Human Target: The Complete First Season

Mark Valley stars as bodyguard Christopher Chance in this high-energy series based on the comic book about a one-time mercenary who now protects the good guys. Chance is a playful hero with the benevolence of a Boy Scout, skills of a special forces veteran, focus of a martial arts master, and fun-loving charm of a Stan Lee superhero, in a job that entails safeguarding high-risk clients while putting himself in the line of fire. Chi McBride is manager and special-ops point man Winston, the straight man to Chance's pulp banter, with Jackie Earle Haley filling out the team as Guerrero, an eccentric computer genius and electronics expert who provides backup and attitude. Highlighted by impressive action scenes in inventive locales, the episodes play out with snappy energy and easygoing humor, thanks to the chemistry of the central trio and dynamic direction by such big-screen veterans as Simon West (who helms the pilot) and Kevin Hooks. Compiling all 12 episodes from the 2010 first season, DVD and Blu-ray extras include audio commentary on the pilot episode, a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes, and deleted scenes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)