The Gifted

This fast-paced action series doesn't need to align itself with the X-Men brand to inspire a following, being plenty capable of wooing and retaining viewers on its own merit. There are enough nods to the X-Men and character crossovers to set the stage for the story's timing, but not so many that new arrivals will feel lost without the movies' context. Sharp writing, sympathetic characters, and unrelenting tension make The Gifted must-see TV for Marvel fans especially.

This dark series also presents some thoughtful issues that have relevance even in our own, mutant-devoid world, particularly with regard to how we identify normality and deal with people who don't fit the construct of it. In particular, the Struckers illustrate how human reactions evolve as our circumstances change, first as seeming outsiders to the matter in question (in this case, how to handle and neutralize the threat of mutants), and later as firsthand players in the debate. The Gifted is tense, violent, and best suited for teens and adults who can appreciate these and other thoughtful themes that emerge as the story develops.