Limitless - Episodes 1, 2, and 3 Reviews
by Gloria Daniels-Moss
Episode One - “Pilot”
Back in 2011, Alan Glynn's novel transformed to a smash hit on the silver screen. Directed by Neil Burger, the narrative follows struggling writer Eddie played by man of the moment Bradley Cooper who is given a mysterious pill (NZT) that enables him to access 100% of his brain capacity. Considering the common mis-conception that the average Joe only uses 10% on a daily basis, having such a drug is one hell of a step up in society.
By the by, Eddie is transformed into a high flying business man, but as he tells new to the world of NZT Brian Finch (Jake McDorman) as this fast paced pilot put him in the firing line of a series of murders related to the drug. After receiving a dud pill, he goes to get another in the hopes it is the real NZT, although things don't go quiet accordingly to plan. In order to clear his name and get off of the FBI's radar, it seems Finch needs to see how far the rabbit hole goes if he wants to find the person responsible.
The film and TV scene seems to be plagued with re-makes, adaptations and unoriginal material. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, yet it appears audiences find comfort in things they know. Initially, the words why and really popped into my head when adverts flashed up showing Cooper's face in a series identical to the aforementioned film, but this show stands up on it's own two feet and gives us an exhilarating pilot. From the creator of The 4400 and the popular Elementary, Craig Sweeny and 500 Days of Summer and the latest Spiderman director Marc Webb at the helm, this series was already off to a good start. Ordinarily, not without aspects that are utterly unbelievable and unrealistic but nonetheless inciting enough.
Shameless star McDorman tackles his on-the-run Finch with grave emotions, whilst Cooper plays his Senator with confidence and ease. We also have Dexter's Jennifer Carpenter doing what she does best as Agent Rebecca Harris alongside Fringe's Blair Brown, as Brian's mother Marie. With interesting camera effects and a handy narrator for those unfamiliar with the film, this grabs our attention and cleverly allows room for questions to emerge. After wading through everything we know from the book and indeed the feature film, this is certainly a show that has potential.
Let's just hope it doesn't turn into yet another cop show. This is all about getting a second a chance in life and if this will episode will do nothing else, it will certainly make you want to access every brain cell in your body...well, who wouldn't?
Episode 2 - “Badge! Gun!”
No Brian, you will not get a badge and no you will not get a gun…as they provide him with various stationary in what appears to be the FBI’s filing system. Of course, even if Brian wasn’t on NZT this wouldn’t be enough for him to stay put. Although considering he has just been given a job at the FBI, his father has just been given a new lease of life and things are starting to pick up, this is newly found genius is pushing the boundaries just a bit.
Initial thoughts after this – it’s the second episode and yes it’s still finding its feet, but it looks ever so promising. Veering slightly towards the ever popular episodic cop drama, this week Finch is getting stuck into a murder case of well know journalist due to someone high up in the science change targeting people with the Genghis Khan gene. A farfetched theory nevertheless, albeit a thrilling and interesting one. Ordinarily the only way to solve this one is to go against the orders set by the FBI and the amazing wonder that is NZT. We are shown through fabulously fluid shots the effects of NZT on Finch which makes what he achieves all the more attractive - the simultaneous Rubix Cube solving is particularly impressive.
Being a second episode there are things that have been yet to be revealed and the biggest question of all is who and where is Eddie Morra? This prays on our lead characters overactive mind and is certainly one that we ask ourselves whilst watching. After all, a name that causes power cuts when typed into a search engine is a name I certainly want to know more about. By the by, we have standard family concerns about their all of a sudden knowledgeable son and tender notes are touched as we see Finch’s father getting back to health.
Not forgetting the fun opening scene; a bond spoof with one hell of a cock-sure Finch and a glam Harris – this show has its laughs and it has its serious moments. An enjoyable episode that’s for sure…let’s hope the writers keep it up.
Episode Three - “The Legend of Marcos Ramos!”
Another week, another case to solve in the FBI; no change there then. Brian is helping Harris and Boyle track down what happened to a former FBI agent after they discover his murder was linked to the elusive head of a notorious drug cartel.
Risky business that’s for sure; but there is nothing quite like bumping into your ex to side track you slightly. Running into ‘the one that got away’ Shauna (Analeigh Tipton) on his way into work takes its toll more than he though. Yet, is she only interested in the Brian who is on NZT or Brian for who he really is? Of course, they are the same person, but it takes ‘beer o’clock’ with Harris for him to know that. Whilst the story thickens re the mysterious Morra, it’s obvious the show are getting the most they can out of Coopers few lines as it becomes rather repetitive seeing them at least 3 times in the opening shot.
With Brian being a rather unique resource, there is another case solved in an impeccable manner. Alongside nifty comic book style animations that help aid his charm and quirkiness, not to mention Rebecca’s awesome take down (which isn’t as awesome as Carpenters Debs) this is yet another fast paced and exhiliarting episode of Limitless. Although, once the NZT is stripped away, our newly found agent reverts straight back to the broken Brian he always has been.
Not without its moments of comedy, Limitless is proving to have a nice equilibrium of the original plotline and newly formed relationships and scenarios. In all honesty, even after just three episodes, what is there not to like?
What do you think of Limitless so far? Let us know!
Limitless continues Wednesdays on Sky!