Alphas: Season One

Co-created by Zak Penn (with Michael Karnow), this Syfy channel answer to X-Men centers on an elite unit of misfit mutants called “Alphas,” who are drafted by the government to use their special abilities to find (and when necessary fight) others with unique powers. David Strathairn stars as Dr. Lee Rosen, the human (non-Alpha) psychiatrist and paternal team leader, dedicated to helping his recruits control the sometimes emotionally and physically debilitating side effects of their capabilities, be it the adrenaline-boosted strength of Bill (Malik Yoba), the heightened senses of Rachel (Azita Ghanizada), the mastery over the electromagnetic spectrum displayed by Gary (Ryan Cartwright), the mind control of Nina (Laura Mennell), or the uncanny target-hitting ability of Cameron (Warren Christie). There is nothing unique about this variation on a theme, which comes across like The X-Files married with Fringe on a cable budget. Apart from the usual character conflicts, struggles with self-esteem, and freak-of-the-week plotlines, the series also toys with the possibility that the pack may be on the wrong side of the fight between the government and an underground resistance group of Alphas who've been branded as terrorists. Compiling all 11 episodes from the 2011 debut season, extras include an extended premiere episode, deleted scenes, a Comic-Con panel discussion, and a cast and crew Q&A. Optional. (S. Axmaker)