TV Series Review: Marvel’s The Runaways
Content Editor, Film Critic and Writer for ComiConverse.com, the Founder and co-host of the official Nerdcast Network Podcast
I love Marvel’s solid effort in bringing together solid TV shows based on iconic heroes, giving fans in-depth adaptations of the rich source material. The Last couple years, has been great with both Netflix and ABC adventures bringing in new fans. Now despite a few missteps, Marvel is embracing the small screen: with original comic book inspired TV Shows.
Fans have always wanted a show within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that can bring together a new audience into the rich source material. Not being afraid to paint new storylines for the current generation, something not available to older readers. Marvel’s The Runaways is set to do just that and is based on the underrated 2003 comic book run.
Focusing on a group of teenagers, who discover their parents stem from an evil organization. The Goonies inspired comic book series, surprised many with its smooth tone and shocking twists. All eyes are on The Runaways, to be a breakout success. But does it work? For the franchise? Let us go into the Hulu original series.
Marvel’s Runaways Season 1 Review
Credit: Hulu
After discovering their parents are super-villains in disguise, a group of teenagers band together to run away from their homes in order to atone for their parents' actions and to discover the secrets of their origins.
The idea of bringing The Runaways to our screens has been a long time in the making, with the original plan being to develop a film version but things changed after the Netflix shows received positive reviews. I was excited from day one as the comic book run, surprised me in High School: with its brilliant and original portrayal of teenage life.
After the dark Netflix offerings, something less depressing set in the MCU was needed to expand horizons. Hulu might not be the most significant platform on earth, but their commitment to the source material is a lovely change after some disastrous projects. The Runaways's, without doubt, is the most joyful series in years from the studio fixated on darker stories. Audiences will enjoy the almost Steven Speilberg tone and, updated teenage characters including needed additions of LGBT and social issues.
Credit: Hulu
The Runaway's diverse cast propels the franchise forward, above the competition with characters all having different problems and expectations from the world. I enjoyed the grounded take on teenagers searching for answers; Season One also features some darker moments that give room for emotional connections with our team.
The show doesn't revolve around silly romances, and generic high school drama instead places our teenagers on a journey to find out more about the parent's activities. The Runaways (2017) might not be the courtyard smash needed to win some fans over, with the middle section of the show not connecting with audiences. Answering questions that should have been left in limbo, for a mysterious effect going forward: I did not like the unnecessarily forced and lengthy explanations of each story thread.
Credit: Hulu
Runaways (2017) delivers changes from the Marvel formula, following a group of wealthy Los Angeles teens who are all connected from their parent's joint membership in the Pride organization. The show spends most of its runtime forming bonds with the incredible cast members, who all discover their all have superpowers of their own.
Teen TV Shows has been tricky areas to succeed in, with both Buffy and Smallville being the only series able to push through a crowded field. The Runaway's (2017) pays tribute to the former shows, while not alienating a new generation of teens who are looking for their own superhero series. The central core of the show is explaining how to cope with powers and what being a superhero means: and changes that would come with it.
While The Runaways feels like a retro teenage drama, it shows a needed contrast outside grounded and dull spy thrillers seen from Marvel. It places itself within a new corner of the TV realm, focusing on bad grades and school life instead of the generic end of word quests seen before. The six teenagers are cast with all of them coming alive in a particular way; Runaways does the impossible in making sure each role has a purpose. There is a romantic angle within the group, which are done subtly and do not come in the way.
Standouts for me are the adoptive sisters, Acosta and Barer who do often feel like outcasts from the groups. I hope the next season gives those characters more run time. Runaways (2017) does stumble in various areas with pacing, and the momentum shift in later episodes on the parents is somewhat disappointing. The core show does so many good things, with the massive twists make it one of the most robust Hulu offerings in years. I believe in younger generations will no doubt love the show, as it shapes up as the next best thing after Netflix's offerings.