There are so many superpower series out there that I sometimes wish my superpower was to wipe out all superpower shows so that TV writers would have to, you know, take a go at reality.
But every now and then, a superpower show emerges that promises to breathe new life into the over-exploited field, and Emma Moran’s new comedy Extraordinary, which deftly exploits the genre in the style of The Boys (albeit on a much smaller budget), stands out from the crowd.
Extraordinary, based on a deceptively basic notion (everyone gets a random superpower on or near their 18th birthday… save for a very unlucky few), explores what makes us extraordinary and how much of who we are depends on what we DO rather than who we are.
That seems weighty, but Moran has a light touch, so some of the abilities on display here are wonderfully ludicrous. Let’s just say that having the capacity to give your lover an orgasm with the touch of your hand isn’t as wonderful as it sounds.
Máiréad Tyers plays Jen, who feels like one of the Derry Girls’ older sisters – no higher compliment – and is portrayed with just the right mix of feistiness and impatience.
Jen is one of the unfortunate few who, at the age of 25, has had to stand back and watch as those around her become super-strong, turn back time, and channel the dead – go ahead, pick your own – while she remains firmly powerless.
Worse, she has to endure others citing RuPaul at her – ‘if you don’t love yourself, how the heck are you going to love anybody else? – as compensation. We feel Jen’s suffering while laughing with her every step of the way.
That’s Extraordinary.
All episodes available on Disney+
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