"Misfits" - Series 5, Episode 4 Review

Remember Misfits? Remember the Simon-Alisha-Death-Loop that completely destroyed you emotionally? Or perhaps you've never watched an episode of Misfits in your life and you have no idea what that last question meant. Just for clarification, Misfits is a British show in which a group of juvenile delinquents performing community service (in their gloriously horrific, signature orange jumpsuits) all gain various abilities after a mysterious lightning storm. Like giants who can't manage to tread through a flower field with delicacy, they find themselves frequently wreaking havoc (though usually without malicious intent), and if you've kept up to date with the program, you'll likely have lost track of how many probation workers they've killed. With British wit, shameless humour, and solid life-ruining/feels-enducing emotional drama woven together, the show has gained a sizeable following worldwide. If you've yet to watch it, the show is currently in its fifth and final series and now's as good a time as any to make it your latest television endeavour. Now on to the most recently aired episode.

This week's episode yet again focused on Rudy, but with a slight shift from Rudy 1 to Rudy 2. Given the fact that Rudy is the show's most entertaining and arguably the most interesting character, the extra focus placed on him is most welcome. A mysterious old man stumbles across the group, and they realise that it is Rudy 2 who has somehow aged considerably. The group must band together to look after him, as well as discover the reason for his condition.

One of the strengths of Misfits is its creativity in regards to the abilities people exhibit. This week, we even see a man who is forcibly teleported into closets when he is questioned on his sexuality. It is, of course, symbolic of the struggles of coming to terms with one's true identity and a highly clever way of bringing attention to that particular issue. The developing relationship between Rudy and Jess is not one that I would have predicted at the beginning of the series, but it's been nicely ease into the arc without feeling forced or out-of-nowhere.

The character development of Rudy exemplifies yet another strength of Misfits. The people we are introduced to are highly flawed, but throughout their time on the show, we see them go through incredible experiences that ultimately enable them to undergo tremendous personal growth. (Think back to how much Simon transformed - if you have indeed watched the show). Though some are displeased with the fact that the show no longer has any of its original cast members, this is nothing to be upset over. Misfits is still standing strong, and if it maintains the level at which the last few episodes have been at, it's going to have one hell of a finale.