Jason Patric's "Powers" Protagonist Pic Points to Potentially Precise Production
By Rob Payne | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (14)
In case you’re just joining us, two months ago the Internet reported that the independent comic book (i.e., neither Marvel nor DC Comics) Powers was being adapted by FX into a cable television drama. At the time, Lost Boy Jason Patric had already been cast in the co-lead role of Detective Christian Walker. I voiced my doubts that he was the right actor for the role but, while I’m not Patric’s biggest fan, the first released image of his Detective Walker alleviates some of my initial trepidation. Most of which surrounded whether or not the show’s producers would take the source material seriously, and by all-but mimicking the character design from comic page to TV (well, internet) screen, it seems that they are. Or, at least, it appears they want the comic’s fans to be pleased with what their doing.
Compare Jason Patric as Christian Walker with co-comic-creator Michael Avon Oeming’s rendition (alongside partner Deena Pilgrim, who will be played by Lucy Punch, the “good teacher” from Bad Teacher), below:
I still don’t “see” Det. Walker when I look at Jason Patric, but I cannot deny that the costume designers aren’t doing their damnedest to recreate the original character’s fashion sense. I’m certain the first images we see of all the non-superheroes/villains will be similarly true to the comic, because, y’know, they’re pretty easy to duplicate being based on cop dramas as much as they are reality. Considering the recent news about “The Walking Dead,” this is a good sign for Powers fans to keep in mind about “Powers.” And if the comic’s fans are happy, I think it’s pretty safe to say there’s no reason why the show wouldn’t be successful with other audiences. And the graphic novels are proof enough that the quality of season one wouldn’t be a fluke.
At this point, I’m just curious to see what they do with the super-characters, whether or not they’ll look like “real” comic book superheroes or like the deemed-safe-for-TV-non-costumed heroes from “Heroes” or “No Ordinary Family.” (Even worse, the overwrought versions as previously seen on “The Cape.”) One of the major themes of the comic, after all, is how super powered people would interact with gritty, and monotonous, reality. Like The Incredibles crossed with a more mature The Watchmen.
Which is what makes images like this, as simplistic as they may be, so powerful:
I’ll be disappointed if this aspect of the comic is lost simply to make it more paletteable for television audiences. But, this is FX we’re talking about. “The Shield,” “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Archer,” “The League.” I think it’s fair to say they have a decent track of a, If the budget is viable, then put it on television, philosophy. Unlike some other cable networks, FX seems to know what it’s doing. No matter what I or anyone else thinks of Jason Patric, the recently released image is, as simple as it may be, definitely a net plus for the “Powers” TV show.
And, yes, I also just want to see what Carley Foulkes’ Retro Girl would look like done right…
Rob Payne also writes the indie comic The Unstoppable Force, co-hosts the internet radio show We’re Not Fanboys, and tweets on the Twitter @RobOfWar.
Each Time You Like, Share, Tweet or Stumble a Pajiba Post, An Angel Does the Paul Rudd Dance
← Jean Claude Van Damme Asks Aliens: "How Does It Feel To Be Hunted?" | So I'll Wait For You, And I'll Burn... Will I Ever See Your Sweet Return: Lead Chosen For Jeff Buckley Biopic →
Comments
Posted by: logan at August 16, 2011 11:09 AM
Hmm I will check this comic out. Thanks Payne.