Episode 1100: Alphas, Or Heroes/X-Men Done Right

There have been quite a few new summer shows that impressed me by being as good as, if not better than, fall/winter programming. Like Falling Skies, Franklin & Bash, Suits and Torchwood: Miracle Day. Having watched the finale of Alphas this afternoon, however, I can safely say that this show had the best one, in terms of tying up the story arc(s) of its season, while demonstrating potential to expand its in-show universe. (Okay, so it's a bit odd to put it in those terms for dramedies like Franklin & Bash and Suits.) I agree with those TV critics who've praised the way in which Alphas balances its drama and its political undertones, and credit for that surely goes to co-creator Zak Penn, who's done writing work on X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand. Considering that Alphas airs on SyFy and only has a fraction of the production budget of a franchise like X-Men, it's a pretty mean feat, the dramatic flair with which the season ends. It should also silence detractors who saw the show as a pale imitation of Heroes. Should also mention that Ryan Cartwright has delivered an amazing performance as the autistic Gary.