“Alphas: Season One and Two” (2003 – 2005) 

Television

Twenty Four Episodes

Created by: Zak Penn and Michael Karnow

Featuring: David Strathairn, Ryan Cartwright, Warren Christie, Azita Ghanizada, Laura Mennell, Malik Yoba and Erin Way

Trey Lockerbie: [singing] “Don’t take “no” for an answer / ‘nd there’s no telling where we’ve been… / ‘Cause people don’t understand, understand, understand / People don’t understand / People like me.”

“Alphas: Season One and Two” (2003 – 2005) is a science fiction television series that premiered in 2011 and ran for two seasons. The show revolves around a group of individuals known as Alphas, who have extraordinary abilities that are the result of genetic mutations. These abilities range from super strength and enhanced senses to telekinesis and mind control.

The series follows the Alphas as they are brought together by a government agency to work as a team to investigate cases involving other Alphas who are using their abilities for criminal purposes.

Overall, the show received mixed reviews from critics and viewers. While some praised the concept and characters, others criticized the writing and pacing of the series. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, Alphas still has a dedicated fan base who enjoyed the unique approach to the superhero genre.

If you are a fan of science fiction and superhero stories, Alphas may be worth checking out. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the show has been canceled, and its ending may not provide a satisfactory conclusion to the overall story.

Additionally, the cast of Alphas is made up of several recognizable actors, including David Strathairn, Ryan Cartwright, and Warren Christie, who all deliver solid performances throughout the series.

One of the strengths of Alphas is its focus on the individual characters and their personal struggles with their abilities, which sets it apart from other superhero shows. The series also deals with themes of power, morality, and the consequences of using one’s abilities for personal gain.

However, some viewers may find the show’s pacing to be slow, and the overall plot to be too convoluted and confusing at times. Additionally, the special effects used to showcase the Alphas’ abilities are not always up to par with other superhero shows, which may be a turn-off for some viewers.

In conclusion, while Alphas may not be a perfect series, it is still worth checking out for fans of the superhero genre who are looking for something different. The unique concept and focus on character development make it stand out from other shows in the genre, and its short run of two seasons means it can easily be binged in a weekend.

In recent years, the term “alphas” has gained popularity in the world of television. Alphas refer to individuals who possess extraordinary abilities, usually in the realm of superhuman powers, and are often portrayed as the heroes or anti-heroes of their respective television series. The concept of alphas in TV shows has been around for quite some time, but it has gained significant attention in recent years due to the popularity of shows like “Heroes,” “The Gifted,” and “The Umbrella Academy.” In this essay, we will delve into the world of alphas in TV, exploring what they are, why they have become so popular, and what this trend says about society as a whole.

Alphas are a relatively recent concept in the world of television. While there have been shows in the past that have featured individuals with special abilities, such as “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Bionic Woman,” these shows were relatively rare and did not attract the same level of attention that modern-day shows do. The modern-day concept of alphas can be traced back to the popular NBC show “Heroes,” which premiered in 2006. The show followed a group of individuals who discovered that they possessed special abilities, such as super strength, telekinesis, and the ability to fly. The show was a massive hit, and it spawned a host of imitators, including “The Gifted” and “The Umbrella Academy,” both of which premiered in 2019.

So why have alphas become so popular in television? One reason may be that they tap into our desire for power and control. Many of us feel powerless in our daily lives, whether it be due to work, family, or other obligations. Watching characters who possess extraordinary abilities and can bend the world to their will can be a cathartic experience, allowing us to live vicariously through their experiences. Additionally, alphas often represent the ultimate expression of individuality and uniqueness, qualities that many of us aspire to but may struggle to achieve in our own lives.

Another reason why alphas have become so popular in television is that they tap into our fascination with the unknown and the supernatural. Many of us are intrigued by the idea that there may be more to the world than what we can see with our own eyes, and alphas represent the ultimate manifestation of this idea. Whether they are mutants, aliens, or simply humans with special abilities, alphas are a reminder that there may be more to the world than what we currently understand.

Finally, the rise of alphas in television may be indicative of a broader societal trend towards individualism and self-expression. In a world where conformity and adherence to social norms are often valued above all else, alphas represent the ultimate expression of individuality and uniqueness. They are able to break free from the constraints of society and live on their own terms, something that many of us aspire to but may struggle to achieve in our own lives.

In conclusion, the rise of alphas in television is a fascinating trend that speaks to a broader societal fascination with power, control, the supernatural, and individualism. While there is certainly no shortage of shows featuring alphas, the trend shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. As long as we continue to be fascinated by the idea of individuals with extraordinary abilities, alphas will likely continue to be a staple of our television screens for years to come.

However, it’s worth noting that the popularity of alphas in television may also have some drawbacks. For example, it can perpetuate the idea that certain individuals are inherently superior to others based on their abilities, which can be a harmful message for society. Additionally, it can create unrealistic expectations for individuals who may feel pressured to achieve superhuman abilities in order to feel validated or accepted by society.

Furthermore, the portrayal of alphas in television can also be problematic if it reinforces stereotypes or fails to represent diverse communities. While some shows have made strides towards including more diverse characters, many still rely on traditional tropes and stereotypes that can be harmful to marginalized communities.

Overall, the rise of alphas in television reflects a broader societal fascination with power, control, and individualism. While there are certainly some potential drawbacks to this trend, it also has the potential to inspire viewers and promote a greater sense of empathy and understanding for individuals who may be perceived as different or unique. As long as writers and creators continue to push the boundaries and explore new ideas, the concept of alphas in television will remain a fascinating and engaging trend.

Episodes

Season One

Pilot: Ominous messages steer a man to a building’s rooftop, where he executes an improbable shooting in the opener of the series following a team of people with extraordinary abilities who investigate crimes linked to others like them.

Cause and Effect: A problematic former patient of Rosen’s escapes as Rosen is getting acquainted with his Department of Defense liaison, and the rest of the team tries to balance their normal lives with their work as Alphas.

Anger Management: The team moves to new offices following the attack on Rosen; violent riots break out on the east coast, which are linked to a runaway teen.

Rosetta: During a raid against Red Flag an unknown Alpha is discovered. Gary bonds heavily with her while the rest of the team tries to define the extent of their enemies reach.

Never Let Me Go: Agent Sullivan (guest star Valerie Cruz) credentials Dr. Rosen (David Strathairn) and his team as members of the Defense Criminal Investigation Service and their first case takes them to Pennsylvania where an outbreak of sudden deaths involving a local high school are suspected to be the work of an Alpha.

Bill and Gary’s Excellent Adventure: Bill and Gary pursue an outside case, putting their Alpha powers to the ultimate test. Featuring guest star Alaina Huffman.

Catch and Release: The alpha team rescues an alpha from a group of hooded thugs, then discover she is a former associate of Dr. Rosen who wants nothing to do with him.

A Short Time in Paradise: Dr, Rosen is forced to challenge his most cherished values when he encounters an alpha leading a personality cult who sincerely wants to create a paradise for all humanity, a dream his alpha ability may make possible. But as members of the alpha group fall under the cult leaders and he refuses to recognize he may be responsible for the illnesses among the cult members Dr. Rosen is forced to act… if he can.

Blind Spot: As the Alpha team attempts to interrogate an alpha doctor, who wants to create more alphas, an invisible alpha attempts to abduct him. Dr. Rosen struggles to determine who is the more dangerous.

The Unusual Suspects: Dr. Rosen’s alpha group is abducted by Nathan because he suspects one of them is a Red Flag conspirator.

Original Sin: Dr. Rosen (David Strathairn) and his team must decide who to trust when Red Flag, led by Stanton Parish (guest star John Pyper-Ferguson), escalates the war on the Department of Defense.

Season Two

Wake Up Call: The alphas rescue Dr. Rosen’s estranged alpha daughter from an assassin. She carries a carefully coded message stolen from Red Flag. But Dr. Rosen suspects it’s a ruse which leads him to take precipitous action.

The Quick and the Dead: On the hunt for a killer with super-speed, our team realizes his search has lead him directly to them, with deadly consequences.

Alpha Dogs: An investigation leads Harken and Hicks to go undercover in a secret, underground Alphas-only Fight Club where they meet “Kat”, an energetic fellow Alpha whose can instantly memorize any physical or mental skill.

When Push Comes to Shove: The Team investigates an Alpha-related crime spree leading to one of their own, who is in the midst of a dangerous emotional breakdown. Our Team races to stop them before they hurt themself or someone else.

Gaslight: A powerful Alpha seems to have lost his mind and is attacking people at a hospital forcing, but as the team tracks him down they each begin to lose touch with reality.

Alphaville: Rosen and his team travel to a remote village of Alphas to ask Skylar Adams to look into the function of the photo stimulator. But Parish has people in the village, and soon the lives of both Skylar and her daughter, Zoe, are in jeopardy.

Gods and Monsters: When Jason Miller returns to school, he uses his newly-enhanced Alpha ability to form a neural network of classmates who bend to his will. Rosen begrudgingly agrees to team up with Stanton Parish to get Jason to release his mind slaves.

Falling: Kat goes undercover to investigate the source of a street drug that makes its user invincible, while Rosen works to confirm his suspicions about Dani’s being an informant for Parish. Meanwhile, Hicks suspects that his son may be an Alpha.

The Devil Will Drag You Under: When Hicks turns defector and beginning working for Parish, Rosen and the team can only wonder: has Hicks truly turned, or is he playing a deeper game involving Dani?

Life After Death: How does one grieve and move on from a terrible loss? Everyone’s process is different. Dani’s shocking death at the hands of Parish leaves Rosen and the team grasping for lifelines.

If Memory Serves: It’s Midnight Run, Alphas-style as Hicks and Kat transport a valuable Parish asset: a babbling, off-his-nuts memory sponge Alpha named Mitchell. Mitchell just might hold the strategic intel they need to stop Parish…if they can outrun and outwit Mitchell’s seemingly indestructible Alpha “caretaker”. Meawhile, Rosen is on his own hunt- for Parish’ Achilles’ Heel, a weak point to strike at. But Senator’s Burton sudden presence in the Alphas office threatens to expose Rosen and Nina’s own Achillles’ Heel.

Need to Know: When Rosen kidnaps and interrogates an Alpha prisoner, the team wonders how far Rosen will go in seeking revenge for the death of his daughter.

God’s Eye: Separated from the team and haunted by vivid hallucinations of his daughter, Dani, an injured and increasingly desperate Doctor Rosen seeks a final confrontation with Alpha leader Stanton Parish.