Limitless was a fun show with plenty of potential, building off of the intriguing premise of the feature film and giving it a quasi procedural format and with Bradley Cooper guest starring gives it some needed weight. Sadly, the ratings apparently were not good enough and, as of this time, couldn’t pull off an Unforgettable and see new life elsewhere.
Limitless: Season One
(2015-16)
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense, Comedy
Paramount | NR – 938 min. – $55.98 | September 6, 2016
Date Published: 09/11/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE SEASON — 4.0/5 |
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Season 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) 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), who may have more at stake than expected. Movie-to-TV adaptations haven’t been the most successful though they are rare and even rarer is one like Limitless which is directly connected with the 2011 thriller which went on to make $161 million worldwide. This adaptation managed to see the return of Bradley Cooper’s Eddie Morra though this time he’s much more of a shady and dangerous character. Sadly, given its cancellation by CBS and failure to find a home elsewhere, it is a one and done series… It’s a shame as lead actor Jake McDorman manages to balance the drama and comedy quite well and under the direction of the likes of Marc Webb, it had a unique style of its own while also having a procedural-like feel that most CBS viewers are accustomed to. Jennifer Carpenter works well opposite McDorman and gets to show that tough side we saw on Dexter and Hill Harper is once again under appreciated but fills the role as the skeptic (mostly) fairly well. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.5/5 |
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The 6-disc release is contained in a standard keep case and comes with a side-sliding, semi-glossy, slip cover. Inside is a Digital Copy code. Episode Commentary – Writer/Developer Craig Sweeny and Actor Hill Harper Big Screen to Small Screen: Launching Limitless for Television (17:32) explores adapting the movie for a weekly television series and features interviews with the cast (including Bradley Cooper) and crew. The Style of Limitless (12:20) looks at the stylistic elements the creators wanted to bring to the show. More of Who You Are (9:33) explores what the NZT drug does. Brian Presents (7:26) looks at the arts and crafts created by “Brian”. Gag Reel (6:46) Launch Promos (2:51) |
VIDEO – 4.0/5, AUDIO – 3.5/5
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| Limitless: Season One arrives on DVD with a 16×9 enhanced widescreen transfer that looks good and probably on par with how it aired. The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track isn’t amazing but effective providing for clear dialogue and some OK depth when there were action-oriented scenes. |
OVERALL – 3.5/5 |
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Overall, Limitless was a fun show with plenty of potential, building off of the intriguing premise of the feature film and giving it a quasi procedural format and with Bradley Cooper guest starring (as well as serving as executive producer) gives it some needed weight. Sadly, the ratings apparently were not good enough and, as of this time, couldn’t pull off an Unforgettable and see new life elsewhere. |