Who Watches the Watchmen?

The show's limited run may have ended this past December, but the pseudo-sequel to the seminal 1986 graphic novel couldn't be more prescient than at this very moment

The advent of binge watching and streaming services has led to the decline of "event television". The indelible and singular water cooler moments that were hallmarks of the past are becoming a rarity. However, series like "Game of Thrones", "Insecure","Power", and recently "The Last Dance" have proved weekly episodic storytelling can still create phenomenons. "Watchmen" was in a similar space when it premiered in October of last year. Its twisty narrative and carefully placed cliffhangers kept audiences on the edges of their seats. Like one of its key plot points, the show itself exists as a paradox; requiring viewers have either read or, at least, have a basic understanding of its source material to contextualize the setup. At the same time, this extension of Alan Moore's and Dave Gibbons's world tells such a different story, having pre-existent knowledge offers little advantage at the onset.

While there are several storylines which run concurrently, the main focus is Angela Abar (Regina King) and her path of discovery. Operating in a post-Watchmen world where vigilantism is both outlawed and a necessity, she patrols the streets as the costumed detective Sister Night. After uncovering a dangerous secret about police chief Judd Crawford (Don Johnson), she slips down a rabbit hole that has connections, both old and new, to the characters and events seen in the original comic maxiseries. King is joined by an ensemble cast, including Hong Chau, Lou Gossett Jr., Jeremy Irons, Yaya Abdul-Mateen II, Tim Blake Nelson and Jean Smart, who all play their roles to perfection.

Thematically dense and littered with rich characterization, "Watchmen" is a uniquely powerful viewing experience. The show opens with an unflinching look at one of the darkest moments in American history and doesn't pull a single punch throughout its nine episodes. Not only does it examine the inevitable consequences of its predecessor (which you may be familiar with if you've read the comic or watched Zack Snyder's adaptation), but also race relations, police violence and Black trauma. Its alternate view of the United States could almost be a mirror if not for its satirical and fantastical science fiction elements. So, to quote the graphic novel, "Who watches the Watchmen?". Well, we all should. It has a lot to say about our country's past, present and possible future. Its content won't be easily digested, but with Damon Lindelof's bold vision as showrunner, it rewrites the rulebook on what a superhero program can be. With strong visuals, tight direction, skillful writing and excellent scoring by Trevor Renzor and Atticus Ross, each episode builds towards a satisfying climax that makes every moment feel as if it matters. A+