Grading Fall Television’s Hits And Misses

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The Runaways — A+

Marvel’s first teenage series is definitely one of the most mature on their slate. Not as dark as any of the Netflix dramas or as fun as Agents of Shield, Runaways got to adapt one of the most beloved comic book lines. While Brian K. Vaughn’s story was told from the perspective of the kids, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage expand it to include the parents.

No longer one-note villains, they are now multi-faceted and even sympathetic despite sacrificing teenagers every year. Even though they don’t leave home right away, the kids are more interesting while they digest the more sinister sides of their parents while trying to rationalize it in their own homes.

A must watch fall show, Runaways is better than anyone could have expected. From the creators of Gossip Girl, it would be easy to see the show devolve into petty teenage drama. What’s most striking is how grown-up this series is despite the young ensemble. From the writing to the directing, everything is strikingly beautiful and effective.

Not to mention, the cast is impressive all across the board, with no one serving as a weak link in the group of kids or adults. Yet Karolina Dean (played by Virginia Gardner), has slowly become the most interesting character with her family being the most intriguing as well. Her desire to rebel paired with her burgeoning sexuality is a storyline that many young people can relate to however she feels like even more of an outsider due to her powers. Her carefree optimism dwindles away throughout the first parts of the episode when her parents’ deception is revealed and it makes for a compelling arc for the character.