Lucky Man

Cop drama is a crowded genre and audience might be reluctant to invest on a new one if there's no instant hook. While "Lucky Man" has Stan Lee advertised on its title, it's not a superhero series, it's borderline investigation thriller with a pinch of supernatural gimmick. It doesn't take the genre by storm, but what it does have is nifty stylish approach sufficient to create a different tone.

Harry (James Nesbitt) is a detective with vices, he has problem with gambling, among others. One night she meets a lady, and thus his luck changes. The good point about Harry is he's not created to pander the audience. He's not a single parent or other sympathy-grabbing character, he's rude in a anti-hero kind of way. This is not a buddy cop drama either, at least not entirely since the main focus remains on Harry while any aide takes largely supportive role.

The more unworldly aspect is done with care, it's far from Supernatural or Constantine, yet manages to put surreal ambiance to the plot. Events occur both in the favor or disfavor of the main lead, so in more way than one it affects his personal and work life. The case in hand is approachable and kept in check in steady flow, which is proper since it has to cater for different elements.

Location is presented nicely, there's ample visual cue for each important set-piece and they are shown quite stylishly. Script also does a fine job in creating tension and intrigue or effectively introducing characters. However, the show does have a bit of problems. The slow pace at some scene might not be appealing and those seeking for more colorful spectacle might find little heroism or spark here. The case itself needs time to gain momentum, this is not Agatha Christie style that can immediately grasps people's attention.

While some flaws still remain, "Lucky Man" might just roll the right number of mystery and thriller to at least have the chance to hit the jackpot.

This is exactly the type of TV show that has an great first season, but due to lack of initial momentum does not get picked up for a second. That is why I urge anyone who is thinking about watching this show to take a chance with the first two episodes, and go from there. Odds are, you'll appreciate the gamble, and eagerly await the next chapter.

On the surface is a very well produced detective/mystery show with episodic, seasonal, and perhaps even a series arc. The main character is a very colorful fellow at the outer edge of middle age. He's clearly a man of contradiction - experienced, good at his job, but also an addict with his personal life spinning out of control.

The surrounding characters are very well cast, and there really are not any weak links to the ensemble. Everyone comes off as well thought out, with their own lives, history, goals and desires.

This isn't your typical comic book hero, or comic book realm. By all accounts this is the same reality we inhabit, but with a touch of magic in the form of an enchanted object. Once the power can't be denied, it becomes a question of what to do with this yin yang ability involving the positive and negative qualities of luck.

Perhaps the number one quality on display here is the writing. The dialog comes off as believable, the deliveries are well performed. This says something about experience, and the actors we are dealing with. It's refreshing to watch a new show with no gimmicks, just rock solid writing, production, acting, and premise.

Lucky man has gotten off to a great start, and deserves a following to ensure not only a first good season, but a complete series run.

An excellent start - 8/10

I was delighted to see that "Stan Lee's Lucky Man" was not yet another interminable '~man' (Bat/Ant/Super/X- etc etc ad nauseum) comic on screen. Instead we are treated to a show for adults rather than teens/YAs. Remarkably, the drama is set in London and features as the eponymous character a rather flawed and somewhat insular copper. We soon see that "Lucky Man" may not be that lucky at all, and that his luck is rather double edged. The characters are believable, often unlovable, and well portrayed; the roles are quickly fleshed out and we easily grasp the character of each participant. The background of London does not distract, as say New York might, instead it provides a gentle and interesting canvas against which the story rapidly, and often brutally, unfolds. Well written, well acted, and tightly edited, I haven't felt that the show slackens at any point. Excellent and believable drama despite the 'comic book' premise.

I am not a huge fan of cartoon animation of good versus evil. However I am a huge fan of suspense thrillers and murder mystery. I absolutely love this show and surprised at the casting of these actors whom I find wonderfully cast in these roles. Kudos. I'm hooked on this show on many levels. Very macabre. Excellent!

It's early days, but the pilot episode shows real promise. Played out as a proper British cop show/gangland drama, with characteristic British tropes, the excellent London setting and some fine actors, but with Stan Lee influence. What's not to love as a concept!

There is a danger that it may over play the clichés and tropes - court room, marriage drama, mysterious strangers, corrupt cops, hard arse bosses and instantly dislikable colleagues all make an appearance (not spoilers!). That's fine as long as the writers continue to keep them balanced.

But if they can maintain this balance and keep it dark and true then it bodes well.