Dr. Henry Morgan is a mortician who can’t die. Detective Jo Martinez is investigating a crime. Along with the only person who knows Henry’s secret, Abe, they make up the trio of this new fantasy, romcom, crime drama. Intrigued yet? Despite it’s very unimaginative title, Forever isn’t boring at all.
Trailer Impressions
My first thought during this trailer (well, beyond identifying the intern from Bones) was “OH LOOK, HE NEVER DIES” (said, in my mind, in all caps) and immediately recognizing that this show was going to be right up my alley. I love crime dramas. Which always need a touch of romantic comedy. But throw in some timey wimey fantasy? I’m hooked! Plus, after recently reading The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, the idea of time, and developing a character that has become numb to it, is already forefront in my mind. Cool, I say. Cool.
A story of rebirth
In the first episode alone, we see Henry die four times. It is befitting that the show should begin with his end – how else would we explain exactly who he is? Henry’s immortality has been considered with care, not only in a symbolic sense as he is reborn in water, but in a literal sense through his means of wardrobe and voice. (I’m really not a fan of his narration. It’s all old-fashioned sounding, sure, but is just don’t vibe with me.)
A too perfect character?
Henry is, to an extent, just another modern day Sherlock. Though we can explain his extensive knowledge and observational skills to years of practice, Dr. Morgan, like Sherlock, is pretty much out of everyone else’s league. That is, like Sherlock, until he meets his match – presumably the only other person who could hold a candle to him.
In fact, isn’t Sherlock already an over powered character? To add immortality to the shelf… are we being a little unfair, giving our character a few too many advantages?
Furthering our Sherlock-Morgan character similarities, both are quite numb to the world. Unimpressed. Bored. A bit lonely. And as a result, sometimes insensitive to those around them – saying things others might prefer unsaid. Again, though, Dr. Morgan shines. His observations are well-meaning, earnest. His explanations at the prompt of another, rather than arrogance.
Despite this, I’m glad we don’t have to suffer through Henry’s struggle of an eternity of loneliness, keeping a secret he longs to share with even just one person. Nope, we get to avoid this, as well, thanks to side-kick Abe.
Does Henry have any flaws, any at all?
I’m not always Dr. Morgan’s biggest fan though. There was one particular scene I found pestering, as he became quite arrogant and obstinate. Of course, it ended with him setting a woman’s hand on fire, so I was entertained soon again.
Who cares, this is a perfect plot!
Once we start getting into the story though, who cares about character development or growth?? I just want plot development — I love a well kept secret!
Someone knows about Henry, and wants something with him… but how do they know about him? Or about what he is? Or suspect that he might be what he is?
How are they orchestrating the events? Why are they taunting Henry? What do they want?
How will Henry hide his immortality as he maintains a life in plain sight?
An ending to leave you wanting more
A thrilling episode, I was captivated by the story throughout the entire hour – as I hope I will continue to be in the future! I love crime shows with a good overarching plot, filled with many smaller, single crime episodes (too much drama is too much). Really, I feel a little fan girl about this one already.
I even managed to put up with some character development at the end of the show. And don’t let me fool you. That may have been the tipping point for my obsession with this show.
In fact, I know it’s silly, because I’m one episode in, but I’m worried about Abe and what will become of him. He’s easily my favorite character already. Someone is going to realize he is Dr. Morgan’s weak spot, his one-and-only friend.
And we end with the beginning… another day, another death for Dr. Henry Morgan. Will all of our episodes be this poetic in the beginning and endings? Or do we even really know which is which?
PS. I have my suspicions about who enemy number one is; do you?
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