Syfy's new summer lineup includes the return of some of the network’s best shows in recent years, including "Eureka," "Warehouse 13," "Haven" and "Ghost Hunters International," as well as some new shows, including "Alphas" and "Legend Quest."
The most exciting component of Syfy’s summer schedule is undoubtedly "Alphas," premiering Monday at 8 p.m. "Alphas" takes a fresh stab at the world of contemporary superheroes. While its premise is similar to many superhero stories told before it, a government assembled team of individuals with "special" abilities, "Alphas" presents a cast of characters who bring much more to viewers than just a face and a superpower.
Each character possesses his own set of personal struggles and flaws, as well as a deep back story, and each brings a unique dynamic to the group, which will make "Alphas" one of the best summer shows, not just on Syfy, but on television. The show does include action violence and some mildly disturbing images, but avoids crude content, and provides drama and humor that is both entertaining and family appropriate.
"Alphas" will be part of Syfy’s new Monday schedule, along with "Eureka" at 6 p.m. and "Warehouse 13" at 7 p.m.
"Eureka" will be returning for the second half of its fourth season. The show has recently been headed in a different direction than what viewers would have predicted from its quirky, fun-with-science roots. It now includes premarital sex and much more interpersonal turmoil. The show would do well to stick with its fun, twisted science and letting the Sheriff show that in the right circumstances, dumb people can still be smarter than smart people.
"Warehouse 13," on the other hand, manages to successfully augment its usual formula when it introduces a new partner for goofball agent Pete Latimer (Eddie McClintock). But have viewers seen the last of Myka (Joanne Kelly)? Now beginning its third season, "Warehouse 13" brings the kind of weird science, humor and fun entertainment viewers look for in a quality science-fiction show.
Syfy’s summer lineup continues Wednesday with the premiere of "Ghost Hunters International," or "GHI," at 7 p.m., followed by the series premiere of "Legend Quest" at 8 p.m.
"GHI" kicks off its third season with a trip to the rainforest of Trinidad to investigate reports of a cruel slave owner rising from the grave at his old cocoa plantation. "GHI" looks to have another successful season of paranormal investigation and, as always, suspenseful commercial break cliffhangers. However, viewers should remember that the sound of growling in the middle of a rainforest is not necessarily a sign of paranormal activity.
"Legend Quest," one of Syfy’s newest original series, attempts to combine reality investigation with "Indiana Jones" and "The Da Vinci Code." Unsuccessfully. The show is paced quickly enough to keep viewers from getting bored, but it’s difficult to see the logical connection between clues and the show’s conclusions. And, as one might expect, the results of the show’s investigations tend to be quite disappointing.
As with most reality investigation shows, "GHI" and "Legend Quest," despite many flaws, do offer clean, family-appropriate entertainment.
"Haven" rounds off Syfy’s summer schedule, premiering Friday at 8 p.m. Starting its second season, the show is based in the fictional town of Haven, Maine, a longtime refuge for people with supernatural afflictions. While its premise and mysteries are intriguing, the show is somewhat bland and a little slow-paced. The show also includes many disturbing images that may not be appropriate for families.
Syfy offers a mixed bag when it comes to quality, but there is sure to be something for everyone, whether he be a "Ghost Hunters" die-hard or looking for a new action drama to fill his Mondays. This summer Syfy brings more of what Syfy does best: science fiction.