Reevaluating Inhumans: Why It Fell Short and What Could Have Been

"If you’ve seen Inhumans you know it’s bad. But why Could they have done something different or was this just a wrong choice for TV"

Let's be clear: every bad thing about that show came entirely from the studio. The decisions made during the production and development of Inhumans were misguided and ultimately led to a series that disappointed its audience and critics alike. But why did they make these choices?

The Vision and the Dilemma

The studio wanted a Game of Thrones clone, using the Inhumans for that. That was a dumb decision right from the start. Inhumans, a race of genetically enhanced humans, belong in a different setting and with a different kind of narrative than what was attempted in the show. Instead, they thought they could make them their new mutants, another dumb idea, especially when you consider the vast potential of the Inhumans' unique genetic attributes.

They thought that filming in Hawaii would be a great idea to set a series based on a comic book mostly set in outer space and sometimes in Antarctica. This showcased a persistent lack of understanding about the story's source material and the atmosphere it was meant to evoke. Clearly, the studio's vision was flawed, and it led to the wrong creative decisions across the board.

Technical and Creative Flaws

The script was bad, and the studio's eagerness to preach with the villain overshadowed the development of the heroes. Madeusa's hair was cut — a decision to save on CGI — but it was a detrimental move. Inhumans who significantly contributed to the comic book lore were reduced to stereotypes rather than fully fleshed-out characters. The disconnect between the characters and their comic book counterparts was palpable, leaving audiences with little to relate to or invest in.

Potential for a Better Series

In hindsight, Inhumans might have worked better as a Disney show. Marvel’s recent TV productions, especially those produced under Disney, have budgets on par with their theatrical counterparts. Network TV struggles with the limitations that streaming and subscription-based networks like HBO can bypass. Beyond the budget, the show failed to capitalize on the inherent potential of the Inhumans' storylines and mythology.

Potential Storylines and Themes

The Inhumans' story could have been a groundbreaking exploration of a whole new society of super-powered characters. A royal family in place due to genetic 'superiority' rather than 'noble blood' could have brought a fresh perspective to superhero narratives. The show could have delved into the complexities of ruling a society based on genetic superiority, exploring the ethical implications and the struggle for power within such an insular group.

A 'crusading leader' who uses the oppression of others to gain power could have added depth to the narrative. Additionally, the Inhumans' potential conflict with the Kree from the MCU, particularly the Alpha Primitives designed by the Kree as living weapons, could have led to intriguing storylines. The overlap with Hydra's eugenics-based ideology could have provided ample conflict, making the story richer and more engaging.

Final Thoughts

Instead, Inhumans focused on individual storylines rather than their thematic qualities as a group or society. The core mythology of the Inhumans was a long-term nuanced story that was not well-served by the limited number of episodes or the focus of the narrative. The potential for a powerful and thought-provoking series was unfortunately squandered, leaving behind a series that, while interesting in parts, ultimately fell short of its potential.

If Inhumans had been produced with a clearer understanding of the source material and a more cohesive, ambitious vision, it might have been a groundbreaking series that changed the landscape of superhero storytelling. Instead, it remains a notable example of how missed opportunities and creative missteps can lead to a disappointing series.

Keywords: Inhumans, TV Series, Marvel TV, Superhero Series, Storytelling