Touch

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Kiefer's emotional drama explores fatherhood, connections.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this emotional drama explores heavy themes like the loss of a parent, raising a special needs child, and the interconnectedness of all humans. Violence -- including bombings, car accidents, and references to 9/11 -- is part of some storylines. There are also a few references to sexuality, some mild language, and occasional social drinking.

  • The show's premise is that all people are interconnected in some way -- expressing the idea that we have more in common with others than we might think. The relationship between the father and son highlights the often poignant challenges that come with raising and understanding a special needs child.
  • Martin is an overtaxed single father who loves his special needs son and is committed to doing whatever he needs to do to help him. He works hard to understand what his son is trying to communicate, even under frustrating circumstances.
  • The boy's mother died on 9/11, and there are references to the terrorist attack. Bombing attempts, fiery traffic accidents, and other violent events sometimes form part of the storyline. Occasional images of people pushing, shoving, and punching.
  • Subtle references to prostitution.

What's the story?

Kiefer Sutherland stars in TOUCH as Martin Bohm, a former reporter, 9/11 widower, and single father. His son, Jake (David Mazouz), is an emotionally challenged 11-year-old who won't speak, resists human contact, and is obsessed with numbers. Over time, Martin realizes that his son isn't just trying to communicate with numbers but is actually using Fibonacci number sequences (numeric sequences that connect seemingly unrelated things) to predict events before they happen. With the help of Professor Arthur Teller (Danny Glover) and social worker Clea Hopkins (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Martin follows the roadmaps created by Jake's numeric sequencing in order to understand what it is that his son is telling him -- and to potentially stop something from happening. As a result, he changes the destiny (often unknowingly) of different people around the world.


Is it any good?

 

This intelligent, well-written series tells an interesting story by combining the events of 9/11, mathematical theory, and the challenges that come with raising a child with special needs to create a backdrop for each episode's story. Watching how each narrative impacts select individuals around the world is also very compelling.

While Jake's gifts are somewhat supernatural, the show does a good job of highlighting the complex challenges that come with trying to communicate with a child who can't do so in traditional ways. It also reminds us that people, like numbers, are interconnected in ways that we can't even dream of.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how disability is portrayed in the media. What messages do you get about the boy's abilities and disabilities from Touch? How accurately does the show depict living with a disability? Do you think fictional shows are suited to help educate viewers about disorders like autism, etc.?

  • How do numbers come into play in this show? Do you think math is a good way of understanding how the world works? Do you think shows like this one could make math more interesting to teens?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Kid, 13 years old
January 27, 2012
 
One of my favorite shows so far!
OMG i am 12 years old going on 13 and it is one of the best shows i have EVER seen.. I recommend you watch it!! Who ever watches it i hope you enjoy it!!

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Kid, 13 years old
January 26, 2012
 
Exciting drama about a kid who can predict the future!
This is a must-see drama! It's fast-paced and every episode will leave you guessing what will happen next. The story revolves around the relationship of a father and his autstic child, whom lost her mother during 9/11. When the father discovers that his child can predict the future, he then realizes that this is how he will be able to communicate will him. This is a perfect drama for teens and adults alike. The series includes some violence. This includes, fistfights, explosions, etc. Sexual material is very mild. In the pilot episode, a man and a very young chinese woman discuss what is obviously meant to be sex (man says he'll wash up so he can take off her pretty clothes afterward). Mild language such as d-mn and h-ll can be heard. Some consumerism and social drinking too. That's about it. If you're a teen or adult looking for a good drama, watch this!

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Teen, 13 years old
March 25, 2012
 
Very good message
This TV show has some language that I'm not allowed to use, but nothing horrible. It sends a positive message and helps promote understanding and respect for disabled children. I enjoy it.

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Teen, 14 years old
March 30, 2012
 
Paranormal thriller for older kids and adults
After watching an episode of this show, I was really impressed. It tells of a father and his autistic child who has an ability to sense the universe. There are some brief violent scenes, drinking, and language that might scare the little ones but its fine for 12 & older.

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Educator and Parent
April 16, 2012
 
An AMAZING new show with a WONDERFUL cast!
Keifer is a most outstanding role model for fathers in this show! He fights the "system" to keep his son with him, a single dad. He tries everything he can possibly think of to learn how to communicate with Jake and is working hard at his job the whole time. Since this is a fairly new series, I recommend that parents sit down and watch it with their children in case there are questions. (a suggestion that I HIGHLY recommend for ANY new show!) :)

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Kid, 10 years old
April 27, 2012
 
Touch
it is a show that is really cool

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Teen, 13 years old
April 2, 2012
 
Great!
Epic. Not what I was expecting, but in a good way.

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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