Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 108
  2. Negative: 27 out of 108
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User Reviews

  1. Mar 16, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty good show and has promise. It's basically The Incredibles and Cops bastard child. Not a bad thing altogether. It's not really a superhero show as much as it is human drama. For example, when Michelle Forbes as Retro Girl, shows how power really works; it meant how Retro Girl can command a room, with no Power altogether which is more deadly than using Powers. Overall, it has a decent premise, but it needs to add more meat. Expand
  2. Jun 5, 2016
    1
    you would think with so much time and money spent to create this they would have spent just a little on script and acting. The concept has potential but hat they produced is just cringeworthy.
  3. Jun 2, 2015
    6
    It's no Daredevil but the lead is strong. Same actor from District 9 and Elysium. Its never really his fault when it comes to bad lines that he has to say. There are times where you know he improved to fix what his character would say. I'm not a fan of his costar who doesn't really have anything truly appealing about her. She also kills scenes that were meant to be funny. She has aIt's no Daredevil but the lead is strong. Same actor from District 9 and Elysium. Its never really his fault when it comes to bad lines that he has to say. There are times where you know he improved to fix what his character would say. I'm not a fan of his costar who doesn't really have anything truly appealing about her. She also kills scenes that were meant to be funny. She has a line and seriously wrecks it or has the room fill up with awkwardness while all of the other actors try to smooth it over. So she's gotta be somebody's niece.
    When it comes to story they do a good job getting you up to speed in the world we live in. A world filled with people with powers. It's kind of like the Tick but takes itself more seriously. Much like Heroes none of the characters have any real good powers except some of the lesser known characters.
    There's a girl throughout that has no real significance that people are taking the time to get to know her. She has no real purpose as she is selected for no good reason other than being cute. People begin to care about her when ultimately she is not a very good person on the inside and is very immature and not important until the script makes her important. She's not a bad actress, it's just that the story doesn't really give her any reason to be in it.
    It almost feels like a funny South Park cop episode where the cops are doing the worst investigation work ever and somehow figuring things out. As a matter of fact the cops never actually figure things out on their own. They always have to straight up get the answers out of people in order to find of what truly happened.

    Much like Daredevil there are characters that aren't necessary or even well received by the audience. It still has a strong lead and some good side characters. Powers are a bit boring so far but the show has a lot of potential as long as they introduce some new mains, remove some that didn't work(his partner) and give the audience a sense of people with real powers that straight up are amazing. The writing needs to fit the actors and their roles so the script could use some serious tweaking or even an editor to overlook all episodes and maintain consistency with their roles.
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  4. Apr 4, 2015
    5
    It is not "unwatchable" but is like a bad, early 90s style, syndicated show. Same production values as "Hercules," "Zena," and "Earth: Final Conflict".

    Why would entertainment juggernaut SONY be content with something worse than the early days of SciFi channel?

    Why can't someone, just once, take Superheroes seriously? Imagine if this same story was given the "True Detective" treatment.
  5. Mar 29, 2015
    3
    As someone who grew up with comic books, love science fiction, videogames, anime and manga. Sitting through an episode of "Powers" was painfully boring.

    The setting of the show put us in a world where people with superhuman powers are common and generally accepted. What bug me most is the story about how the world comes to this state would've been a much more interesting setting with
    As someone who grew up with comic books, love science fiction, videogames, anime and manga. Sitting through an episode of "Powers" was painfully boring.

    The setting of the show put us in a world where people with superhuman powers are common and generally accepted. What bug me most is the story about how the world comes to this state would've been a much more interesting setting with much more interesting stories to be told.

    Instead, we get a crime show, which we have an abundance of, except about people with powers which doesn't make it anymore interesting than the dozens that's available on air. We only have limited time in this world, don't waste a second of it watching this mediocre show.
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  6. Mar 17, 2015
    9
    Powers is amazing the story is interesting and I can't wait till it all airs on PSN it's about a cop with was a former super hero diamond the show look's like a blast
  7. Mar 11, 2015
    7
    Watched the first three episodes last night, and I have to say that this is a decent start to a show. Through experience, I've come to the understanding that not all great shows start out great. The only show I know of to start out great and end great for me was Battlestar Galactica (2000s version). Anyways, this show has potential. It reminds me a lot of Heroes, Agents of Shield, andWatched the first three episodes last night, and I have to say that this is a decent start to a show. Through experience, I've come to the understanding that not all great shows start out great. The only show I know of to start out great and end great for me was Battlestar Galactica (2000s version). Anyways, this show has potential. It reminds me a lot of Heroes, Agents of Shield, and animated film The Incredibles. The one big difference is that this show is not designed to be watched by children. This is a big positive! Sometimes I wish every show could be on HBO (especially The Walking Dead).

    This show has interesting characters, which is the main reason I'll continue to watch. I want to see what happens to them next. However, I'm a little disappointed in the special effects, specifically for the scenes that display the powers of these super heroes/villains. Also, I'm not sure the storyline is being told clearly. I like the depth and history between the characters, but I'm not sure what each character is trying to achieve. I hope they get a clear direction for the story

    I will continue to watch. Definitely worth a look if you are into superheroes. Just don't have the expectations of being blown away.
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  8. Mar 11, 2015
    2
    To star off, this show is really really cheesy. Honestly the cheesiest/worst acted show I've seen in years. To top it off, it's about two detectives and blah blah cliche' story. I couldn't get through half the episode without turning it off. Easily one of the worst television shows ever created. period.
  9. Mar 17, 2015
    5
    The show has a great premise. It does a great job in creating an immersive world, where being a super powered being is normal. But my issue with the show that removes me from this great world, is the subpar acting from some of the supporting cast members. There is great chemistry between the two lead roles played by Copley and Heyward, but other than that, the remaining characters are veryThe show has a great premise. It does a great job in creating an immersive world, where being a super powered being is normal. But my issue with the show that removes me from this great world, is the subpar acting from some of the supporting cast members. There is great chemistry between the two lead roles played by Copley and Heyward, but other than that, the remaining characters are very campy and corny at times. Some episodes may drag at times, and even though it creates a very interesting world, you can't help but to feel lost, not understanding where the show is trying to go. Is it a character driven show? Is it an action show? A drama? It still hasn't found its identity, but then again it's only the first season. Hopefully they work on that. Oh and some of the CGI is very, very cheap. Expand
  10. Apr 28, 2015
    9
    The first episode is meh, but past it is one of the best super-hero TV shows I've seen. With an excellent cast, great visuals and an engaging plot Powers stands out. Though its take on heroes may no longer be as unique as it was in the comic, the show does a great job modernizing the plot and making the whole cast and storyline feel new again.
  11. Apr 7, 2015
    1
    This is truly a terrible show. Everything from the trite dialogue to the poor casting is rubbish. It's generous to call the acting "sub-par." But could anyone deliver those horribly-written lines believably? The pacing is all wrong, the editing is amateurish, and it appears to have been directed by film school flunk-outs. Even the premise is unoriginal: ever heard of X-Men or Heroes?This is truly a terrible show. Everything from the trite dialogue to the poor casting is rubbish. It's generous to call the acting "sub-par." But could anyone deliver those horribly-written lines believably? The pacing is all wrong, the editing is amateurish, and it appears to have been directed by film school flunk-outs. Even the premise is unoriginal: ever heard of X-Men or Heroes? PlayStation should stick to games. Someone should revoke their right to create any further television series. Expand
  12. Mar 11, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Powers is a series about more than just superheroes. It's what reality would be like if super powered individuals existed, and it's very akin to modern times where the self-absorbed, entitled, You-tube watching crowd lead pop culture. Instead of heroes swooping in to save the day, you get a more personal view of the anguish and issues that arise from having powers.

    That being said, Powers begins with a gritty demonstration of its world when the lead, Christian Walker, watches his partner fail to handle a situation properly is killed. Enter Deena Pilgrim, Walkers new partner. Right away the show establishes Walker as a former hero who lost his powers in a super powered showdown and has since lived his existence as a normal human who often hates his new de-powered life. Without giving any more story away, Powers does a great job and introducing new characters at a decent pace without overwhelming the viewer all while setting up a fairly detailed back story through character interactions.

    The biggest fault of Powers isn't in the show itself, but the fact that the public seems to misunderstand the show. It's not meant to to be Arrow or Agents of Shield, but instead sets itself apart with more of a Law and Order SVU meets Heroes kind of vibe. Viewing it expecting over-the-top action and explosions Michael Bay would be proud of is a great disservice to the show. If you can wrap your head around the shows premise and gritty realistic take, you'll settle in for one hell of a ride(so far).

    Powers isn't without its flaws though. The show is filled with D-list actors that will have you thinking, "I've seen them on something else" almost the whole time. With that in mind the acting as actually pretty solid but has brief moments where the chemistry is noticeably off between actors, or lines fall flat of their intended effect. But in a way it lends itself to the awkwardness of reality and almost makes the show more believable. Almost. The series is set in Los Angeles with a lot of the show filmed out on the streets, but there are also a good many scenes filmed on large green-screened lots and it's sometimes noticeable. They do a good job making it look real, but there are moments when you see tracking issues with the fake background or notice looped CGI sequences. And speaking of CGI, most of the computer generated images in the show are top notch for a tv series. I say "most" because the graphics department seems to misunderstand how inertia and gravity works and you can tell when it comes to scenes involving flying. Sony products and properties are introduced ham-handedly in each episode, but that's to be expected from a Sony produced show and it was almost a breath of fresh air from other shows that heavily feature Apple products.

    When it comes down to it, Powers is a win in my book. Knowing the property, I was very pleased with the live action take on the comics. If you're looking for something outside the realm of big budget super-hero action and want to feel part of a more intimate take on the genre you won't find much better. If Sony can iron out some of the points that I made above, this show would easily sport a 10 rating.
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  13. Mar 10, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Powers has the chance to be an amazing show. The first episodes introduce us to a former hero who is working for a police force that captures powered beings after losing his own powers. The acting by our lead character is excellent, while some supporting characters are little flat, the display of multiple heroes and villains battling is quite interesting, not quite Marvel level but worlds above what other shows have done in the past. I hope this show keeps it's grit and becomes even better in the future, but if you're a fan of superheroes and wonder what effect they would have on our world this is an excellent series to watch. Expand
  14. May 2, 2015
    1
    This is a really bad show. Decent storyline, awful script, bad acting. This show is a disgrace to the comic-based superhero TV genre.

    Very low-budget, I bet there are 30 second commercials that have had a better budget than this show.

    If this was a film school project, the person who submitted it would be getting an F.
  15. Mar 17, 2015
    3
    So there really isn't much here for people, cheap special effects poor acting.
    The series could get better though the shorts at the end of one of the episodes looked promising.
    THis show really seperates people who love everything Sony and people who like things that are good. Sharlto Copley isn't too bad but him and his partner need their interactions ironed out. There's no way this
    So there really isn't much here for people, cheap special effects poor acting.
    The series could get better though the shorts at the end of one of the episodes looked promising.
    THis show really seperates people who love everything Sony and people who like things that are good.
    Sharlto Copley isn't too bad but him and his partner need their interactions ironed out.
    There's no way this series deserves a ten if it gets better I will edit this up and change appropriately but everyone who gave it a ten let alone a green rating, you can picture all the green raters at home right now with their PS VITAS, Z1s and other variously assorted playstation merchandise.
    Also seriously poor show of SOny to only give the series away to americans.
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  16. Mar 15, 2015
    10
    Brilliant!this show is not common ,but it's funny,interesting and there are a lot of easter eggs for playstation fans(like inFamous ),actors are really good
  17. Mar 13, 2015
    10
    With #PowersOnPSN we can fly & fight bad guys for free! But, showing the epitach drama seems to me wasn't great... But still hold a large opportunity in it... Since you saw Sharlto play Christian Walker, he still has a small left-overs from CHAPPiE. But I don't blame him though... :)
  18. Apr 14, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was skeptical about the casting compared to the comic, but they pull it off. I like the idea of someone coping with losing their powers. We've seen plenty of movies and shows from the hero's perspective, but not to often people who deal with the aftermath of a super powered fight. It makes crimes involving super powers more gritty when it's a homicide or robbery or accident, than it always being apart of some master plan to rule/kill everything/everyone. The small details also make it entertaining like needing a pilot's license to understand how to fly in an active air space or when they register their power in weight/volume/speed. I'm interested to see how far this show will go and how different and similar it will be compared to the comic. Expand
  19. Apr 15, 2015
    10
    Cool show, some of the visuals are cheesy and some look great - Zora's blocks look really cool. The best thing about the show is the great sound, love Johnny Royal's "Blip".
  20. Jun 7, 2015
    9
    The depth of story told in this tv show is fantastic. It starts of slow helping build the characters so you can become emotionally invested like any real and good book should do. As it does it builds the world around each character and helps you understand their lives and their feelings of what is going on this universe. The gritty attitude of this universe helps cement it as somethingThe depth of story told in this tv show is fantastic. It starts of slow helping build the characters so you can become emotionally invested like any real and good book should do. As it does it builds the world around each character and helps you understand their lives and their feelings of what is going on this universe. The gritty attitude of this universe helps cement it as something realistic.

    This tv show is not for those that want fast action, no plot, and just want to witness mind blowing explosions 24/7. The story and the plot will suck you in if you give it time. I fell into this tv show because my friend recommended it to me and i binged watched it for the past 3 days. This show will suck you in if you invest your time with it, it is not something you should expect to pick up and watch for 10 min and fully understand everything about it.
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  21. Jun 22, 2015
    3
    I wasted 10 hours of my life watching this garbage. Here's why >
    For one, there are few people who's powers are shown off in a decent way. The acting is **** they try to mend this by having everyone cursing for comic relief. The second main "Bad guy" can't be caught because all the evidence against him is circumstantial, which is also bull****. Any jury with half a brain would convict
    I wasted 10 hours of my life watching this garbage. Here's why >
    For one, there are few people who's powers are shown off in a decent way. The acting is **** they try to mend this by having everyone cursing for comic relief. The second main "Bad guy" can't be caught because all the evidence against him is circumstantial, which is also bull****. Any jury with half a brain would convict this bastard and throw away the key. The main bad guy supposedly can't be killed, kind of like the wolverine. I state, they (The police and government) just didn't try hard enough because of humanitarian purposes. Then there's something that I couldn't forgive, why I would rate this show a 3. One of the strongest "Super Heros" who can be thrown through concrete walls, shot at, stomped on. Get's killed in the end by a 18 yearold kid with a butcher knife. One of the only characters that we can actually enjoy get's killed in an anticlimactic way, in the most unrealistic way imaginable.
    This show is garbage. Don't dish out money to watch it, don't waste your time like I did an watch it. I hope this helps!
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  22. Apr 21, 2015
    9
    Judging solely on the pilot, I would have given this show a 5, maybe a 6. It was truly unimpressive.

    The rest of the season so far up to episode 8 has been much more appealing, even original at times, which is difficult when making a show about superheros. By the acting alone, I'd have given it an 8, but I bump it to a 9 based on these things: 1. Eddie Izzard. His role as the
    Judging solely on the pilot, I would have given this show a 5, maybe a 6. It was truly unimpressive.

    The rest of the season so far up to episode 8 has been much more appealing, even original at times, which is difficult when making a show about superheros. By the acting alone, I'd have given it an 8, but I bump it to a 9 based on these things:

    1. Eddie Izzard. His role as the terrifyingly enigmatic monster in the basement makes you truly believe the darkness in him, yet you want to know him, to pull that spike out of his brain and ask him "why?"

    2. A world where powers are not a new thing. It's rare to find a universe where the question isn't how society reacts to the emerging of powers but what we do when they have been relatively commonplace. What does this do to society and relationships?

    3. The characters(and their actors) dramatically improve throughout the season. Their actions and motivations become believable, even if that means the character is just a jerky guy.
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  23. May 13, 2015
    8
    I really like the approach to this show. I believe great things can come ahead. Acting is plain good from most characters and very good from Cooper. I do have to acknowledge VFX could use and upgrade because sometimes they are definitely lacking. The dynamic and development of the characters/story is what I love the most.
  24. Apr 29, 2015
    9
    Short Version: Powers is a good show with huge potential, but be prepared for a few stumbles along the way.

    Long Version: Powers offers a slightly different take on the standard superhero show, as it focuses mostly on people who police and hold the "powers" accountable. The show feels like a crime series that happens to be set in a universe with super-powered humans. Powers is slow to
    Short Version: Powers is a good show with huge potential, but be prepared for a few stumbles along the way.

    Long Version: Powers offers a slightly different take on the standard superhero show, as it focuses mostly on people who police and hold the "powers" accountable. The show feels like a crime series that happens to be set in a universe with super-powered humans. Powers is slow to start, but improves with every episode until you are left on the edge of your seat waiting in anticipation of the next episode.

    The Good: Interesting story, mostly interesting characters, refreshing take on the superhero show

    The Mediocre: Visual effects are hit and miss (some blow you away, others are reminiscent of the 80's)

    The Bad: Slow start and introduction to the show, a few lackluster characters

    Overall, Powers is an entertaining and appealing show. What it lacks in finesse and budget, it generally makes up for in quality of writing and delivery of ideas. Nothing is perfect, but Powers has tons of potential and I look forward to future seasons!
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  25. Apr 22, 2015
    3
    I couldnt keep watching. Too many deviations from the comic (which is what made readers like the concept in the first place) and lots of angsty teen crap that serves no purpose.

    Switching Calista from a smart little girl to a much less smart older girl was the first thing that crapped on the show. Not to mention she just gets bounced around to other character's "safety" throughout the
    I couldnt keep watching. Too many deviations from the comic (which is what made readers like the concept in the first place) and lots of angsty teen crap that serves no purpose.

    Switching Calista from a smart little girl to a much less smart older girl was the first thing that crapped on the show. Not to mention she just gets bounced around to other character's "safety" throughout the first 4-6 episodes, as if they themselves dont know what to do with the character.

    I tried to keep going and just couldnt. Now when I get that email from Sony saying there's a new episode, I ignore it.
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  26. Jul 6, 2015
    8
    Who knew that a show from Play station would be this good. Powers Season 1 does a good job at setting up a world in which Super heroes (here called "Powers") exist, however it's still not a happy or snippy world like the Marvel Universe. Here, the Powers are deeply flawed individuals with obsessed followers that will do anything (like Prostitution or sharing blood) just for a chance toWho knew that a show from Play station would be this good. Powers Season 1 does a good job at setting up a world in which Super heroes (here called "Powers") exist, however it's still not a happy or snippy world like the Marvel Universe. Here, the Powers are deeply flawed individuals with obsessed followers that will do anything (like Prostitution or sharing blood) just for a chance to inherit their abilities. Sharlto Copley gives a great performance as Christian Walker, an Ex-Power turned mean spirited cop after having his abilities taken from him. I don't want to give the whole story in this review but i will tell you that it is a hell of a lot better than what a lot of other critics are saying about this show. Expand
  27. Apr 30, 2015
    7
    Its has flaws in some bad actors and a few characters that could be better written and "ok" special effects.
    With these flaws into consideration the story is still very good and it grows each episode getting better and better. They managed to compressed the story quite nicely so it progresses fast.
    Think its one of the top5 best tv series on right now had a great time watching the
    Its has flaws in some bad actors and a few characters that could be better written and "ok" special effects.
    With these flaws into consideration the story is still very good and it grows each episode getting better and better. They managed to compressed the story quite nicely so it progresses fast.

    Think its one of the top5 best tv series on right now had a great time watching the first season, it cries out for a second season.
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  28. Sep 4, 2015
    5
    For me, Powers looks like it was put out unfinished. It's disjointed, it looks cheap (poor Triphammer's suit really suffered), the CGI is awful, and the flying wire-work seems like they just filmed the rehearsal sessions. As a fan of the comic I really wanted to like it, but it was a chore to make it through the whole season. The cast did their best, but there's only so much they can doFor me, Powers looks like it was put out unfinished. It's disjointed, it looks cheap (poor Triphammer's suit really suffered), the CGI is awful, and the flying wire-work seems like they just filmed the rehearsal sessions. As a fan of the comic I really wanted to like it, but it was a chore to make it through the whole season. The cast did their best, but there's only so much they can do with shoddy material.

    I'll doubtless give the second season a go, with the hope that they've learned from this.
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  29. Apr 3, 2015
    9
    this is a really good show if you give it a chance. the first episode was kind of slow and didnt click with me but after that episode the show picked up fast
  30. Apr 8, 2015
    7
    First I have to say the last two episodes did surprise me in a good way. The pilot left me feeling a little discouraged, but I am a fan of the comic and I like that the creator is on board in a creative position. Translating comics to television isn't easy, but I think Powers is starting to get it reasonably right, leaning on the police procedural format keeps it grounded and the characterFirst I have to say the last two episodes did surprise me in a good way. The pilot left me feeling a little discouraged, but I am a fan of the comic and I like that the creator is on board in a creative position. Translating comics to television isn't easy, but I think Powers is starting to get it reasonably right, leaning on the police procedural format keeps it grounded and the character interaction is starting to click especially between Deena Pilgrim and Christian Walker. They changed some things around from the comic but it works and if your looking for something different to watch without the Disney stamp give Powers a chance. Expand
  31. Jul 29, 2015
    9
    51 my butt, this show ABSOLUTELY without a shadow of a doubt deserves a 75 score. It may had started off a bit rough and had a few 'scripted' parts but with that a side, it was awesome. Very unique. Different, original, bold, thrilling, DARK!, and a bit darling.
    There were a few scenes that could had done without Sharlto Copley over acting abilities. However, Eddie Izzard did a AMAZING
    51 my butt, this show ABSOLUTELY without a shadow of a doubt deserves a 75 score. It may had started off a bit rough and had a few 'scripted' parts but with that a side, it was awesome. Very unique. Different, original, bold, thrilling, DARK!, and a bit darling.
    There were a few scenes that could had done without Sharlto Copley over acting abilities. However, Eddie Izzard did a AMAZING job as wolfe. Wolf brought a whole different side to what a "villain" can be. In my opinion one of the top best 100 villains of all time.
    I am super excited to see what they are going to do for the second season and I encourage anyone who likes superhero/people with powers/sci-fi fans to watch this show. You just may find your new favorite show!
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  32. Jun 1, 2016
    9
    This show would be fantastic if it weren't for the work choice of actor for Susan Heyward failing to play the part of Deena Pilgrim. Apart from the major casting error the show is just great!
  33. Jul 1, 2016
    3
    It was a genuine struggle to make it through the first episode. The acting was sub-par and the plot felt forced. It was nearly impossible to form a connection with any character because they all felt like awful people. Walker was meant to be a protagonist who was down on his luck, losing his powers and a friend, but he was written as such a bad person, that I couldn't believe that he hadIt was a genuine struggle to make it through the first episode. The acting was sub-par and the plot felt forced. It was nearly impossible to form a connection with any character because they all felt like awful people. Walker was meant to be a protagonist who was down on his luck, losing his powers and a friend, but he was written as such a bad person, that I couldn't believe that he had ever been a hero in the past.

    All in all, it was a miserable experience and I had to fight not to turn it off less than halfway in. It seemed like someone had read the "Steelheart" books by Brandon Sanderson and tried to write their own version, but sadly, the writings of a child just don't live up to the story being told.
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Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Mar 17, 2015
    40
    There’s rarely a moment when Powers doesn’t seem like a cheap knockoff of more fully realized extended universes.
  2. Reviewed by: Jason Hughes
    Mar 10, 2015
    70
    It is a refreshing amalgamation of the two genres that creates a fascinating exploration into the world of four-color comics by imagining what it might really be like to live among costumed superheroes and villains.
  3. Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Mar 10, 2015
    30
    The actors have no chemistry together and their characters lack the kind of depth and texture that a well-crafted TV project would have been able to give them. Various actors frequently have to deliver painful exposition dumps, the storytelling is often incoherent.