I actually liked the first season of Human Target, and it got better and better as the season progressed. That’s the natural progression of a new series–at least it was in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. The first season is always rough as the characters, and their writers, find their footing. The second season is always better in a good series. I also couldn’t believe that Mark Valley from the brilliant show, Boston Legal (as attorney Brad Chase) was an action hero, but he played Christopher Chance brilliantly. That was perfect casting.
But then around the turn of the century something happened with TV. Now a series was expected to be great in the first season, in the first episode or couple of episodes. If it wasn’t, it was canned. On top of that, Human Target only had 12 episodes in Season 1, and 13 in Season 2–much like many other shows these days. A series is supposed to have 26 episodes per season, which gives them a chance in Season 1 to get the characters right. I don’t know who decided these two huge changes. But they are both doomed to fail.
So, instead of tossing the show, the producers of Human Target decide in the second season to add characters. As I said, it takes one season (26 episodes) for the characters to behave appropriately. So any new characters in the second season are going to suck for that season. So the show was of course going to tank and be canceled.
On top of that, the main extra character added was Ilsa Pucci (played by Indira Varma). In fact, she was raised to be the second top character, after Chance. But the character was awful. I mean, I really hated her, and she wasn’t a bad guy that you’re suppose to hate. From the character background, it made no sense to put this woman into missions and harm’s way. And she had zero chemistry with Chance/Valley. And I hated Indira Varma’s portrayal, though it’s always hard to separate the character from the actor, writing and direction. Pucci was badly written, badly directed, and badly acted. I’m sorry to say but even thinking about the character as I write this makes me want to kill myself. I hate her that much.
Adding the Ames character (played by Janet Montgomery) was actually a good move. I like her, and as her character gets fleshed out, I think she will work well for the show. Jackie Earle Haley (as Guerrero) has great chemistry with her. If you remove the Pucci character, put Winston back in charge (sort of), and continue with the other three main characters, then the show could be great. It’s a nice reprieve from all the cop and forensic shows. And it’s got fantastic suspense and drama. Please bring it back (but without Varma).
My favorite show!!! Please THINK and bring it back. It was suspenseful yet had some humor. Loved Guerrero and of course Chance. The show was never given the chance to do well. It was moved from one night to another and you never knew when it was going to be shown.
Why are they cancelling the show. We need real shows on television that show actors and not these reality craps that keep bring back. I credit the show for the multiple locations and the backdrop stories of how the people came together. Bring it back. Everyone needs a hero and he is the one we got.
This was one of our favorite shows. It was a great show. My wife and I loved to sit down and watch it . It had a little of everything – suspense, action, drama, and horror. . Eventhough, the actors were very good and we looked forward to seeing them weekly, they need to pay the actors less money so the network can keep the show going. We are disappointed to see such a good show only last two seasons.
I actually liked the first season of Human Target, and it got better and better as the season progressed. That’s the natural progression of a new series–at least it was in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. The first season is always rough as the characters, and their writers, find their footing. The second season is always better in a good series. I also couldn’t believe that Mark Valley from the brilliant show, Boston Legal (as attorney Brad Chase) was an action hero, but he played Christopher Chance brilliantly. That was perfect casting.
But then around the turn of the century something happened with TV. Now a series was expected to be great in the first season, in the first episode or couple of episodes. If it wasn’t, it was canned. On top of that, Human Target only had 12 episodes in Season 1, and 13 in Season 2–much like many other shows these days. A series is supposed to have 26 episodes per season, which gives them a chance in Season 1 to get the characters right. I don’t know who decided these two huge changes. But they are both doomed to fail.
So, instead of tossing the show, the producers of Human Target decide in the second season to add characters. As I said, it takes one season (26 episodes) for the characters to behave appropriately. So any new characters in the second season are going to suck for that season. So the show was of course going to tank and be canceled.
On top of that, the main extra character added was Ilsa Pucci (played by Indira Varma). In fact, she was raised to be the second top character, after Chance. But the character was awful. I mean, I really hated her, and she wasn’t a bad guy that you’re suppose to hate. From the character background, it made no sense to put this woman into missions and harm’s way. And she had zero chemistry with Chance/Valley. And I hated Indira Varma’s portrayal, though it’s always hard to separate the character from the actor, writing and direction. Pucci was badly written, badly directed, and badly acted. I’m sorry to say but even thinking about the character as I write this makes me want to kill myself. I hate her that much.
Adding the Ames character (played by Janet Montgomery) was actually a good move. I like her, and as her character gets fleshed out, I think she will work well for the show. Jackie Earle Haley (as Guerrero) has great chemistry with her. If you remove the Pucci character, put Winston back in charge (sort of), and continue with the other three main characters, then the show could be great. It’s a nice reprieve from all the cop and forensic shows. And it’s got fantastic suspense and drama. Please bring it back (but without Varma).
Fantastic analysis Gary. Thanks so much for adding your thoughts here! Enough of us spreading the word can make a difference… have a great day!
My favorite show!!! Please THINK and bring it back. It was suspenseful yet had some humor. Loved Guerrero and of course Chance. The show was never given the chance to do well. It was moved from one night to another and you never knew when it was going to be shown.
This is my favorite show and it needs to be brought back. I know lots of people who feel the same way.
Thanks for your comments Ronnie. Please tell the people who feel the same way about our site so we can rally the troops …. Have a great day!
loved the new characters especially Guerrero. What a cool character. Mrs. Pucci, very attractive and well spoken woman. Bring it back.
This was clearly a fun show. Gets good billing here in UK alongside Burn Notice, Numbers, Chuck and the CSI’s and it does deserve it.
However hated how an aeroplane blown up in one episode is later flying around in other episodes , not funny.
Why are they cancelling the show. We need real shows on television that show actors and not these reality craps that keep bring back. I credit the show for the multiple locations and the backdrop stories of how the people came together. Bring it back. Everyone needs a hero and he is the one we got.
I really liked the show. Please bring it back.
This was one of our favorite shows. It was a great show. My wife and I loved to sit down and watch it . It had a little of everything – suspense, action, drama, and horror. . Eventhough, the actors were very good and we looked forward to seeing them weekly, they need to pay the actors less money so the network can keep the show going. We are disappointed to see such a good show only last two seasons.
Bring it back