TV Review: Runaways Is Taking More Dramatic, Apocalyptic Turns
Runaways absolutely killed in terms of comic books transitioning into television. Its premise is definitely intriguing, superhero kids with villain parents, and as in my last review, the show prospered because it felt young. Like Spiderman Homecoming, you felt refreshed by these kids’ ordeals, like saving the world from an apocalypse on prom, but also protective over them.
It sucks when our parents disappoint us. We, often, discuss how children “fail” their parents, but, many times, kids walk away feeling like they standing on the moral high-ground, their parents should be on above them. Although these kids parents are “villains”, with the addition of Julian McMahon’s casually evil Jonah, you realize even they are being duped. Yet, you cannot absolve them from the mere fact that killing teenagers is NEVER a good thing.
One thing, Runaways approached subtly, but importantly, is how cults can takeover your life and moral perceptiveness. Nowadays, “tribe mentality” is a phenomena that NEEDS to be studied because division does not “happen”; it develops. Throughout the season, it has been the “runaways”/ teen tribe versus the adults/ killers, and the season finale gave the audience the capacity to reanalyze who really has the power?
The mystery of Pride’s intentions, which initially intrigues you become fascinating when you see that nearly every character on this show is, technically, a liar while also having no idea what is their “endgame”. Even the Season Finale leaves you thinking, “No one can be underestimated”. That truth also makes you flock to the Runaways as kids whom are smarter and kinder then given credit, of which Kudos must be given to the cast from making teenage struggles appear charming and relatable. It is no often that people say, “Yeah, teenagers are so morally great and empowering!”. Usually and unfortunately, they are seen as the opposite.
When you see how manipulative and even cruel, The Runaways parents can be, you cannot help bu gravitate to The Runaways as benevolent characters. The Season Finale opened up to door for so much, character opportunity and development, which is excellent considering this show thrives on its writing. Virginia Gardener’s Katerina and Lyrica Okano’s Nico, definitely, are the most exciting coupling, along with Gregg Sulkin’s Chase and Ariela Barer’s Gert Yorkes . While the latter is fully expected, based on the comics, the other comes as a happy surprise. The chemistry between each actor makes you wonder why the comic never followed suit on the potential of their (Nico/Katerina) love story, especially because Runaways is about looking beneath the images of success to witness the insecurities behind it.
If there is one lesson to witness in Runaways, it is that no one is as they seem. Yet, it is not about the secrets they carry as much as the self-images. Every character has an emotional “Achilles heel” that leaves you feeling bad for them or, at least, understanding why they choose to be their worst. Thus, Runaways makes you pull for future youths and generations because they have the chance to choose their better. For More Information On Runaways Click Here.
