The Untold Story of Marvel’s Inhumans TV Series: A Look Back at the Controversial Show

Marvel’s Inhumans TV series had a lot of potential, and for comic book fans, it was an exciting opportunity to see a beloved corner of the Marvel Universe come to life. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. While it had a strong premise and high hopes, the series received mixed reviews and was often criticized for its tone, pacing, and production quality. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what went wrong and what could have made Inhumans an unforgettable addition to the Marvel TV landscape.

The Premise: A Royal Family of Superhumans

At the heart of Inhumans is the royal family of the Inhumans, a race of genetically altered superhumans. Living on the Moon in a hidden city called Attilan, the Inhumans are ruled by Black Bolt, whose voice is so powerful it can destroy cities with a whisper. His family consists of Medusa, his wife with the ability to manipulate her sentient hair, Gorgon, who has the strength and speed of a minotaur, Karnak, who can see the flaw in anything, and Crystal, who has the power to control the elements.

The show was poised to showcase not only the complex relationships within the royal family but also the larger world of the Inhumans, including their conflicts with the Kree, their interactions with Earth, and their efforts to deal with Black Bolt’s challenge as king. While the plot had plenty of potential, it didn’t quite hit the mark when it came to execution.

The Cast and Characters

The cast of Inhumans featured several actors, some of whom were well-known in their own right, while others were newcomers. Anson Mount portrayed Black Bolt, the stoic and brooding king of the Inhumans, whose character relies on non-verbal communication due to his lethal voice. Medusa was played by Serinda Swan, who brought the character’s strength and grace to life.

One of the standout characters was Maximus, Black Bolt’s brother, played by Iwan Rheon. Maximus is a key antagonist in the series, and Rheon, known for his role as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, brought a level of intensity to the role.

Despite the strong talent on display, the chemistry between the characters and the way their stories were developed on-screen left much to be desired. Some fans felt the characters were too one-dimensional, and their potential wasn’t fully realized.

What Went Wrong?

1. The Budget and Production Quality

One of the most talked-about aspects of Inhumans was its production value. The series was initially marketed with high hopes, especially with the premiere of the first two episodes being shown in IMAX theaters. Unfortunately, despite the large-scale aspirations, many felt the visual effects, costumes, and set designs didn’t live up to the hype. The show’s look felt dated, and some of the characters’ powers, such as Medusa’s animated hair, were criticized for looking unrealistic.

2. Pacing and Writing Issues

The pacing of Inhumans was another point of contention. The first few episodes felt like they were setting up a much larger story, but instead of building momentum, the show took its time and often lost its grip on the audience. The writing was inconsistent, with some episodes feeling rushed while others dragged on. This lack of balance made it difficult for viewers to become fully immersed in the story.

3. A Missed Opportunity for Worldbuilding

One of the biggest missed opportunities was the show’s lack of exploration into the greater Inhumans lore. The series gave us glimpses of the unique powers of the characters but didn’t dive deep into the culture, history, or mythology of the Inhumans as seen in the comics. A deeper exploration of Attilan, the Inhumans’ society, and their relationships with other Marvel characters would have elevated the series.

4. The Lack of Clear Direction

Throughout its run, Inhumans struggled to find a clear tone and direction. Was it a family drama? A political thriller? A superhero action show? The series felt disjointed as it attempted to blend different genres, which resulted in a lack of cohesion. Marvel’s previous TV shows, like Daredevil and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., managed to find successful niches, but Inhumans never quite figured out how to balance all its elements.

Could Inhumans Have Been Better?

Absolutely. While the series had several flaws, there were moments of potential. The idea of exploring a hidden super-powered society on the Moon could have been something truly special. With better writing, improved effects, and more character development, the show might have been able to stand alongside some of Marvel’s other more successful TV projects.

In retrospect, it’s possible that Inhumans would have thrived better if it had been a movie instead of a TV series. The shorter runtime and larger budget of a Marvel film could have given it the visual flair and cohesive storylines it needed. Additionally, the Inhumans were already being incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and there was the potential for more crossovers and tie-ins with existing characters and storylines, which might have made the show more exciting.

Legacy of Inhumans

Despite its struggles, Inhumans has a certain place in Marvel TV history. While it wasn’t the groundbreaking series fans hoped for, it remains a part of the larger Inhumans mythos. The series briefly introduced audiences to the characters, and for some, it sparked an interest in the Inhumans comics, leading to more exploration of these characters in the comics and on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

It’s clear that Inhumans wasn’t the success many had hoped for, but that doesn’t mean it was a complete failure. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved comics can face challenges when adapting to the screen.

Conclusion

Marvel’s Inhumans TV series had the promise of a compelling royal family drama set against a backdrop of superhuman powers and political intrigue. Unfortunately, it never quite lived up to the expectations. However, its influence can still be seen in future Marvel projects. With the right approach, Inhumans could one day get the live-action adaptation it truly deserves.

Do you think Inhumans could have been better with a different creative direction? What do you think the future holds for these characters in the MCU? Let us know in the comments below!