Killjoys

Killjoys follows a small band of bounty hunters in a planetary system known as Quad, which is looming with a potential war over the rigid class structure. Two brothers, Johny and D’avin travel with their compatriot Dutch, who has a mysterious past in connection to the deeper plot of the show. Dutch is the assassin, capturing the most brutal of known criminals, with her being the main focus of show.

Naturally, Season 1 resembles the basics of any plot to the show. There is conflict, and the main characters have to briefly deal with it, without breaking too far into the deeper plot. Johny and Dutch, who have been co-workers and best friends for years are tasked with saving his brother D’avin from another bounty hunter, because of D’avin’s criminal past. This basic plot for the pilot of an episode is simple, yet intriguing because of the conflict between characters, showing their overall morality even as paid killers in a dystopian futuristic society.

A lot of the show “Killjoys” resembles what Firefly could have been if pulled more viewership. Killjoys just recently finished the fifth and last season of the show, ultimately elaborating on the contrast and comparison between character development and the whole plot as the bigger picture. Killjoys has a perfect focus on certain character arcs, though still managing the intergalactic plot, with so much more in the grand scheme.

Season 2 and 3 are confusing but still altogether brilliant because of the group’s revelation of the overall problems in the quad, while still remaining bounty hunters, or almost paid assassins. On top of this, the audience would think these ruthless bounty hunters are without emotion and are only driven by profits. However, what is seen overtime is the potential for moral ambiguity between main characters. Ultimately, any good show develops a character arc based on the decisions within the show.

In Season 4, it seems as though a battle between enemies is happening at every moment. At times the show is quite hard to follow, so maximum viewership is needed. Though these actual scenes are most definitely worth it due to the advanced weaponry and sophisticated technology. Another peculiar element of the show is the society in which the main characters live in. Society is polar and dystopian but still revolving around space technology.

Where the shows flaws come are in its complicated plot. Although, the first season is simple, Season 2 and 3 are rushed without enough connection between episodes, leading to arisen problems. Similarly, another problem in the show is the weird mysticism with plot devices. Obviously a show like Star Wars isn’t realistic but the tone of the show makes it seem natural. In Killjoys, the audience has no idea what so called “super powers” include, seeming increasingly more inhuman as episodes continue.

On another note, in recent years, the Channel Syfy has a certain feel to the shows they portray. It isn’t necessarily a cheesy feeling but it feels less realistic than it should. Killjoys is relatively low budget so the space effects aren’t great which is unfortunate.

Overall, Killjoys has some great ideas, entertaining action, and some kickass characters that keep the audience waiting for each episode. I haven’t seen the Season 5 of Killjoys yet because of my studies, but hopefully over winter break I will be able to have a full justification of the show.

My Rating: 7.5/10

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

TV.com: 8/10