This Sunday, January 17th, is the preview event of FOX’s latest action spy thriller The Human Target, a show based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The Blot is typically pretty excited about movies and television shows based on comic book characters, even those universally panned by critics. But for some reason I just can’t get excited about The Human Target after seeing numerous ads and promo clips. Which is weird because as a kid I used to love it when characters like Sarge Steel, King Faraday and Christopher Chance (a.k.a. The Human Target) would show up in a DC comic book, especially back in the 80’s when the DC Universe was populated primarily with super powered heroes and villains.
What’s even worse is the show actually has a stellar cast that includes Mark Valley, Chi McBride and the amazingly talented Jackie Earle Haley. The inclusion of Haley and McBride as principal cast members means I’ll be giving The Human Target at least a two episode trial run, but I’m definitely giving this one a short leash. I do like the pairing of The Human Target with FOX’s other action show 24 this Sunday, it’s just too bad FOX isn’t pairing the two shows together for the rest of the season. Regardless, as a comic book fan I almost feel obligated to tune in this Sunday for the series premiere of The Human Target, and if you’re reading this, you probably do too. Here’s hoping it’s worth our time!
For those of you not familiar with the DC Comics/Vertigo character Christopher Chance, here’s the show’s official description: “It takes a brave, selfless man to make himself a "human target" in order to save the lives of those in danger. Based on the popular DC Comics comic book and graphic novel, The Human Target is a full-throttle action drama centered on Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), a unique private contractor / security expert / bodyguard hired to protect. Call him what you like, because for Chance, it's about one thing only: saving his clients' lives. When there is an unusual or imminent threat that can't be solved through "normal" means of protection, Chance is hired to completely integrate himself into his clients' lives - to become the human target. During each job, Chance, assisted by his business partner Winston (Chi McBride) and hired gun Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley), puts himself directly in the line of fire as he races against time to save his client.”The Human Target series premiere is Sunday, January 17th at 8/7c on FOX. The show then premieres in its regular timeslot on January 20th, airing Wednesdays on FOX from then on out.
