 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Cape
Common Sense Media says
Live-action comic book serves up violence and a lame plot.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character in this superhero series uses violence to defend himself in a dangerous world that's rife with corruption. But even though there are intense explosions, shootings, and hand-to-hand combat, there's surprisingly little blood. There's also some infrequent, low-level swearing, mostly in the form of "damn," and some mild allusions to sex and social drinking.
What's the story?
When he's framed for the murder of the Palm City police chief, dedicated cop Vince Farraday (David Lyons) allows the world to believe he's dead while he transforms himself into THE CAPE, a crime-fighting superhero sprung from the pages of his son's favorite comic book. After training with a troupe of underground circus performers (led by Keith David), the newly minted Cape steels himself for confrontation with notorious villain Chess -- aka Peter Fleming (James Frain), the cunning head of a powerful corporation that's slowly taking over the city's law enforcement duties, with plans to ultimately take total control. But the Cape isn't alone is in his fight, thanks to help from a shadowy blogger who calls herself the Oracle (Summer Glau).
Is it any good?
If you plan to watch The Cape, loving the comic book genre is practically a prerequisite. Because it’s not like the writing, plot, or characters will win you over on their own -- and, more importantly, the show fails to create a world or relatable characters that feel grounded in any sort of humanity.
Swallowing the fact that the head of a powerful corporation moonlights as a serpent-eyed villain and cavorts with scaly thugs is one thing. But accepting the show’s hero as a do-gooder who trains with an underground circus troupe -- complete with a pint-sized strongman and a ringleader sensei who uses far too many awkward circus metaphors -- might be more than even the most ardently devoted genre fans can accept.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the way this show portrays the world in terms of power, corruption, and corporate influence. Are there really clear-cut "good guys" and "bad guys" out there, or can people be a little of both? Could any of these events actually happen in real life?
Why do fictional superheroes continue to hold widespread appeal in television, movies, and graphic novels? If you were a superhero, what would your cause be? What powers would you need to help you achieve it?
How does this series compare to other shows on the air about superheroes? What does it do differently?
Is the Cape a role model?
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Kid, 12 years old
May 2, 2011
AGE
Very educational!
This show is very educational like Spongebob, I wish they put the educational bubble in, I like it because it has lots of action, crime fighting and drama which can make most TV shows awesome! love it! Watch it.
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AGE
Writing failed to keep up with the character potential
Used to like The Cape, but it has gotten too violent (2/28) had to turn it off and I am an adult an adult with no little kids - the writing used to be clever and fun, but now it relies only on beatings and blood -- no laughs at all. Too bad because it had real potential when it first started - the writing was unusual and interesting, but apparently the writers are now taking the easy way out and have gotten lazy. Too bad..
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Kid, 12 years old
February 2, 2011
AGE
Should not be TV-14
Actually, if you look up this show it is TV-14 L(Language) V(Violence). Really it should be TV-PG V. In one or two episodes someone says d--n! Not cheesy like most superhero shows. Not just for kids either. My dad loves it! Iffy for 6+.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 13, 2011
AGE
Great show for mature tweens +
It's a great show and I think with each passing episode it gets better. The language is bearable and it's not as violent as some kids shows I've seen before. I think this is a great show to watch if you crave super hero shows...
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Kid, 10 years old
January 12, 2011
AGE
THE CAPE IS GOOD
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AGE
This is really quite an enjoyable show!
So far, a very good show! The story so far is one I've heard before- police corruption, the well-meaning, ill-prepared protagonist who winds up losing a lot, etc. But aside from a somewhat familiar story, execution is brilliant, and this series thus far is rather original, I look forward to seeing what is done in the future with it.
Definitely some comic book style violence, though nothing over the top.
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AGE
Fun family show especially for our 2 boys
We've only watched a few episodes on Netflix - but my kids aged 7 and almost 11 love this. My husband and I are enjoying it too. I believe "The Cape" is a positive role model, trying to do good and protect his family. Yes, there is violence - but considering the movies/tv shows out there today - I believe the violence is mild!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | David Lyons, James Frain, Summer Glau |
| Genre: | Drama |
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