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The
cult world loves the gorgeous Ms. Glau, but damned if
she can find a series that can keep her in to the hearts
of fans that can stay on longer than two seasons. "The
Cape" moves faster than a speeding bullet in the area of
story progression. It moves so fast, missing the first
five minutes will leave you completely lost. In the
first four minutes we meet Vince, his family, we learn
his job, witness an assassination, learn about Orwell to
some degree, know Vince has blamed himself for a long
time, see the devotion of his son, and that his job in
jeopardy. That's a lot to take in in a little under ten
minutes, but the writers zip through so much exposition
to get right to the meat and potatoes of the premise
jumping in to a world where The Cape exists, but doesn't
exist. He's a comic, but he's also a hero that
protagonist Vince becomes, so while he's fictional, he's
also real because Vince embodies him when obtaining his
powers. That doesn't make too much sense.
Neither
does the opening credits as audiences are left wondering
if the action comic panels are looks in to the future,
or at the comic book Vince emulates in the episode
ahead. Vince of course, in an effort to bring down the
evil Chess, is betrayed by his partner and the evil
British executive (whodathunkit?!) Peter Fleming and
goes on the run when Chess's mask is stapled to Vince's
face (No seriously) framing him as Chess for the world
to see. Even his wife and son who conveniently happen in
to the channel who in record time finds Vince's location
and films him running from authorities without
interruption. Vince manages to outrun the authorities
and is taken hostage by a traveling circus that happens
to be an underground crime syndicate (Like all the best
circuses) who takes Vince in to their custody forcing
him in to an actual life of crime using his identity to
rob banks. Keith David is on all octane's of over the
top with a skewed logic behind taking Vince as one of
their own team.
| Vince takes
a liking to the ragtag group of non-violent
bank robbers, and learns the art of the...
cape? We see him swooshing a cape around for
a minute so... extensive training is hinted.
But veering dangerously close to "Batman
Begins" territory, Vince learns the art of
misdirection, stealth, and combat from
mystical Max Malini who instructs him on how
to use his magical cape that can extend,
teleport, and help him fly, and in a montage
he manages to become The Shadow, Batman,
Mandrake, Zorro, and The Phantom all rolled
in to one! As for Orwell, her introduction
is comical and astounding, primarily because
for a sentient blogger who can maintain her
identity and bitch about corporate
corruption, she is prone to living in a
gorgeous underground condominium with a
sweet hot rod, and stylish clothing. Who
knew blogging was so financially rewarding?
And why proclaim yourself the stealthiest
most discreet agent of underground
information yet ride in a silver Mercedes
with a roaring engine, and flashy clothes?
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How
does that not draw attention again? And how is she
always at the right place at the right time? What is
Chess planning? Is he becoming a monster? Is he
possessed? Why put on a show with a costume, an evil
laugh, and henchmen if you're merely going to just
assassinate your victims behind the scenes? What purpose
does the costume serve? Why not have a mastermind as a
proxy? Nonetheless, Orwell and Vince form an "Uneasy
alliance" and sexual tension for the viewers, and Summer
Glau is able to masquerade and play Oracle/Lois Lane to
the cape, all the while stealing scenes from David Lyons
playing against type as the damsel in distress rather
than the ass kicking female. I'm hard on "The Cape," but
truth be told, it's so cheesy it tends to be endearing
as its whole premise is heavily entrenched in the
classic serials of the forties. Had this been a black
and white film strip in the fifties, it'd have been a
theatrical hit with the kids. When the second episode
involves The Cape fighting a psychotic master chef, then
you either have a good laugh and not take it seriously,
or move on with your life. This kind of superhero
schlock is right up my alley, so I'm staying for the
long haul... or the announcement of its cancellation by
NBC. Whichever comes first. |
