The Invisible Man (TV Series) Pilot (2000) User Reviews

Achieves more with less

[BWells · 9/10 · 18 May 2001]

Obviously on a shoestring budget, I-Man still took less than four episodes to capitalize on the all-too-rare chemistry between virtually all of its characters. All of the modern Star Trek series have taken three years apiece to get anywhere near this level. The crackling and hilarious dynamic between Ventresca and Ben-Victor as Fawkes and Hobbes is a prime example of what happens when good writing actually gets into the hands of good actors. When Fawkes and Hobbes team up and play a scene opposite The Official, The Keeper, Eberts, or Arnaud De Fehrn (AKA Da Phone), the result is ten times better than this show has any business being. This is not to knock the production team at all, but the cast and the writers definitely make this show.

The recurring character of Allianora (and her organization, Chrysalis) as both love interest AND principal opponent for Fawkes was handled better than many series of "greater" import and certainly of higher budgets have managed. All in all, the first season of I-Man was a terrific success.

The newly-introduced second season has a question mark on it, however. The introduction of uber-agent Alex Monroe left me wanting. While I am not yet willing to pronounce Brandy Ledford's efforts as pointless, a character with too much power has much bigger shoes to fill dramatically. Her serious and lonely quest to find her son separates her from the rest of The Agency even further than does her titanic skillset, and to hammer a point home again, it's the relationships that make the show.

This show's other great strength is its ability not to take itself too seriously, a precious gift in an all-too-serious world. If I-Man can keep it up, I might almost forgive the Sci-Fi Channel for dumping Good Versus Evil (just when it was getting REALLY good) after all.

Almost.

Check this show out for a couple weeks, especially if you're lucky enough to see the episodes, "Flowers for Hobbes" and "The Importance of Being Eberts". You'll be glad you did.

Shut up, Eberts!

Excellent writing

[p_yanna · 8/10 · 5 April 2003]

I knew next to nothing about this show (which is no wonder since as I see it didn't survive more than 2 seasons) but since the first episode I ever saw, I was hooked.

I love the mix of humour and action. Everyone's acting is absolutely superb (I think I might be in love with Eberts of all characters). I don't know what went wrong and the show ended up being cancelled, I think that had it been given some more time it would have gotten the ratings it deserved.

The coolest secret agent that you never did see...

[Animus · 9/10 · 6 April 2003]

Another victim of the "great series curse" which has claimed far too many television shows over the years, The Invisible Man will be missed. Its not the first show of its kind, the basic plot was pretty formulaic: convict get out of a life sentence by being a guinea pig and becomes and unwilling government agent, but the characters made the show work. The interplay between Fawkes and Hobbes was perfect, the ever-changing Agency with The Official and his toady, The Keeper who truly wants to help Darien and the later addition of Alex as a "real" agent made for an always-entertaining show. The villains were interesting too, and that was harder to pull off. When you have a hero who has a "super" power the writers are always tempted to create a bunch of "super villains" who out class the hero, thus making the hero's victories more heroic, but therein lies the trap of the eventual "why?". Why don't the powerful villains just do "blank" and destroy the Agency and project I-Man? Our writers sidestepped that pitfall by making the villains with powers highly specialized. Another invisibility gland in Arnaud that was malfunctioning, Allianora's (the water-witch) drowning kiss, the Catevari's poisoned touch that separated him from the world, Chrysalis with its fountain of youth genetics, ect., all had their limitations just like Darien. If you dissect the show into its parts you may wonder how it stayed on the air for two seasons. Most of the elements of the series are recycled, a few original ideas but nothing truly special. But, when you put it all together and just let it play out there is just something special about the show.

Overlooked and under-appreciated by audiences, at least now we'll have the DVDs.

ahem. . . I found my new favorite show!!!

[lixivium97 · 10/10 · 23 July 2000]

First of all, let me say that I have found my new favorite show!! And believe me, I haven't had one of those since the show "Quantum Leap" came out. Vincent Ventresca is a welcome addition to this show. Okay. . . ahem. . . he basically MAKES the whole show, meaning his whole manner (charm, charisma, rapport with other characters on the show) is what makes this show soooooo beautiful and worth watching!! The story line just happens to kick ass as well. When you twist good humor with Sci-Fi, its bound to be a winner. And this show has plenty of humor to boot. Vincent Ventresca's attractiveness is definitely a bonus, but not at all necessary after witnessing his pleasant on-screen performance show after show. So, like I said, I have definitely found my new favorite show!!

Excellent Show

[liberty272 · 10/10 · 20 June 2000]

This new series on the sci-fi channel is definitely on of the best since my other favorite, First Wave. The special effects, the comedy, the great casting, and the weird yet very science fiction plots make this show very enjoyable.

I-Man Rocks!

[psifox_2004 · 10/10 · 10 February 2005]

The Invisible Man is one of the best Sci-Fi Shows of our time. Great characters and writing. A great cast. A hell of a great twist on a classic idea. The show was ended in it's Second Season. They sort of resolved it but could have gone on. Ratings were not that great. Even though they showed it on Sci-Fi Channel and also on affiliates at different times. There is a huge cult following and a lot of work getting more people interested in this great series through conventions and fansites . If not to bring it back as a series, but maybe at least as movie specials. With work from a lot of great people we hope it will return to the screens soon.

Short & possibly slightly biased.

[niamhkelly · 10/10 · 7 September 2004]

Quirky comedy-cum-action adventure.

This show has real cult potential. It's a series that doesn't take itself too seriously, providing laughs through improbable dialogue & stereotypically daft characters. Basically it fits in well in its home on the Sci-Fi channel :)

Vincent Ventresca plays the lead admirably, and his character is eminently likable. Throughout the show casting choices are unusual but amusing.

And, strictly from a girl's point of view, Vincent's pretty easy on the eye.

An Interesting Low Budget Movie for TV

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 14 July 2003]

Yesterday I watched this movie on DVD. This story explains the origin of the "Invisible Man". I have never paid attention to this USA Channel series, however, at least this (pilot) movie is very good. Although being a low budget movie for TV, the effects are great and the story is entertaining. Many dialogs are ironic and there is at least a scene that honors H.G. Wells's character: when Darien Fawkes and 'Bobby' Hobbes go to a Mexican bar and there is a poster of the H.G. Wells's "Invisible Man" behind the counter, on the back of the attendant. My vote is seven.

Title(Brazil): "O Homem Invisível" ("The Invisible Man")

Best show on TV?

[Negative5G · 10/10 · 8 April 2001]

This is a show that so exceeds what I thought it would be that I can't bear to miss a second of it. I make sure to tape every episode I see so that I can watch it again.

This show blends the best elements of any show better than any show I've ever seen before. There has not been an episode that has made me laugh and sit on the edge of my seat at the same time.

The Characters are perfectly modeled, with the exception of the keeper (I'm sorry but she is a little weak) but even she is not terrible.

Vincent Ventresca is the ideal unwilling hero. He's funny, not perfect, and has comedy timing that make him perfect.

Paul Ben Victor's Bobby Hobbes is hilarious as the side kick with a surprising aptitude for martial arts and detective work.

And finally the official is terrific when it comes to being a nightmare for the heroes.

In short watch this show it's impossible to be disappointed with it, for there hasn't been a show of this quality in a while.

Best show ever created!!!!!!

[Vespera13 · 17 February 2003]

Best writing ever, best acting ever, best ever!!! To begin, this show has the best cast chemistry I've ever seen. The plots are original, and entertaining. You get humor, drama, all of it, every episode. You can relate to the characters, and it's just a good old time. Fawkes and Hobbes are the BEST duo ever. I've never seen a duo as good together as they are. The scripts are brilliant, and I couldn't picture better actors to play them out. Every person I introduce the show to has gotten into heavy like me!! It's just an awesome show that everyone can love!!! I miss it dearly, but there are ways to get hold of it. I highly suggest EVERYONE watch it!!! Even though it's gone, you can still enjoy past episodes, over, and over again. You can also learn lessons from them as well. There isn't one episode I hate. I love them all!!! Best show ever!!! See it!!!!!

too bad it's cancelled

[zyzygy69 · 10/10 · 20 February 2002]

The only thing I really dislike about SciFi Channel: it's inability to keep the BEST of it's shows going... it's always the same argument: we only have so much money, so when we optioned the burnt-out six year old stargate crap from showtime (who realised it was over for the show), we had to make room for it on our roster, so guess who got booted out? right! I-Man... one of the 2-3 GOOD shows SciFi has ever produced. And based on what? Ratings? how can it be based on ratings when you optioned the liscence to 3 other cable channels, and we don't HAVE to catch it in it's time slot to see it? i can either wait for a rerun on scifi itself, or catch it in about a month on USA or WB. It doesn't mean we aren't watching the show. And since there's no way for the folks at scifi who make these decisions to get any clue from US (i.e.: get an email setup for responses from your viewers, dammit!), they will just keep doing this stupid crap over and over again... good thing Farscape is immune due to the henson company saying NO to the interchannel distribution. I, for one, am going to truly miss I-man..

Great start

[Op_Prime · 9 June 2000]

This is a great start to the new series on the Sci-Fi Channel. It has a unique premise, far different from any other Invisible Man story. It's a sci-fi show, but also has a comedy twist to it. I look forward to seeing more of this show later on in the summer.

Great pilot to begin the series

[ab-2 · 10/10 · 11 April 2001]

This pilot to "The Invisible Man" was great and entertaining. It stars Vincent Ventresca (Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion) as a thief who is drafted into a secret governmental experiment to test an invisibility gland. His brother is killed and then joins the Dept. of Fish and Game to set off and find the guy who killed his brother. This is a great TV movie and if it is on again, I recommend it to everyone.

This is the best series ever

[CitrusBlast · 10/10 · 5 July 2001]

The summary says it all, this is THE BEST show I have ever seen, every episode is new and great, and the characters are so detailed and wonderful in their own ways. I've gone to several chats with cast and crew members, they're very enthusiastic about the show, and with good reason too! I hope that everyone who reads this will have the chance to watch I-Man, it is a great show, very worthy of anyones time.

Awesome

[movie-3 · 10/10 · 13 June 2000]

A wonderful beginning for what is hopefully a long-running series. Vincent Ventresca is humorous and believable as Darien Fawkes, the invisible man, and the entire pilot was well-written and entertaining. I'm now eagerly anticipating each and every Friday night this summer!

They were just getting started

[MrsSpooky · 10/10 · 9 January 2003]

The Invisible Man was engaging for its storylines, the all-too-human characters and the chemistry between the actors. The characters populating this show were interesting enough and their relationships engaging enough to tide the audience over the occasaional rough spot.

Despite some obvious external tinkering with the show, it managed to retain the loyalty of a world-wide audience who hungers for more.

It didn't take itself too seriously and wasn't afraid to poke fun at itself or the genre of which it was a part. The writing was sharp enough that an episode that started out silly and comical could gradually grow dark and sinister, finishing with an emotional climax that left the viewer breathless. One need only watch the first season's "Flowers for Hobbes" by Craig Silverstein for proof.

I'm one who looks forward to the furhter adventures of Bobby and Darien in new episodes of Invisible Man.

Excellent

[NINAFED · 10/10 · 2 January 2002]

I Think that this tv-serie is excellent. Vincent Ventresca couldn't be replaced with any other actor, like he was born for that role,especially the way he expresses his thinking,he doesn't talk a lot but his intelligence shows off anyway,what can be seen by his actions.Also i think it's great the way two pro's are put to work together with constant humor, but always have the job done. I think it's a great way of showing more motivation for "off-drugs" life and interest in federal work. "the invisible man" shows that not all the great police and federal agents are given everything easily and that there is many simple people among them, just like any of us. great show and excellent way to relax and laugh. And best of all, Vincent Ventresca is excellent,and very attractive.

Invisible Man is presently being broadcast by the science fiction channel of Germany

[yarn4flags · 10/10 · 3 April 2005]

Hello- This was a good television show, without being boring or gross. Maybe this is why the show was canceled. The Invisible Man was the only television show that appealed to our entire household, this includes the cat and the Betta Splendens. Maybe we got too involved in watching the television series. Our pets were upset that there were not more animal characters on the show, being that it featured the Department of Fish and Wildlife. I am not sure how to get the German science fiction channel broadcasts through our service provider. We would like to see the series return to the United States of America, someday. However, we are glad that The Invisible Man television series has left the stifling artistic mediocrity that is unfortunately here about the United States of America. Perhaps this show will return to entrance more viewers someday, we hope.

It could have been a contender

[CommandoCody · 20 January 2003]

After two failed attempts to by the major networks to do a successful series about an invisible man, cable TV got in on the act in the year 2000. Their version differs from the other two (as well as the movies) but often in the wrong ways. First, the invisible man is louse, a professional thief, named Darien Fawkes. Turns out he's not very good thief either. After getting caught and convicted for the third time, Darien faces life in prison with no parole. His brother, a scientist, offers him a way out-let him put an experimental gland in his head that makes him invisible. This moron actually has to think over which is preferable--life in prison or becoming a sometimes invisible man. I'm sure the idea was to give the show an "edge" and make the invisible man a "cool" and "macho" anti-hero. Given that his favorite expression is "Aw crap," I'd say they missed the boat on that one.

The gland in his head causes him to secrete a so-called, light-bending substance called "quicksilver." The first time he transforms is admittedly eye-opening. It reminded me of the liquid metal effects used in Terminator 2. Because of the show's budget limitations however, he fades out much quicker thereafter. I've always had problems with the notion of quicksilver. Since light travels at over 186,000 miles per second you need the gravitational pull of a black hole to alter its course. If this was possible, it seems that "bending light" would distort the appearance of objects directly behind the "invisible" man, since the bent light rays would be hitting the objects behind him at irregular or unnatural angles. Quicksilver is a mercury-like liquid so why doesn't the stuff wipe off on bad guys when he smacks them? Why don't the soles of his shoes become slippery on freshly waxed floors when covered by quicksilver? In one episode, quicksilver was cold enough to freeze the mechanism of a time bomb. Yet, we can see him with thermal imaging devices which register heat.

I could easily go on questioning how quicksilver allegedly works but why bother. What it really does is save money on special effects. You eliminate the need and hassle of showing objects being carried by invisible hands by having Darien simply make them disappear. You don't have to film challenging and time consuming scenes of him unwrapping bandages to reveal an empty head. There is no need to come up with imaginative ways to maintain the star's identity. Since Darien gets to keep on his clothes, he can enjoy all the advantages of being invisible without any of the hardships that Jack Griffin faced. To pay homage to H.G. Wells' creation however, Darien will go mad without regular injections of quicksilver "counteragent" supplied by an impoverished government agency whose budget is so low they can't even afford a name. This supposedly forces Darien to work for these losers who handle foreign and domestic problems the FBI and CIA apparently care little about.

A better name for this series however, would have been "Vanishing Man," as invisibility, per se, has little to do with the stories. It's simply a deus ex machina enabling the heroes to triumph over the bad guys. Darien spends most of his time in a very opaque state, bickering with that grouch of a partner he was paired with. As a result, I often found myself cheering for the show's recurring villains--Arnaud and Stark. I found them to be much more interesting characters than the folks chasing them. The Invisible Man was canceled following its second season because the ratings, though good by cable TV standards, did not justify its high production costs.

It had potential but failed to use it

[ivytheplant · 29 November 2001]

I liked this show. I really did. It had potential for so many interesting stories. Unfortunately, the stories became dull, predictable, and now the show is cancelled. I don't know all the reasons behind the cancellation, but I have a very strong feeling that the terrible plots were a big part of it.

If they had just taken the risk to make the stories as intriguing and as good as they had been in the first season I would still be a loyal fan. Now, nearing the end of the second (and last) season I find myself tuning into other shows that dared to be risky. Shows like Buffy and Stargate that excel in all areas. Those shows are on their 5+ season with (hopefully) no signs of stopping. Even Andromeda is better than what Invisible Man has become. (I really like Andromeda as well and hope it doesn't pull an I-Man on me).

I know there are many loyal fans still out there. I am not insulting them, nor the show. I just think I-Man could have been so much better on so many levels. After a while, the same old plot made me wince, the terrible (and dull) characters made me want to cry, and the obnoxiously skewed relationships (Claire is supposed to be Darien's Keeper, not his best buddy, remember?) made me turn the tv off before the end of the hour.

*Raises a glass to toast*. To what could of been. May it not be horribly roasted in the future.

P.S. And no, I do not think the addition of the Alex Monroe character killed the show. If anything, she made it more bearable to watch until I realized there was no saving the show from certain stagnation.

Great film

[James1777 · 6 November 2001]

I saw this on satellite and it was great. I was about to go to bed as it was quite late, flipped it on for a moment and ended up watching the whole thing. A film that manages to combine comedy aspects with a good film basis is a rare thing. This film manages it. I laughed out loud so many times but was never bored. It was only by looking here that I saw it was a television series and I look forward to seeing more. Full marks.