Say what you will about Whedon and his crew (including longtime Buffy collaborator, Jane Espenson who penned this episode) but after only a single episode, it didn’t take long for me to be absolutely endeared with these characters, their well-being, and their relationships. EXPOSURE builds off last week’s chaotic start to clarify a great deal up in a single hour. While still busy, it’s also incredibly productive. And though it does continue to pose questions, which a first season, second episode should, they’re already painting a larger picture of who’s involved with what in two episodes. That’s something that would make a show like WANDAVISION blush with envy.
You’ll notice this episode is absolutely brimming with humor, and chemistry among its recently-introduced leads (particularly between Ann Skelly and Tom Riley who play the “Simon-and -Kaylee-adorkable-couple” prototype–yeah, yeah, you’ve seen it before. I don’t care. Doesn’t make it unpleasant, and doesn’t keep me from loving both characters and rooting for them). It charms, but more importantly, it’s also purposeful, offering us early clues about characters for greater motivations from the players involved, while still showing-not-telling.
Much like X-MEN, THE NEVERS allows you to root for and sympathize with its misfits, but poses great questions regarding the politics behind a monumental change to the world, such as the creation of The Touched, and their various turns, and what that means for society. And I grew up with and love X-MEN. So nothing could appeal to me greater than the politics behind misunderstood individuals with powers and the prejudice society has against them, including those who seemingly “support” them. While some may say it’s overplayed, I still find it compelling. And as such, you can count on me to firmly and excitedly continue watching THE NEVERS, so long as it remains equally as compelling. And it only took two episodes to deepen that sentiment within me. Deal with it.
