Theology, mysticism, comics mesh in ‘Messengers’
Mystical malarkey and fringe theology meet comic book plotting in the new series “The Messengers” (9 p.m., CW, TV- 14). A meteorite strike sends some kind of very selective cosmic pulse that affects five strangers in a similar fashion. They’ re stopped dead in their tracks; their pupils widen to Keane-like painting proportions and then they die, only to awaken a minute later feeling a tad changed by the experience.
Stranger still, seen from certain angles, these chosen victims — or perhaps survivors — seem to be sporting diaphanous wings. It’s similar to a commercial for Disney Resorts that shows every check-in clerk sprouting Tinker Bell wings for the young and young- at- heart clientele. But I digress.
Over the course of “The Messengers” we’ll discover how this bunch — a harried mom, troubled teen, astrophysicist, undercover FBI agent and youthful televangelist — adjust to their new plight and what they make of their relationship to the stranger, known only as The Man (Diogo Morgado), who arrived with the meteorite. It’s not clear at first if The Man is sent from heaven or hell. But he’s got a list of chores for our chosen few.
Competently made and acted, “The Messengers” has a story better suited to a film with a beginning, middle and an end (of the world) than an ongoing series. But most series that debut in mid-April on a Friday night are not long for this world.
Not to put the CW network on a therapist’s couch, but “The Messengers” continues a rather morbid trend. Of the 10 hours of original programming the network airs this week, four concern “undead” characters (“The Messengers,” “iZombie,” “The Originals” and “The Vampire Diaries”); two are comic book adaptations (“Arrow” and “The Flash”); “Supernatural” is a cosmic spoof flitting in and out of hell itself, and “Jane the Virgin” melds a farcical take on an immaculate conception with telenovela plotting.
That’s a rather curious fantasyland.
‘MAN’ MAINTAINS, ‘CRISTELA’ DOESN’T
Ryan’s dad has his own agenda on the fourth season finale of “Last Man Standing” (8 p.m., ABC, TV- PG), while “Cristela” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) ends its first season with its heroine at an emotional and professional crossroads.
For what it’s worth, the ratings gurus at tvbythenumbers. com believe that “Last Man” will be renewed and “Cristela” canceled.
“Cristela” is one of a growing number of shows set in cities not named New York or Los Angeles. Her Dallas roots and Cowboys fanaticism are supposed to be central to her character.
I happened to be in Dallas on a family visit last October when “Cristela” premiered. We drove all over town and into Fort Worth. I never saw a single ad or billboard for the show or anything tying this new TV character to her “native” city. I attended the Texas State Fair and saw Big Tex, but not one “Cristela” promotion.
Granted, this is a personal and unscientific study. But it struck me as odd. Why set a show in a city and not celebrate that fact? Perhaps it was a sign that Cristela’s identification with Dallas was not much more than punchline deep.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
Debuting tonight, “Cedric’s Barber Battle” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) celebrates the culture and artistry of local barbershops and individual stylists.
An investigation treads on sacred ground on “Grimm” ( 8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).
Cameron Diaz stars in the 2011 comedy “Bad Teacher” ( 8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
“Bitten” (8 p.m. and 9 p.m., Syfy, TV-14) enters its second season.
The pitches take on a green hue on “Shark Tank” ( 9 p. m., ABC, TV-PG).
Danny’s temper flares on “Blue Bloods” ( 10 p. m., CBS, repeat, TV-14).
Bo saves a friend in need on the fifth season premiere of “Lost Girl” (10 p.m., Syfy, TV-MA).
Trekking through Namibia on “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (8:30 p.m., CW, TV-14).
“Dateline” ( 9 p. m. and 10 p.m., NBC).
“20/20” (10 p.m., ABC). Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.