Wonder Man review

 

The thing you can nearly always guarantee about Marvel tv shows is that each will have its own distinct flavour and style. In many ways these have been better than some of the films which haven’t always managed to match the individuality of the small screen series. Based on a comic character who first appeared in an Avengers story in 1964, Wonder Man is not, despite the name, simply a copy of Wonder Woman nor does it seem to have much in common with its protagonist’s print life at least not yet. Its almost a pre origin story.  While in the comics, he had the superhero costume for this series Simon Wiliams has been reinvented in a more down to earth scenario. The results though are considerably more interesting than if he simply was another bright costumed aeronaut.

Swimming against the prevailing tide, Wonder Man is compact – eight thirty four minute episodes- and resists becoming too big. Instead it’s more of a character piece; a story about trust, male friendship and the acting industry, super powers are kept under the surface and out of focus. In that respect it could even be enjoyed by the Marvelsceptics. It’s the present day, albeit  shot with an element of homage to a Seventies tv series (the huge yellow Wonder Man title banner exemplifies this) with a grainy, washed out texture to the daylight scenes. The look of the show is reminiscent of the slightly grainy quality of vintage 1970 or 80s US tv. An opening sequence in part one successfully reproduces the feel of a slightly cheap 80s science fiction film depicting the original `Wonder Man`, all primary saturated colours, backdrop sets and not quite accurate laser beams.

We dip into the career of upcoming actor Simon Williams whose studious character studies preparations for even the most minor roles are not helping him. Overthinking his latest character infuriates producers so much that they sack him and then his girlfriend also walks out the same day. This is our first glimpse of how stress causes him to generate considerable superhuman strength though the show likes to tease us about it, we only see the noise, windows rattling and alarms going off.

Yet Williams remains optimistic at heart (despite the scepticism of his older brother) and his hopes are raised when a chance meeting opens up new possibilities. A plum role in a remake of his favourite all time film, `Wonder Man`, is up for grabs and what’s more he has experienced thespian Trevor Slattery to coach him. It all sounds too good to be true and of course it is, though Williams seems naïve not questioning this level of coincidence. Slattery, erstwhile Mandarin now reformed but still in thrall to the authorities, has been tasked with finding evidence that Williams has superpowers. The authorities watchdog, Damage Control, is seeking to take any superpowered mavericks off the streets and into jail.

Their friendship blossoms as they encourage each other in pursuit of these roles. Yet as they bond Slattery’s commitment to his task begins to waver. What develops is a subtly essayed look at friendship, trust and respect. Almost imperceptibly Slattery starts to have his doubts- having been secretly recording interactions with Williams’ family he destroys the evidence despite the risk it puts him under.

I was surprised that the film remake is a genuine project rather than something Damage Control set up. When both of them win the roles they were vying for (after a somewhat eccentric callback episode), the lines between the characters and the actors playing them blur. Admittedly it’s a premise that struggles at times to convince simply because we know now that the authorities would simply arrest Williams and force him to admit his abilities rather than go to the trouble of employing Slattery’s elaborate deceit. However, the series was actually written back in 2023 when things in the US were a little different but production was delayed by the writer’s strike. Also while some people do recognise Slattery, it is so casually done (“Hey, weren’t you the Mandarin”) and too easily explained away to be believable. Yet the whole production is so watchable with two lead performances of exceptional acting dexterity.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II does excellent work as Williams, exuding an ever present sense that this quiet character is often simmering on the brink of exploding with super powered rage. Scenes where he uses his powers are sparingly used and it is true that there’s a certain similarity with the Hulk in these moments yet he doesn’t turn green or anything and it soon subsides. Trevor Slattery has always been one of my favourite Marvel characters- the Iron Man 3 reveal is still a mic drop highlight of the entire canon. Here Ben Kingsley gives one of the best performances I’ve seen in any Marvel property delivering some fabulous lines, even full blown theatrical quotes, with the weight of his experience yet its never overtly theatrical (except when it needs to be). In fact it’s a wonderfully light, philosophical Slattery we see and without seeming to make a lot of effort but speaking volumes. It’s a reminder of what a potent actor Ben Kingsley is.

Unusually for what we might call a `buddy` series, both characters are quite low key and thoughtful. Each of them approach the acting process from different angles- William’s forensic examination of his character contrasting with Slattery’s `it’ll be fine` demeanour that has a soupcon of Ringo Starr about it.  Well Slattery is supposed to be from Liverpool though the accent does suggest the Wirral.

Other characters don’t get a lot of time except for Zlatco Buric’s big haired director Victor Kovac played to avoid the usual `eccentric director` cliched yet still quite eccentric. Shola Adewusi shines as Simon’s irrepressible mother as does Olivia Thurby as Williams’ ex girlfriend. It’s a shame she can’t be in the story more. Episodes where we meet Williams’ extended family and the duo are caught up in awkward stand off in a candy making house both include some brief but enjoyable smaller roles. There are also some funny guest roles, exaggerated Hollywood types as well as real life celebs like Josh Gad and Joe Pantoliano gamely sending themselves up.

The series has some action moments but they are fleeting and much of the drama is dialogue led with Slattery’s’ eloquent delivery of various classic texts and his career tales set against Williams’s more down to earth experiences and his holding on to hope that this career will ultimately succeed. Along the way the series has observations aplenty about the fleeting nature of fame, not just in the fluctuating career paths of both characters but in Hollywood generally. The fourth episode- shot in black and white- is a side quest telling the tale of a club doorman who after touching some weird slime is able to become an actual door. When his abilities enable dozens to escape a fire, he is feted yet before long his catchphrase and skills are no longer trendy, a comment on fame for the times. Yet its this person who seemingly started the authorities’ interest in arresting people with super powers meaning they have to try and hide them. Its an allegory that’s been used before- notably in the X Men films- yet is treated just differently enough here to make it interesting.  The suggestion is that Williams is a mutant rather than someone whose gained powers through a bizarre accident so it will be interesting to see if he turns when the X Men enter the Marvel universe properly soon.

Wonder Man may be too talky or thoughtful for some but it is one of Marvel’s best written series placing the emphasis on a more human side of things and proving not everything has to be massive battles and superheroes clashing in mid air.