Fox misses “Target” on new show

“Human Target”

Fox

Wednesdays 8-9 p.m. (Series premiere airs 9-10 p.m. Jan…. “Human Target”

Fox

Wednesdays 8-9 p.m. (Series premiere airs 9-10 p.m. Jan. 20.)

Starring: Mark Valley, Chi McBride

Grade: C

Comic book adaptations certainly have potential, but Fox’s new series, “Human Target,” is at best hit or miss.

As the title suggests, “Human Target” is not a particularly complex or thought-provoking show — and it doesn’t have to be. Many TV shows can thrive off suspense alone, but “Target” offers little of anything to compensate for its stupidity.

Based on Peter Milligan’s graphic novel, “Target” tells the story of private contractor Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), whose job is to integrate himself into the lives of threatened clients — usually attractive women — and make the clients appear vulnerable and then strike the assassins when they show themselves.

When he’s not in the midst of kicking butt, Chance corresponds with boss Winston (Chi McBride) and super-nerd Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley) to solve the mystery of who’s trying to knock off his clients.

Cameo appearances by actors such as Danny Glover round out the not-inconsiderable list of talent.

Unfortunately, the screenwriting of “Human Target” can’t equal the quality of its cast. The first two episodes are both set in fast-moving vehicles — the first on a newly unveiled train and the second on a plane.

Because the assassination of a single person isn’t inherently suspenseful enough, both episodes inevitably wind up as “Speed”-like scenarios involving the fate of the entire vehicle.

Given the already-repetitive nature of the first two episodes, an immediate problem the show presents is longevity. How exactly will the screenwriters sustain the premise of using clients as bait through multiple seasons?

By the second episode, it was already old. Chance had to lure the assassin out and kill him or her before it was too late. Unless “Human Target” morphs into a “24”-esque extended conflict, it will fizz out quickly.

One way to keep readers hooked is character, but unfortunately, the protagonist is less relatable than a G.I. Joe action figure.

Chance handles each catastrophe with the unexcited demeanor of the blandest action heroes. He’s not unlikable, just personality-less.

The first two episodes reveal virtually none of his past or desires. He simply goes through the motions of a cliché badass who, at crucial moments, saves the day with an oddly advanced knowledge of physics.

That isn’t to say the show is totally void of good moments. “Human Target” is at its best when it is tongue-in-cheek — tending toward the jovial “Iron Man” tone of comic book adaptations, rather than the somber “Dark Knight.”

Because the second episode takes itself less seriously — featuring an upside-down plane and McBride posing as a flight attendant — it’s considerably better.

But that’s not saying much, and moments of unforgivable camp still abound. Better suspense, better dialogue and better scenarios can be found in Fox’s own “24.”

“Human Target” doesn’t excel at anything, actually, except mediocrity — hitting a surprisingly consistent note of underwhelming dialogue and action.

It’s still fun, if you have a higher tolerance for repetitiveness and one-dimensional characters than I do. But in a television market oversaturated with action shows — some of which are very good — why would you waste your time on Christopher Chance?