Review: The Gifted – Season 1, Episode 1: eXposed
Introduction
Premiering on October 2, 2017, The Gifted is a superhero drama set in the X-Men universe. Created by Matt Nix and produced in collaboration with Marvel Television, the series explores a world where mutants are feared and persecuted. Unlike traditional X-Men films, The Gifted shifts its focus from well-known heroes like Wolverine and Professor X to a group of lesser-known mutants struggling to survive in a society that sees them as dangerous.
The pilot episode, eXposed, sets the stage for an action-packed, emotionally charged journey as a seemingly ordinary family is thrust into the mutant underground. Combining themes of family, persecution, and survival, the episode establishes The Gifted as a compelling addition to the X-Men franchise.
Plot Summary
The episode begins by introducing the Strucker family: Reed (Stephen Moyer), a district attorney who prosecutes mutants; Caitlin (Amy Acker), a loving but unsuspecting mother; and their children, Lauren (Natalie Alyn Lind) and Andy (Percy Hynes White). Their seemingly normal suburban life is upended when Andy's latent mutant powers manifest during a school bullying incident. In a fit of uncontrollable rage, he unleashes a destructive force that causes the entire gym to collapse.
Lauren, who has secretly known about her own abilities for years, helps her brother escape. However, their mutant status makes them immediate targets of the Sentinel Services, a government agency dedicated to capturing and detaining mutants. Desperate to protect his children, Reed reaches out to the Mutant Underground, a hidden network of fugitive mutants fighting against the oppressive system.
Meanwhile, the episode also introduces key members of the Mutant Underground:
Marcos Diaz / Eclipse (Sean Teale): A mutant who can manipulate light and energy, serving as one of the group's leaders.
Lorna Dane / Polaris (Emma Dumont): A powerful mutant with magnetism-based abilities, currently imprisoned by Sentinel Services.
John Proudstar / Thunderbird (Blair Redford): A mutant with enhanced strength and tracking abilities, leading the underground resistance.
Clarice Fong / Blink (Jamie Chung): A teleporter who joins the underground after being rescued.
As Reed tries to broker a deal with the Mutant Underground, he realizes the extent of the government’s hostility toward mutants. The episode ends with an intense escape sequence, as the family attempts to flee but finds themselves in grave danger when Sentinel Services closes in on them.
Themes and Analysis
Family and Sacrifice
At its core, The Gifted is a story about family and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. Reed, who once prosecuted mutants, is forced to rethink his beliefs when his own children become the hunted. The Struckers' journey from privileged ignorance to fugitives mirrors real-world struggles faced by marginalized groups.
Prejudice and Persecution
The series continues the X-Men franchise’s tradition of using mutants as an allegory for oppressed minorities. Sentinel Services represents government overreach, while the Mutant Underground symbolizes resistance and survival against systemic discrimination. The show effectively explores themes of fear, intolerance, and the fight for equality.
Power and Responsibility
Andy’s destructive outburst highlights the classic X-Men theme of struggling to control one’s powers. His journey parallels that of many young mutants in the franchise—learning whether to embrace or fear their abilities. Meanwhile, Lauren’s experience as a long-time secret mutant showcases a different perspective: living in constant fear of being discovered.
The Mutant Underground vs. Government Oppression
The Mutant Underground is portrayed as a desperate but resilient community, akin to real-world underground movements that fight against oppression. Their struggle is contrasted with the government’s relentless pursuit of mutants, raising ethical questions about freedom, security, and human rights.
Performances and Production
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Stephen Moyer as Reed Strucker. His transformation from a government prosecutor to a father willing to break the law is compelling. Amy Acker brings emotional depth to Caitlin, portraying a mother who must quickly adapt to a dangerous new reality.
Natalie Alyn Lind and Percy Hynes White effectively depict the struggles of young mutants, with Andy’s character arc being particularly interesting—his fear, anger, and exhilaration at discovering his powers make him a standout character. Sean Teale, Emma Dumont, Blair Redford, and Jamie Chung all bring charisma and intensity to their roles, making the underground mutants instantly likable and engaging.
Visually, the episode impresses with cinematic-quality action sequences and special effects. Blink’s teleportation portals and Eclipse’s light manipulation powers are particularly well-executed. The darker, grounded tone of the series is complemented by dynamic cinematography, highlighting the urgency and desperation of the mutants’ situation.
The soundtrack reinforces the tension, particularly during chase sequences. The score effectively enhances the emotional weight of key moments, ensuring the audience remains invested in both the action and the characters.
Strengths of the Episode
Strong Introduction to the World – The episode successfully immerses viewers in the X-Men universe, presenting a fresh perspective on mutant persecution.
Compelling Character Dynamics – The Strucker family's transformation from bystanders to fugitives is engaging, while the Mutant Underground adds an intriguing layer to the story.
High-Stakes Action – The episode is packed with thrilling chase scenes and super-powered confrontations, making it a gripping watch.
Social Relevance – The show’s exploration of discrimination and government control feels timely and thought-provoking.
Well-Executed Visual Effects – The mutant powers are brought to life with impressive CGI, particularly Blink’s teleportation sequences.
Weaknesses of the Episode
Familiar Themes – While the themes of persecution and oppression are well-executed, they are standard fare for X-Men stories and might feel somewhat predictable.
Fast-Paced Storytelling – The episode moves quickly, introducing many characters and conflicts in a short span. Some relationships and motivations could have been explored in more depth.
Reed Strucker’s Rapid Change of Heart – While his transformation is crucial to the story, his shift from prosecuting mutants to working with them happens rather quickly. A slower progression might have felt more natural.
Final Thoughts
eXposed is an exciting and well-executed pilot that successfully sets the stage for The Gifted. It blends superhero action, family drama, and social commentary, making it a strong addition to the X-Men universe. The episode introduces an engaging cast of characters, compelling stakes, and visually impressive action sequences that keep viewers hooked.
While some elements may feel familiar to long-time X-Men fans, the show’s focus on an ordinary family navigating a world of mutant oppression brings a fresh perspective. With its strong performances, relevant themes, and high-energy storytelling, The Gifted establishes itself as a must-watch for superhero and sci-fi enthusiasts.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
A thrilling and thought-provoking start to a promising superhero drama.
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