Bull’s Eye

Based on the popular DC comic book by the same name,Human Target is the story of a former assassin turned private bodyguard-cum-detective-cum-security expert,who offers very unique services to his clients. He blends seamlessly into his clients’ lives by becoming part of the background,all the time,keeping his eyes,ears and instinct sharp for any danger. As he himself tells somebody in the first episode,he’s their bullet-proof jacket. But of course,he’s more than just that — he’s also a smart detective,one who can see connections that others can’t and who has a strong instinct for anything remotely suspicious. And like most characters on such mystery-crime television shows,Chance has a mysterious past,which still haunts him,and the connections he made in those dark days follow him into his new career.

Who’s in it?The show stars the hunky Mark Valley as Chance,the enigmatic protagonist whose real name is lost in his childhood. Before this show,Valley’s most memorable role was as the fast-talking and slightly uptight Brad Chase on Boston Legal. The actor seems to have made a career out of playing characters who seem to lead well-adjusted lives,but are in fact deeply disturbed. This role is no different. His rakish good looks apart,Valley proves that he also has the moves to make it as a bona fide TV action star. He’s ably supported by Chi McBride (well-known as the school principal on Boston Public) who plays former police detective Laverne Winston,now Chance’s business partner. The third main character on the show is Guerrero,played by Jackie Earle Haley as a highly intelligent and well-connected former assassin,who’s now a loyal friend and indispensable ally of Chance and Winston.

What’s hot?What’s great about the show is its breathless pace. You start right in the middle of a tense scene,and you end with an adrenaline rush-inducing climax. Apart from this,the action sequences are brilliant — we especially loved the fight that takes place in the speeding bullet train. The acting is good,although we don’t see anyone winning any Emmys just yet.

What’s not?Perhaps,if the drama had been slightly more gritty and just a little less glossy,we could’ve connected more deeply with the characters and their problems. As it happens,the main attraction of the show remains the action and Valley’s chiselled good looks.

Should you be watching it?Human Target is a great show to wind down with on the weekend — completely escapist and very engaging.