Character Development in Fictional Series: Misfits and Umbrella Academy
As a fan of fictional storytelling, it's always fascinating to see how characters grow and evolve throughout a series. However, there are times when certain characters fail to receive the depth and development they deserve. In this article, we will explore the character development in two popular TV series: Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, focusing on specific characters that lack the desired growth.
Character Development in Misfits
The series Misfits, which aired from 2009 to 2011, was a unique and and fresh concept. One character, Nathan, initially showed promise for development, but his story arc ended abruptly. The decision to cut Nathan from the show at the end of season 2 was a critical mistake. As a result, the potential for the show was significantly diminished. Nathan's character had received minimal development in the two seasons, and the character who took his place, Curtis, showed even less growth.
During the show's run, Nathan was introduced as a complex individual with a troubled past, and viewers were keenly anticipating his character growth. However, his abrupt departure and the failure to develop a suitable replacement character left fans feeling let down. This highlights the importance of continuous character development in maintaining audience engagement and emotional investment in a series.
Lack of Character Development in The Umbrella Academy
In The Umbrella Academy, character development has been a mixed bag. One character, Klaus, plays a pivotal role in season 2, but his character arc has faced some criticism. Klaus, portrayed by the same actor who played Nathan, has had limited screen time and character development compared to his siblings. This is even more pronounced when compared to his younger brother, Luthor.
Klaus is a character with a rich backstory, having spent over a decade as a cult leader before joining the Umbrella Academy. His sobriety and presence in the 1960s serve as key elements to his development, yet his character remains relatively unchanged. While his involvement with the cult and his time in Vietnam do have some impact, they are not sufficient to fully evolve him as a character. Klaus's sexuality is also a subplot that should have received more attention, given the historical context of the 1960s and the portrayal of homophobia at the time.
The challenge of having multiple main characters (plus one ghost) in a single show makes it difficult to focus on each character's development equally. This selective focus often leads to some characters, such as Klaus and Luthor, missing out on significant growth opportunities. The decision to let Diego take a central role in the asylum storyline is a strategic one, but it further emphasizes the need for more attention to be given to characters like Klaus and Luthor to fully realize their potential.
Conclusion
Character development is a critical element in keeping audiences engaged and invested in fictional series. In both Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, certain characters have missed out on the depth they deserved. Nathan in Misfits and Klaus in The Umbrella Academy are examples of characters whose underdevelopment has impacted the overall series. Studios and writers should strive to continuously develop and evolve their characters to ensure that each storyline has a lasting impact on the character's journey.
Keywords: character development, Misfits, Umbrella Academy