Human Target is starting to grow on me

After writing my post about what new shows are worth watching, all of the commenters got me thinking even more about Human Target. Could it be as fun as they say? Since there wasn’t a lot on this week, I got caught up and watched the episodes I missed and I’ve got to say … it’s growing on me.

I liked, but didn’t love the first two episodes — they were just a bit too Die Hard for me. Action is fine, but when stuck on modes of public transportation, it’s not long before I’m bored with the setting. After those episodes they broke out of that rut and found some more interesting ways to use Chance’s expertise.

There’s a lot I’m really digging about Human Target‘s new direction:

• The fight sequences are so intricately choreographed they are movie-worthy.
• There’s something about the cinematography that I like — the angle of the shots or something….
• The rapid-fire montage at commercial breaks reminds me of what Angel used to do.
• I’m okay with the fact that there’s not a regular female cast member. I like the girl of the week because Chance can flirt but we don’t have to deal with the sexual tension actually going somewhere. None of that “will they or won’t they” tension works for this show.
• Sometimes there’s not a girl of the week, like in the fourth episode, “Sanctuary,” episode and I’m okay with that too. I didn’t miss her.
• We’re learning a bit about what drives Chance and also what keeps him running. Katherine and Chance’s old boss are going to come into play at some point and I like the overarching story arc they are starting to develop, and with it, more of Chance’s character.
• And Guerrero’s! I was fooled into thinking he was going rogue in episode four, and the tease was great. It’s nice to know what lengths he’ll go to to protect Chance and I like knowing he’s not all tech, but a little tough guy too.
• It reminds me a bit of Leverage, with the aliases, the way Winston briefs Chance on the case and the ear buds, of course.
• The chemistry between Chi McBride, Jackie Earle Haley and Mark Valley is perfection. Awesome casting.
• Cool car chase in episode five!
• They aren’t messing around with the murders, which reminds me of The Vampire Diaries. They’ll just kill anyone off, even Winston’s IA friend who I thought we’d be seeing more of.

The most recent episode, “Lockdown,” could have gotten a little Die Hard on me again, but throwing the absent-minded engineer into the mix — and his fish — gave it a different feel. And hi there, Kevin Weisman (aka Marshall from Alias) — it’s nice to see you again.

But the best thing about Human Target is that this is the best role for Mark Valley since Keen Eddie, and that’s saying a lot. He gets to smirk instead of frown and I love that Chance isn’t all business. There’s action, banter, flirtation and Chance is also a complete brainiac. In short, Mark Valley finally has a fun role again and this allows him to shine.

So keep it up, Human Target … you may have finally hooked me, just please don’t stick Chance in a bus, or I’ll have to accuse you of being too Die Hard and too Speed.

Anything I missed about what makes Human Target great? Do you think it sucks? Let’s hear your voice in the comments!

Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on Feb 19, 2010 @ 14:37 EST5EDT