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'The Cape' review: Not for the cynical of heart
NBC is getting back into the hero franchise with "The Cape." And for those of us who aren't necessarily avid comic book readers, the series makes constant winks but stays within a pretty realistic world.
Whether you like it or not depends on your ability to leap with the show. We won't lie, though. While the pilot is well-executed, once we get into hour two of NBC's planned two hour premiere, we got the feeling that this may be too much of a good thing in one sitting.
Vince Faraday (played by David Lyons) is a cop - one of the good ones - in a fictional California metropolis called Palm City. His department is getting increasingly corrupt and some are defecting to Ark, a private law enforcement corporation that's trying to take over the police force. After the police chief is killed on his watch, Vince decides to join Ark, as well. Before he knows it, he's drawn into an international crime ring, which frames him for the chief's murder and attempts to publicly kill him. He's not dead, but he pretends he is in order to protect his family. In order to clear his name and get revenge on Chess AKA Peter Fleming (James Frain), Faraday takes the identity of his son's favorite comic book hero, The Cape.
The comic book influences are clear. The series takes place in a moderately futuristic society and the characters are over the top. It's more like a "Batman," though, than "Superman" in its chemistry. What that means is there's nothing magical or alien about the heroes and their gifts. It's sleight of hand, technology, training and dedication that makes them super.
Faraday is likeable in that he's not perfect. The fact that a mask isn't a natural part of his costume at first gives us the feeling that his transformation into "The Cape" is an evolution that goes beyond the two-hour premiere. He suffers from a need to talk to his kid (even though it may confuse him even more). He rushes into situations. He has a hard time asking for help. He doesn't always land his punches or dodge knives all that well. All those qualities make him believable.
Vince is surrounded by people who see the big picture and can remind him what that is. There's the very theatrical Max Malini (Keith David), whose thirst for money is only matched by his desire to be the best ring master there is. And every scene with Summer Glau's Orwell is thrilling. Her character is continually full of surprises. We're undecided on James Frain's criminal mastermind, Peter Fleming. After seeing what heights he can achieve as "True Blood's" Franklin Mott, he appears severely underutilized in this role.
The trick to liking this show is that it depends on how cynical you are. If you're predisposed to thinking that a guy waving a cape around can't be anything but silly, then you won't be drawn into Faraday's dedication to clearing his name and the fight for what's right. You'll wonder why he doesn't just take his family and run when he has the chance. You'll basically over-think it.
On the other hand, if you're one who gets sucked into stories of valor, can have a sense of humor about the characters and their abilities, and you can buy the idea that one man can make a difference, you'll enjoy "The Cape."
"The Cape" premieres Sunday, Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
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Thank you Mr. Nededog for this excellent review of the Cape.
As long as you're pointing out reference materials I think it's clear that the private military company, "ARK", that acts as a front for Chess's operations is modeled after the real private milItary corporation, Blackwater, owned by Erik Prince. I thought it was interesting to see this kind of polarizing modern political reference in such a lighthearted show.
Well, I gave it my best shot, but I didn't make it past 20 minutes. Sadly, I didn't even get to see Summer Glau before I had to tune out.
James Frain is a terrible villain...I'd rather watch off-the-air snow than him. Since it's obvious that he's in the show for the long run, I'm out.
The wrongly-accused cop is a very tired storyline. The Cape, which will be introduced long after I'm no longer watching, is not going to save this show.
NBC makes yet another poor gamble.
I watched in hope that this show would introduce something original in the genre and though it succeeeds in a couple things like fairly original characters and a hint at our Police State future, the flaws in this show are too many to list. From the poor CGI of the Cape itself to lame fight scenes I found myself pining for it to end around the 90 minute mark. I stuck it out still hoping for something to save it but was not rewarded for it. I felt I was robbed of 2 hours of my Sunday night and I can't see myself tuning in for subsequent episodes. Sorry NBC The Cape is a HUGE fail in my opinion.
Nothing to watch last night but The Cape. I really tried to like the show but...it's so corny. I am truly sorry. he can be hero, not super hero. the trick is you have to believe he has power to disappear and reappear where ever he wants to. That's bullcrap. too much fantasy for me from an ordinary cop. very touchy with his son on the roof though. Good luck!!!
I felt more connected to looking at The Cape than connected when V came on. The Cape has enough good logic in it. The second part was more like an episode than just movie. You can get lost if you put it all together like a movie to where you have to look at it twice.
I actually liked it quite a bit. The first hour was slightly hit or miss, but being that it was a pilot that can be forgiven. Love the supporting cast. I also love the use of the cape, I am glad someone finally figured out how to make a cape relevant. Capes are fun and kids have a universal/innate desire to don won. And us grown ups secretly wish we could wear them as well ;) Getting rid of the cape has made other superheroes far less interesting imo. This show actually makes the cape it's own character.
Hope it stays good and the storyline stays in tact.
Won = one :)
So in other words, if you lack the ability to totally shut your brain off, or are looking for at least a modicum of plot believability and non cringe-inducing dialogue, then The Cape isnt the show for you. Got it.
I found The Cape to be very enjoyable. Yes, there were moments where I was rolling my eyes at the cheesiness of the show, but they were few and far in between. I found the main character to be very likable and could relate to him. As for the villain of the show, I can't wait to see whats next. Every hero needs a villain and I believe Chess delivered.I am really looking forward to next weeks episode