By Max Bosshart
The Tomorrow People is an upcoming TV show for the CW. Based around Stephen (Robbie Amell,) a teenager who a year prior to the show's setting began hearing voices and randomly teleporting in his sleep. Stephen finally decides to listen to the voices and meets the Tomorrow People, John (Luke Mitchell,) Cara (Peyton List,) and Russell (Aaron Yoo.)
The Tomorrow People is an upcoming TV show for the CW. Based around Stephen (Robbie Amell,) a teenager who a year prior to the show's setting began hearing voices and randomly teleporting in his sleep. Stephen finally decides to listen to the voices and meets the Tomorrow People, John (Luke Mitchell,) Cara (Peyton List,) and Russell (Aaron Yoo.)
The Tomorrow People, like Stephen, are genetically advanced with abilities like telekinesis, teleportation, and telepathy and are being hunted by a paramilitary group known as Ultra, led by Dr. Jedikiah Price (Mark Pellegrino.) Both sides try to gain Stephen's allegiance; Jedikiah, utilising Stephen's friend Astrid (Madeleine Mantock) and the allure of a normal life, while the Tomorrow People offer him a chance at a new life and a new family. Stephen, not wanting wanting to give up his old life or his new one decides to blaze his own path. Created by Phil Klemmer, The Tomorrow People is based on the 1973-1979 British show of the same name.
The core concept of The Tomorrow People is far from original, having been done countless times in comics, books, TV, and movies; people with special abilities vs people without special abilities is an easy enough concept. It breaks down the core of the human condition, of being special and different and having conflict with those around us that are not like us. The Tomorrow People reflects on the ideas of people being different, in race, creed, or culture. It reflects on a society that clashes for these reasons, as well as many others. People feel different, or are different, and are attacked for those difference. Any amount of time spent online and one will see it quickly.
The problem with utilising this is that it's extremely easy to get wrong. It takes gifted writers to carry the concept properly, without bogging it down with complicated, and convoluted stories. It runs the risk of being compared against shows like Heroes or The 4400, which both lasted only four seasons and whose ratings were often poor. However, the CW has a strong history of thriving with fantasy-based shows - you only need to look at Supernatural, Smallville, or The Vampire Diaries to see that - which bodes well for the new show.
The problem with utilising this is that it's extremely easy to get wrong. It takes gifted writers to carry the concept properly, without bogging it down with complicated, and convoluted stories. It runs the risk of being compared against shows like Heroes or The 4400, which both lasted only four seasons and whose ratings were often poor. However, the CW has a strong history of thriving with fantasy-based shows - you only need to look at Supernatural, Smallville, or The Vampire Diaries to see that - which bodes well for the new show.
Its hard to tell from previews how well a show will turn out. Previews inherently showcase the best of the best and leave much to the imagination. The preview clearly shows a well-developed world, with the main character being introduced to an already-established continuity. This is a great way to create a story within a world that needs to be explained but not built. It can bring about a bit more realism to a fantastical world. The cast is shown clearly in a good vs evil struggle, but there is definitely a sense of a grey area that adds intrigue. Seeing the previews does what is intended, it makes us want to know more.
Catch The Tomorrow People Premiere on October 9 at 9/8c right after the season premiere of Arrow.
Catch The Tomorrow People Premiere on October 9 at 9/8c right after the season premiere of Arrow.
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