Human Target

Rating:

Human Target,which premiered last Saturday,takes the viewers straight into the action-packed world of Christopher Chance,with the opening scene of its pilot episode,where a dangerous hostage situation is unfolding. This is,of course,just an amuse bouche an appetiser for the real action that follows- as the story hurtles headlong into a plot,nicely spiced up by conspiracies,chase sequences and plenty of slick action. Its been very long since such a well-executed action show was on TV 8211; certainly not since the first two seasons of 24.

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,hes their bullet-proof jacket. But of course,hes more than just that 8211; hes also a smart detective,one who can see connections that others cant 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.

The show stars the hunky Mark Valley as Chance,the enigmatic protagonist whose real name is lost in his childhood. Before this show,Valleys 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 bonafide TV action star. Hes ably supported by Chi McBride well-known as the school principal on Boston Public who plays former police detective Laverne Winston,now Chances 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,whos now a loyal friend and indispensable ally of Chance and Winston.

Whats 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 8211; we especially loved the fight that takes inside the speeding bullet-train. The acting is good,although we dont see anyone winning any Emmys just yet.

Perhaps,if the drama had been slightly more gritty and just a little less glossy,we couldve connected more deeply with the characters and their problems. As it happens,the main attraction of the show remains the action and Valleys chiselled good looks.

Verdict: Human Target is a great show to wind down with on the weekend 8211; completely escapist and very engaging.