance purposes of helping Royalle and himself which includes running and assisting with his plans.
• Claire Bronson as Candace Stockley – Krispin's mother who's a good friend of Christian. She works as a publicist for powers and takes Zora as a client.
• Justice Leak as Kutter – a detective of Powers Division. He is friends with Christian and respects him, though they often butt heads.
• Nicky Buggs as Eva Hamdam – Retro Girl's personal assistant and confidant.
• Jeryl Prescott as Golden – a member of Powers Division. She is friends with both Deena and Christian. Wolfe later kills and consumes her.
• Shelby Steel as Chaotic Chick – a girl who Krispin meets online while plays a POWERS online game. She likes powers but feels similarly with Krispin that they should be held accountable for their mistakes, due to a power battle resulting in the death of her cousin.
• Michael Lowry as Craig Sherman – a publicist who works for Zora.
• Janina Gavankar as Amira Karan – Deena's best friend.
• Charmin Lee as Patrice LeGarde – Johny Royalle's lawyer.
• Bianca Amato as Delia Alexander – a newscaster who hosts a very popular news show called "One on One with Delia Alexander".
• Jannette Sepwa as Paola Ruiz – Zora's feisty assistant and lawyer.
• David Ury as Dr. Death – a mortician who works for Powers Division. He does not get along with Deena.

Development

Sony Pictures had optioned the series for film production in 2001.^[8] In 2009, Brian Michael Bendis, creator of the comic book, confirmed plans to develop a Powers television show on FX as well as his involvement as the writer of the pilot for the show.^[9] In February 2011, a greenlit pilot of the show scripted by Charles H. Eglee was announced as a co-production by Sony Pictures Television and FX Networks.^[8] Charles S. Dutton became the first cast member in May 2011 when he signed on to play Captain Cross.^[10] Imminent filming in Chicago within weeks was announced in June 2011.^[11] The following week, Lucy Punch was cast as Deena Pilgrim.^[12] Katee Sackhoff had campaigned for the part.^[13] Although FX was rumored to be courting Kyle Chandler for the part of Walker,^[13] the next day Jason Patric was cast in the part.^[14][15] Later in June, Carly Foulkes was cast as Retro Girl and Bailee Madison was cast as Calista.^[16][17]

Filming began in Chicago in early July 2011 and ended in early August.^[18][19] In November 2011, FX announced that it would retool and reshoot the Powers pilot.^[20] Bendis tweeted that "the reshoots are planned for January and are all about tone and clarity".^[21] In April 2012, more scripts were ordered and writing continued, but reshoots and recasting were being discussed by the network.^[22]

On March 19, 2014, it was announced that Powers would become the first original television series on the PlayStation Network, to stream exclusively on PlayStation consoles and potentially stream in December 2014.^[23][24] On July 16, 2014, Susan Heyward, Max Fowler and Adam Godley were cast as Deena Pilgrim, Krispin Stockley and Captain Cross.^[25] On August 15, 2014, Deadline.com reported that Eddie Izzard, Noah Taylor and Olesya Rulin were cast in the roles of "Big Bad" Wolfe, Johnny Royalle and Calista.^[26] On August 18, 2014, Sharlto Copley was announced to star as Christian Walker and Michelle Forbes is cast as Retro Girl.^[27] Mario Lopez guest stars in the pilot episode as the host of Extra wondering about Walker's current whereabouts.

On October 11, 2014, a trailer for Powers was premiered at New York Comic-Con.^[28]

Reception

The first season has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a score of 53% based on 19 critic reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10. The critical consensus reads "The interplay between the characters lacks spark, but the detailed world-building of Powers shows potential."^[29] On Metacritic, it received a score of 51 out of 100, and a user score of 6.4 out of 10, indicating 'mixed or average reviews.'^[30]

References

1. Fitzpatrick, Kevin (2014-06-10). "Sony’s ‘Powers’ TV Series to Hit Playstation in December". Screen Crush. Retrieved 2014-06-12.
2. Graser, Marc (2014-11-18). "Sony ‘Powers’ Up its First Scripted TV Series on PlayStation". Variety. Retrieved 2014-11-24.
3. Bendis, Brian. "Powers Premieres March 10th, Only on PlayStation". Playstation. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
4. ""Powers" – ‘Pilot’". BD. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
5. "David Slade To Direct First Two Episodes Of Sony TV’s ‘Powers’". Deadline. July 9, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
6. Reilly, Luke. "So, Why Exactly Can’t the Rest of the World Watch Powers?". IGN. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
7. Sirani, Jordan. "Playstation's Powers renewed for season 2". IGN. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
8. Melrose, Kevin (2011-02-25). "FX Greenlights Powers Pilot". Spinoff. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
9. Melrose, Kevin (2009-02-06). "Bendis confirms Powers TV series headed to FX". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
10. Ching, Albert (2011-05-07). "Charles S. Dutton First Official POWERS Cast Member". Newsarama. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
11. Ching, Albert (2011-06-15). "Bendis Says POWERS Pilot Is 'Filming In Just A Few Weeks'". Newsarama. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
12. Andreeva, Nellie (2011-06-20). "Lucy Punch Set As The Female Lead In FX's Drama Pilot 'Powers'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
13. Porter, Rick (2011-06-21). "FX's 'Powers' pilot packs a (Lucy) Punch". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
14. Andreeva, Nellie (2011-06-21). "Jason Patric Set To Star In FX's 'Powers'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
15. Hibberd, James (2011-06-22). "Jason Patric speaks out on FX's 'Powers' role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
16. Lesnick, Silas (2011-06-26). "Will go from T-Mobile Girl to Retro Girl". SuperHeroHype. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
17. Filipponi, Pietro (2011-06-26). "POWERS TV Series Taps T-Mobile Model Carly Foulkes for Role of Retro Girl". The Daily Blam. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
18. Filipponi, Pietro (2011-07-08). "First Photo from the Set of FX's New TV Series POWERS". The Daily Blam. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
19. Holliday, Darryl (October 3, 2011) [August 11, 2011]. "Chicago, cops & super-criminals in new TV pilot". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
20. Andreeva, Nellie (2011-11-17). "FX Passes On Pilot 'Outlaw Country', Will Retool 'Powers'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
21. Brian Michael Bendis (2011-11-17). "@BRIANMBENDIS status". Twitter. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
22. Pantozzi, Jill (2012-04-09). "Good News? The Powers TV Show Is Starting Over". The Mary Sue. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
23. Franich, Darren (June 9, 2014). "‘Powers’: Comic book TV show coming to Playstation Network in December". Entertatinment Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
24. Sharma, Amol (2014-03-19). "Sony to Add Original TV Shows for PlayStation". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
25. "Susan Heyward Lands Female Lead In Sony Playstation Series ‘Powers’, Max Fowler & Adam Godley Also Cast". Deadline. July 16, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
26. "Eddie Izzard, Noah Taylor & Olesya Rulin To Co-Star In PlayStation Series ‘Powers’". Deadline.com. August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
27. "Sharlto Copley Set As Lead Christian Walker In ‘Powers’, Michelle Forbes Is Retro Girl". Deadline. August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
28. "New York Comic-Con: PlayStation’s ‘Powers’ Series Unveil First Trailer (Video)". Deadline. October 11, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
29. "Powers: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
30. "Powers - Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

External links

• Powers at the Internet Movie Database
• Powers at Crackle
• Powers on Reddit
• Powers at Rotten Tomatoes
• Powers at epguides.com
• Powers at The Futon Critic
• Powers at TV.com