Fox went to unusual lengths to premiere Human Target this week. The show will air a total of four times in eight days, with three different episodes and three distinct time slots. The unconventional roll out may leave some viewers in the dark, but the show is definitely worth checking out.
Christopher Chance (played by Mark Valley) is a former bad guy who has turned to use his considerable skills for good (and profit). He’s basically a body guard, but in the same sense that Tiger Woods is a golfer. He’s the best at what he does by a long shot.
Human Target is based on a DC Comics character. The name and general premise are the same, but not much more. In the comics, Chance was a master of disguise who actually would take the place of his client. That works well in the comics, but it wouldn’t translate to TV very well.
On the show, Chance goes undercover to protect an individual who feels that his life is threatened. He hides out in plain sight, attempting to draw out the threat so it can be neutralized. Chance is aided in his endeavors by his handler Winston (played by Chi McBride) and world class tough guy Guerrero. Guerrero is played wonderfully by Jackie Earle Haley whose inspired performance as psychopath Rorschach in The Watchmen has earned him some fame. Two episodes into the series, Haley is stealing the show with his understated, slightly scary portrayal of the “former bad guy turned mostly good guy who’s willing to do bad things for the sake of good” Guerrero.
An interesting side note to Human Target is the Battlestar Galactica connection. Already, three BSG alumni (Tricia Helfer, other guy, and other guy) have turned up in guest roles of varying degrees. Helfer played a major role as the client in the first episode. Other Guy and Other Guy had bit parts in episode one and two, respectively.
Human Target is not ground-breaking television. There is nothing particularly new here. But the execution is excellent and, at least through two episodes, the story telling, acting, and production values are top notch.
