At one point in SYFY’s newest series, “Deadly Class,” two characters have a conversation about comic books, namely that indie comics tell the most risky and creative stories. Well, if this show’s pilot is any indication, that’s right on the money.
“Deadly Class,” executive produced by “Avengers: Infinity War” directors Joe and Anthony Russo, delivers style, hard R antics and a memorable cast to boot, making it one of the most unique and arresting debuts of the midseason. It’s violent and off-putting, yet strangely alluring and graphically beautiful. That contradiction is what the pilot thrives on, telling a teen story with a cast of detestable characters who all stand out in the ocean of bland teen shows.
Our story begins with Marcus Lopez (Benjamin Wadsworth), a homeless teenager wanted for burning down an orphanage, who is disillusioned with 1987 San Francisco, especially given that President Reagan’s releasing of mental patients contributed to his parents’ deaths.
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Following a run-in with the police, Marcus is taken to King’s Dominion, an academy of young people descended from the most dangerous crime syndicates in the world, led by Master Lin (Benedict Wong), who takes Marcus in as a student.
Marcus quickly discovers that the Dominion is training its vicious student body in the art of killing others, and is forced to make a choice on which world he sympathizes with.
There’s a lot to digest in “Deadly Class'” pilot: A hyper stylized setting, filmed with panache in a widescreen format, tons of unique characters and allegiances, and a tone that seems to celebrate sticking a middle finger to the established order.
While the pilot does suffer from an explosion of exposition early on, everything is presented in such a unique way that you’ll likely be glued to the screen throughout.
The show also plays against expectations throughout. This is a grim and edgy show, make no mistake about that. It’s the kind of show where a girl licks blood off her bloody nose before passing a swastika covered note to our hero. Admiringly, the creators don’t shy away from making clear that this is a bleak world and even with the rule that no students of the Deadly Class are to be killed, there’s stakes and drama lacing the proceedings. Rest assured, if violence and nihilism aren’t your cup of tea, bail out now.
“Deadly Class” is an engaging and intriguing new series for fans of the dark underbelly of comic book television. Its style, cast and attitude are more than enough to merit a new addiction, but one that comes with a “Not for everyone” seal. But if none of the above has scared you off, odds are you’ll be signing up for this semester.
“Deadly Class” airs Wednesdays at 10pm on SYFY.