Synopsis:
After an old friend introduces him to a dangerous new pill called NZT-48, aimless twenty-something Brian Finch (Jake McDorman) is able to use every part of his brain, making him the smartest person alive when he is on the drug. Utilizing his enhanced abilities, Brian helps FBI agent Rebecca Harris (Jennifer Carpenter, Dexter) with her caseload, as well as attempting to track down the deadly drug’s manufacturer and figure out why Brian is the only person immune to its fatal side effects. Making matters more complicated is the involvement of mysterious U.S. Senator Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper, American Sniper), who may have more at stake than expected. Based on the hit movie, this action-packed first season continues the film’s pulse-pounding story and never lets up!
What We Thought:
I didn’t watch Limitless when it aired on TV because I didn’t like the original movie it was based on. The movie wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t as clever/original as they thought it was. Watching the show on DVD, I like the show way more than the movie.
The major difference is the comedy. The show is way funnier than the film despite the film having Bradley Cooper in it. Obviously a movie has to be tighter and more restricted to its story than a full season show and I think that’s an advantage of the show.
The show starts off explaining how Brian gets involved with the FBI and NZT, but then it becomes a regular procedural. Brian helps solve cases with the FBI all while taking orders from a senator and trying to figure out where NZT came from, who makes it and how he can live with it and not suffer from its side effects. Every episode is connected with an overall storyline, but each episode tends to have its own story as well.
I can’t say I’m familiar with Jake McDorman, but he’s quite good in this. He reminds me of a younger Bradley Cooper before he become a serious actor (think Kitchen Confidential and The Hangover). McDorman’s Brian is funny, witty, charming and full of pop culture references. The episode where the CIA “borrows” him and he makes it into one giant Ferris Bueller’s Day Off joke is pretty fantastic. Looking at McDorman’s resume I’ve obviously seen him in other things, but this was the first time I really noticed him.
Jennifer Carpenter is good too. I liked her in Dexter, but I hated her swearing. Since this was on CBS, she can’t swear which is good. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with swearing, but her character Debra swore out of place and non-stop and it felt forced. I liked how she had a thing with Desmond Harrington in this for a few episodes. He played Quinn in Dexter and she had a thing with him in that too.
Of course because I liked the show CBS cancelled it. Limitless won’t be back for a second season despite decent ratings and CBS’ history of supporting shows. Sci-fi shows can cost a lot more to produce than a basic one hour show and the production costs were probably too high. It’s a shame because it left itself open for a second season and with episodes like Arm-aggedon, it was a lot of fun. Thanks CBS for nothing. Still for this one season, it is…
RECOMMENDED!
Cast & Crew:
- Jake McDorman
- Jennifer Carpenter
- Hill Harper
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
- Bradley Cooper (Occasionally and Executive Producer)
Recommended If You Like:
- Scorpion
- Blindspot
- Limitless (the film)
The Nerds Templar 