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Misfits Series 4 Will Not Feature Lauren Socha

7 May

In the wake of her conviction for a racially-aggravated assault, the makers of Misfits have confirmed that Lauren Socha will not be returning as Kelly Bailey for the fourth series of the E4 show.

A spokesperson for Clerkenwell Films told Digital Spy: “Clerkenwell Films and Lauren Socha agreed some time ago that along with other cast members, including Iwan Rheon and Antonia Thomas, she would not be returning for the fourth series of Misfits, which is currently in production. Channel 4 supports both parties’ decisions.”

They stressed that the decision was made before the outcome of the case.

“A mutual decision was reached between Clerkenwell and Lauren earlier this year that she would not be returning for the fourth series. Misfits has been in production for a number of weeks now and Lauren is not part of the lineup.”

Socha pleaded guilty to assaulting 52-year-old taxi driver Sakander Iqbal in Derby city centre last October. She was today given a four-month prison sentence (suspended for 12 months), and – somewhat ironically – ordered to do 80 hours of community service.

Iqbal testified to Derby crown court that Socha had called him a “P***”, told him to “f*** off back to where you came from”, and had punched him in the face. He managed to record part of her angry rant on his mobile phone.

‘Misfits’ US remake to shoot in late 2012?

7 Mar


© Channel 4

A US remake of Misfits could enter production later this year.

It was first announced in October that Gossip Girl co-creator Josh Schwartz was in talks to adapt the E4 drama.

Clerkenwell Films, the company behind the UK series, has now confirmed that a deal has been struck with Schwartz’s Fake Empire production company.

“Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, The O.C.) has co-written an American pilot of Misfits with [UK creator] Howard Overman,” the company wrote on its website. “Production is anticipated in 2012 / early 2013.”

A US broadcaster for the Misfits remake has yet to be confirmed.

A fourth series of the UK original will debut on E4 in late 2012, with three new series regulars being introduced to replace departing stars Iwan Rheon (Simon) and Antonia Thomas (Alisha).

Joe Gilgun recently announced that he will reprise his role as Rudy in the new episodes.

“I’m looking forward to [the next series] ‘cos there’s going to be some new characters and I think that’s a really good thing,” said Gilgun. “[It'll give the show] a fresh outlook.”

‘Misfits’: Fourth season adds three new characters

1 Mar

Misfits will introduce three new regular characters in its fourth series.

Iwan Rheon (Simon) and Antonia Thomas (Alisha) both departed the E4 drama at the conclusion of its third run.

The fourth series – which was confirmed in December – will introduce new female lead Jess and two male characters, Finn and Alex, according to Bleeding Cool.

A casting call for Jess describes her as “smart” and a “person who’ll question social norms and etiquette”, comparing her to a “female version of [comedian] Larry David”.

Finn is said to be quick-witted and fast-talking, with “a childlike, naively optimistic view of life”, while second male Alex is “super good-looking” but “very standoffish”.

Actors between 18 and 25 are currently being considered for the three roles.

Original Misfits star Robert Sheehan quit the show in April 2011 and was replaced by This Is England actor Joe Gilgun for the third series.

Misfits will return to E4 in late 2012.

Iwan Rheon and Antonia Thomas Not Returning to Misfits Series 4

21 Dec

Iwan Rheon has become the second Misfits star to confirm that they will not be returning for the fourth series of the E4 drama.

Rheon, who plays Simon Bellamy, exits the show alongside Antonia Thomas (Alisha), who confirmed her departure earlier this week (December 19).

Rheon commented on his exit: “Thanks for all the comments and support. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Misfits gave me and all the fun I had doing it. But I have left now and look forward to doing exciting new things. The show must go on! X”

Robert Sheehan departed the sci-fi show at the end of the second series, but ratings have remained strong following the addition of Joseph Gilgun to the central cast.

Misfits concluded on Sunday night with 860k viewers watching on E4. A fourth series has already been confirmed by the broadcaster.

TV Review : Misfits – Series 3 Episode 8

19 Dec

Episode 3.08

Writer: Howard Overman
Director: Jonathan Van Tulleken

It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of a good ending. Fortunately, Howard Overman knows this and for the past couple series Misfits has climaxed with two of the best cliffhangers in recent memory – fun, exciting and filled with potential for the future. Series three takes a slightly different tact. It’s devastatingly tragic, with Simon and Alisha trapped in a pseudo-romantic loop where they’re destined to continually die in each other’s arms. *Sniff* Is there something in our eye?

It’s a neat, full circle solution to the Superhoodie plotline, particularly as the time travel Simon uses will never allow him to return. Several other, years old, subplots are also brought full circle in this episode. Mark Heap’s fun (albeit slight) spot as medium Jonas aside, all the guest stars are returning characters from series one. In a neat inversion of expectations Sally and Tony, at first seemingly out for revenge, find closure in each other’s arms (an exceptionally sweet moment); while it’s corrupted innocent Rachel who is the harbinger of death for Alisha (and by proxy Simon). There’s a clear shift in the tone of the episode from a carefree spectre-shagging romp to something much more sinister at the exact moment we see the Stanley Knife – a horrible inevitability and tension about what’s to come saturating every shot that follows. At one point Tony berates the gang as “immoral and feral” and despite Alisha’s reasoned defence, he’s absolutely right. The gang act without consequence most of the time. This episode makes it painfully clear that not only will there be consequences to their actions, but with Curtis unable to turn back time their lives are extremely fragile.

It’s not the biggest surprise that Alisha cops it. She’s been noticeably underused this series (particularly her power) – a clear sign that the character has run her course. That said, we were left with the impression there was much more to come from the Superhoodie arc. The picture of Simon and Alisha in Vegas for one. When was that supposed to have been taken? As a result it feels like there was a final twist missing. Who didn’t put two and two together and get five when Nathan “returned” briefly?

Even without the bombshell, it would still be a brave final episode. It relies on its audience to still be feeling an emotional connection to characters we haven’t seen in two years to get the most from it, for example. And much like Buffy’s “Restless” (the season four finale), all the fireworks happened the week before, allowing the final episode to slow the pace down and try something different. Even though series three hasn’t quite attained the staggeringly consistent highs of Misfits’ second series this finale, along with last week’s episode, is still cause enough to hold the show as one of the best things on TV.

Rating : 10/10

source:sfx.co.uk
by:jordanfarley

‘Misfits’ renewed for fourth series

17 Dec


© Channel 4

Misfits has reportedly been renewed for a fourth series.

The E4 drama has been given the go-ahead to begin work on new episodes, according to Broadcast.

Misfits follows a group of young people in community service who are coping with the problems which come with having superpowers.

The third series – which saw Joe Gilgun join the show to replace departing cast member Robert Sheehan – will conclude on Sunday night.

Matthew McNulty, who first appeared in last year’s Christmas special as Seth, has also become a recurring star in the show.

The news comes after reports in October that Gossip Girl and The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz is developing an American remake of Misfits.

The third series of Misfits will conclude on Sunday at 10pm on E4.

TV Review : Misfits – Series 3 Episode 7

12 Dec

3.07

Writer: Howard Overman
Director: Will Sinclair

Zombie cheerleaders terrorise the community centre.

It’s hackneyed hyperbole in TV land to describe a show as like watching a mini movie every week, but in the case of Misfits series three’s penultimate episode that description is entirely justified. Not just because of the grainy, washed out cinematography or the kinetic handheld camerawork – they’ve been part of the show’s signature style from the very beginning – but also because of the slow build structure of the story which teases and teases before erupting into a shower of blood and miniskirts.

As a result, for a zombie episode there’s surprisingly little actual zombie mayhem – but that’s what makes it work so well. Their fleeting appearances are used to punctuate moments of dramatic tension, provide comic relief (the sight of Mr Miggles lapping up blood from the gaping a hole in Maggie’s cheek is about as black as comedy gets) or offer up the grisly thrill of seeing a dead head’s melon caved in by the business end of a baseball bat. Repeatedly. As you might expect, Misfits’ zombies are also used in an entirely unexpected way – providing a tragic coda to Seth’s relationship with Shannon. One scene where he stands over her, hammer in hand, as she “sleeps” and he struggles with his colossal mistake is a smart moment of visual storytelling.

After last episode’s grievous oversight, the Cornetto returns with a vengeance this week, playing a crucial role in the scene where the gang visit Maggie’s. Maybe they got it all wrong and Maggie wasn’t jonesing for Rudy’s grey matter at all, some people are just crazy for Cornettos.
Rudy’s ludicrous sledgehammer is a standout moment, but the award for funniest moment of the week (aka The Award For Rudy’s Best Moment) goes to his reaction after drawing the long straw. Talk about a sore winner.

In lieu of a through line as clear as series two’s Superhoodie arc, several of this series’ running plotlines culminate in satisfying fashion this week. As well as the Thamesmead Avengers solving a problem together for what feels like the first time in ages, it also feels like the most balanced episode of the series – every character gets their moment to shine, but none more so than Rudy who’s bizarre explanation about why he hates f***ing cheerleaders is fabulously wrong.

Rating : 10/10

source:sfx.co.uk
by:jordanfarley

Tv Review : Misfits – series 3 episode 6

7 Dec

This review contains spoilers.

As promised by last week’s preview, it’s the Simon and Rudy show this time, as they go on a mission to uncover the details of the latter’s sexual escapades. This is the ‘safe sex’ message wrapped in a Misfits package, and there are some creative choices that are not only hilarious, but manage to actually drive the story forwards. This is the comedy episode I’ve been waiting for, and though extremely silly in places, it pushes the boundaries of our expectations, and is all the more entertaining for it.

There are two parallel dilemmas, with Simon and Rudy effectively knocking on doors to find the girl who gave him the power-charged STI from hell, and Curtis and Alisha trying to figure out what’s wrong with Cutis’ ability. Turns out, he’s pregnant, and he’s also the father. Only in Misfits, eh?

Definitely in the subplot category, but probably the most important, is Kelly and Seth finally getting it on. Their relationship is more to set up the zombie theme next week, as the new boy takes steps to bring his ex-girlfriend back from the grave.

Despite everyone bringing their A-game, once again, this is Joseph Gilgun’s show. With limited time split in two, he milks those moments for all they’re worth, and actually manages a moment of redemption without his more sensitive half. This is the closest he’s ever going to get to an epiphany, as the fear of losing his most prized appendage drives him to make a very public apology to the women of the world. I’m not sure this is a turning point for the character, and a big part of me secretly hopes it isn’t.

Then there’s his dynamic with Simon, which promised to recreate the popular friendship between Nathan and Simon. In short, it doesn’t. Iwan Rheon doesn’t really get a look in, what with all the flashing, crying and anecdotal ranting from Rudy, even if he is on screen for most of the running time. It might have been unavoidable, but still a little disappointing, when Simon has been the strongest element of many a past episode. I’m sure the writers have something in store for his character in the series’ finale episodes, so maybe it’s better not to get sick of him now.

I also had some trouble with the power of the week, which stretches the boundaries of disbelief to their very limits. The power to manipulate dairy products was one thing, but the ability to give out STIs to guys who screw you over? Maybe not. What was it about her personality that assigned her that power during the storm?

Then there’s the hunt for the owner of the pregnancy test, engineered to make Seth believe Kelly’s pregnant. It’s generic and quite annoying when you’re more eager to get back to the more interesting plot-lines, and doesn’t give Kelly and Seth’s storyline the credibility it deserves.

It’s still a hoot and a half, bringing forth an old fashioned CSI mystery plot and adding new elements to a Misfits that was, for me, wavering slightly. The pair piece together the clues of where and with who Rudy was the previous night, and the show, like always, is not afraid to take it in some weird and wonderful places in search of a laugh. The element of surprise has returned along with the fun factor, and they are both very, very welcome after a couple of quite sombre weeks. Misfits does drama brilliantly, but they are also stellar at hitting the comedy notes other shows daren’t try.

Next week looks like another classic episode, with zombie cheerleaders sounding like a boat load of fun. Curtis now has the power to raise the dead, and with the amount of people that seem to die around the gang, it looks like he’s going to have to use it. See you there.

Rating : 8/10

source:denofgeek.com
by:caroline preece

TV Review : Misfits – Series 3 Episode 5

28 Nov

This review contains spoilers

3.05

Writer: Jon Brown
Director: Will Sinclair

Ah, the body swap episode. The old sci-fi staple is wheeled out for a spin on the Misfits’ merry-go-round this week. But it’s alright, because in Howard Overman’s hands even the most tired of ideas can be turned into gold. Hang on, he didn’t write this episode? Uh-oh…

Fortunately, turns out there’s nothing to worry about, because even though Episode 5 isn’t up there with the show’s best, it’s an admirable first crack from writer Jon Brown. There are lines so perfectly Misfits (“At one point I was honestly considering shoving my cock in her mouth just to shut her up, mate.”) that we wouldn’t be surprised if many people watching even knew a different pen was behind the words; and the final third (from the moment where the gang decide to bust “Kelly” out of the hospital) is genuinely brilliant.

Unfortunately up till that point, it’s a disappointingly lifeless affair. The idea of body swapping with a coma-patient is horrifying and loaded with dramatic potential, but here it fails to spark until the emotional climax. Every plot beat is by the numbers body swap: Kelly gets trapped, drama of errors ensues. Perhaps if it were Seth’s girlfriend in the coma, we’d have been more invested in her fate, but as it stands Jen’s just another freak of the week waiting to be bumped off.

It’s left up to Rudy and his sweet/totally wrong relationship with anger management councillor Clare to keep the first half alive. There are also some nice character sketches sprinkled throughout, but the episode puts Superhoodie and the rest of the gang in a holding pattern, while placing a minor hurdle in front of Seth and Kelly. Their relationship blossomed with last week’s kiss. Even though that was in another timeline, it feels like the show’s covering different ground to reach the same destination by the end of this week’s episode.

It’s the story that lets the side down – arguably the first episode of Misfits that’s ever felt like filler, perhaps a consequence of this series’ extended episode run. That said Seth is becoming more and more likable by the week (not least because he’s got the worst shoes on TV) Lauren Socha does a great job with her dual role, and it has a surprisingly teary climax. Not so much Jen’s death (which is pretty sad) but the death of probation worker Shaun (which is Lassie-shot-behind-the-barn in comparison). He’s had a longer innings than any of the previous probation workers, and it’s a real loss to the show as he’s been one of the most consistently funny things about it for the past couple of years. Then again in the Misfits-verse anything could happen.

Rating : 6/10

source:sfx.co.uk
by:Jordan Farley

Tv Review : Misfits – series 3 episode 4

21 Nov

This review contains spoilers.

In an episode where absolutely everything could go wrong, Misfits tackles the Nazis, with Simon and Alisha on Hitler’s side, and Kelly leading the resistance.

It’s quite hard to imagine the scenario in which the show’s brains thought this one up, but when announced, it seemed to strangely fit the tone of Misfits, and didn’t seem too crazy after all. Once again, it’s clear that almost no other show could get away with what they have attempted here – no matter the outcome, the show deserves points for sheer nerve. Even Doctor Who, in an episode leadingly titled Let’s Kill Hitler, didn’t dare go this far.

The episode centres around the actions of a man with plenty of reasons to kill the dictator, and just happens to possess Curtis’ missing time-travel power. He travels back intent on revenge, but ends up dropping his smartphone instead, handing over the secrets of advanced technology to the Nazis and royally screwing up modern-day Britain. The return of this power was hinted at in last year’s Christmas special, and it’s fun to see someone putting it to good use at last.

The episode’s opening is about as good as the story gets, with a pitch-perfect comment from Kelly, a chance to step outside of the group, and a lovely depiction of the changes to our country had the Nazis won the war. There’s some nice little details thrown in, such as homosexuality still being illegal, but for the most part the episode is too busy having fun to worry about the facts. The source of the conflict is also a lovely twist, and a believable one at that.

With a restructured timeline, and the community centre now being used as a makeshift prison, there’s a chance for the audience to spend more time with some of the show’s subordinate characters. Shaun, the probation worker, has long been a highlight of the show, and it’s a lovely touch to bring him to the forefront for this story. It’s also a chance for him to step out of the comedy role he’s been occupying week on week, as a more serious instalment calls for a slightly different performance.

Seth is also given a larger role this week, building on the foundations that have been set up since his introduction last year. He’s proving to be an endearing character and a great addition to the show, and it’s incredibly refreshing to have a perspective outside of the ASBO five. His relationship with Kelly is one of the more honest of the show’s history, and should easily receive fan acceptance by the end of this year‘s run. It looks to be a focus of next week’s episode also, but things have progressed nicely so far. Lauren Socha is a joy to watch as usual, and is probably the stand-out this week.

As ambitious as this episode was, I couldn’t help wondering where the fun factor had gone. On paper, the concept of these inappropriate and unaware characters in Nazi Germany sounded like a genius one, but, by pitching the adventure as more of a drama than the usual comedy, it made the whole thing a lot less enjoyable than it could have been. The characters are essentially the same people in a vastly different environment and, I wonder how much more interesting it would have been if we’d gotten to see slightly altered portrayals from the show’s leads.

It also seems like a bit of a time-out following the plot booster of last week. Everyone apart from Kelly isn’t even aware of what’s happened, and that screams ’filler episode’ to me. Depending on your taste, the week was either a rip-roaring ride through an ingenious idea from one of the most imaginative shows on TV, or it was an overly serious episode of a program known for it’s perfect comedy and character development. Either way, it’s nothing to scoff at, but I’m looking forward to getting back to reality next week.

Rating : 7/10

source:denofgeek.com
by:Caroline Preece

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