Misfits

E4 has been criticised in the past for not delivering enough original programming (and to be fair, quite deservedly; "Accidentally on Purpose" anyone?). The fact is that when they try/commit the funds the channel has developed some good quality programmes, namely Skins and The Inbetweeners (which holds the top spot in the channel's most watched programmes). And Misfits falls into this category.

Don't get me wrong, it's a ridiculous premise; Asbo teens get super powers (catch up on series 1 here), but set that aside, suspend your disbelief and watch it for what it is and at its core lies quite a good, and more importantly very funny teen drama.

Because of the wooly premise the first series was slightly dodgy and didn't quite hit the mark, it felt like it hadn't quite been given the care and attention it deserved. However, it was good enough to warrant watching the new series opener, which seems to have found its stride. Taking a leaf out of Smallville's "meteor freaks" book we had an intelligent plot about a girl, also affected by the storm, with the ability to shape shift, who terrorised our heroes before they finish her off.

But unlike the heavy, serious "weight of the world on our shoulders" teen shows like Smallville, Misfits is far more tongue in cheek and light hearted about everything. The characters find the idea of a shape shifter a bit daft, as they should. And the writers know the premise is a bit thin, but embrace it and pack the show with good self referential humour (such as offing their third probation worker!)

Misfits obviously owes a lot to Smallville, Heroes (especially the comic book style marketing) and E4's own drama Skins, but doesn't ever try to be a carbon copy. It's gritty cinematography and visual style gives it an identity and sets it apart from other programmes on the channel.

Sadly, it's still plagued by unrealistic dialogue, particularly when Kelly hears their thoughts), which again suggests a slight lack of care and attention. However, it makes up for this with some fantastic one liners - "A man can't enjoy a quick shuffle in his own coffin?"! The writers aren't afraid to stick in some risky, occasionally slightly sick content, they just need to deliver it better.

They have however set up an intriguing mystery and series arc in the "man in black" which will make any viewer continue to watch to find out who he is. Let's just hope its some intelligent plot involving Curtis going back in time to save his future self (wibbly wobbly timey wimey) instead of some disappointing crappy villain.