Watchmen premiered on HBO and the previously dubbed ‘unfilmable’ series of graphic novels have hit the small screen with classic gore and unrivalled dark themes that only Watchmen can deliver.
The story followed the rise of the sinister white supremacist movement, the 7th Cavalry – a fictionalised interpretation of the KKK.
The episode begins with a brutal racist riot in the past in Tulsa. In which we see a family torn apart and the heartless murder of countless black civilians.
Then we come back to modern day and experience the faceless police and those that work as part of the service who are now allowed to wear masks in order protect themselves. We get a grim reality of racism heralded by the 7th Cavalry who are determined to destroy lives of those who don’t meet their ideals.
This episode did an excellent job at setting this world up. It has a ruthlessness that has definitely not been explored in this level of brutality on the small screen.
This pilot was quick in killing characters that you might have bonded with and if it continues like this we will have the hero show version of Game of Thrones.
I felt like I had to watch something super upbeat immediately afterwards because the show leaves you with this deep feeling not dissimilar to The Handmaid’s Tale. It definitely won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it you can stomach a darker image of heroes complete with the grim realism of Watchmen you will definitely enjoy it.
I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series but one thing is clear – this is not a show for the faint hearted.
