Pilot Reviews: 'Human Target' (Fox)

Over the last few years, Comic-Con has become known for being the place to debut the new shows that could potentially become the next big thing - Heroes being the most notable example. With this in mind, Tube Talk is taking a look at this year's contenders - many of which you'll have heard about here already, but now with the benefit of full viewings of the pilot episodes.

Kicking things off is the DC Comics-inspired action drama Human Target.

In a nutshell: Christopher Chance (Fringe's Mark Valley) is a unique contractor for hire: he fully integrates himself into the lives of clients who are facing potentially fatal threats. Be it a bank manager worried about a planned heist or a high-powered businesswoman being tipped off about her own assassination, Chance literally becomes the human target in a bid to protect his clients.

Pilot premise: Stephanie (guest star Tricia Helfer) is the boss of a new high-speed Californian train system that promises to revolutionise travel across the state. She hires Chance after discovering that someone in her own team is trying to kill her - and during a Speed-style maiden voyage, multiple attempts are made on her life. Under his guise as Stephanie's personal translator, Chance fends off the threats and tries to unravel the truth about who is targeting her - and why.

The whens and wheres: Human Target premieres in January 2010 in the plum post-American Idol slot on Fox. The initial order is for 13 episodes. No UK broadcaster has yet acquired the rights to the show.

Neil says: It's not mentally intensive viewing by any means, but nor is it guilty pleasure material. The plot of the pilot is strong and impressively executed, set on board a fast-moving train. Valley is likeable as our lead, but the attempts to pass him off as an unfazed hero with a comedic edge are let down by the poor dialogue. The resolve to the episode, when we discover who was targeting Stephanie and why, is awful. You might like this if you like Chuck.

Dan says: Everything about it was a little too easy: the predictable plot, the (poor) one-liners, and Chance's effortless ability to take control of every situation. Sure, it was pacey, but the attempts to elbow in some comedy cheapened the overall effect it had. On the plus side, the fight scenes were - although a little lengthy - pretty impressive.

Does Human Target sound like your kind of show? Are you a fan of the comics? Add your comments to this entry below!