Fifteen years ago, we were still a few years out from the major superhero craze that hit television, but longtime DC Comics fans still had plenty to celebrate. Sure, Smallville was about to end, but that didn’t mean DC adaptations were down for the count. In 2010, Fox introduced a mid-season replacement series in the style of Burn Notice and other action-spy programs titled Human Target. Like many, you’ve likely forgotten about this stellar short-term action drama, but if you’re looking for some comic book-inspired entertainment that fits stylishly into the 21st century, look no further than this Mark Valley-led series.
‘Human Target’ Breathed New Life Into DC Comics’ Christopher Chance
If you’ve never heard of Human Target, that’s probably because it’s not DC Comics’ most popular brand. The television series was based on a DC Comics character created by comic legends Len Wein and Carmine Infantino back in the ’70s (not to be confused with another “Human Target” from the ’50s), updating the role for modern day. That character? Christopher Chance, a former assassin and private contractor who assumes the identities of those he’s hired to protect to weed out the threats against them, thus becoming a literal “human target.”
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01
You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.
ASomeone who already has three contingency plans running and is calmly working through all of them.
BSomeone who reads the terrain instinctively and knows exactly how to use it against the enemy.
CSomeone who keeps their nerve and their sense of humour when everything is falling apart.
DSomeone who knows the history of wherever we are and what we’re walking into.
ESomeone with the right contact, the right cover identity, and the right exit already arranged.
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02
You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.
AOn foot through terrain no one else would attempt — I move where vehicles can’t follow.
BOn a motorcycle, a cargo plane, or anything else that gets me there before I think too hard about it.
CIn something that belongs to someone else — borrowed, stolen, or improvised under fire.
DFirst-class, with a cover identity and a gadget that does something I won’t explain until it’s needed.
EBy whatever means are available — I’ve driven, flown, and once arrived by camel. The destination matters, not the method.
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03
You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.
ADisappears into the environment, flanks them silently, and ends it before I’ve reloaded.
B Cracks a one-liner grabs a fire extinguisher or a chair and improvises something that somehow works.
<labelC Produces a gadget specifically designed for this exact scenario and uses it with infuriating precision.
<labelD Pulls out a whip pistol and an archaeological insight that somehow gets us out alive.
<labelE Neutralizes the threat with maximum efficiency and minimum words — they were already three moves ahead.
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‘Human Target’ Offers a Type of Action Hero That’s a Perfect Fit for TV
Fresh off his time onFringe, Mark Valley was the perfect performer to embody the part of Christopher Chance. Always exuding an air of confidence, no matter the situation he found himself in, Valley’s charisma and skills made him stand out compared to most action heroes who grace the screens of network TV. It certainly helped that Valley had a military look about him, having served in the U.S. Army in his youth. But despite that, Valley once told Collider, that what Chance goes through on-screen is far more exhilarating than his actual military experience. Still, we can see that Valley — who previously starred inBoston Legal) — is clearly at home on a show like this, strolling through spy-like missions with the swagger of James Bond and the investigative capabilities of Batman.
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I am vengeance. I am the night.
The show follows Chance as he runs from his past by trying to make a new life in the present. Since his complicated backstory threatens to put his team in danger at any moment, Chance often finds himself at odds with assassin types he once called family, namely his former brother-like figure Baptiste (played by talented actorLennie James). ButThe character believes in second chances. Having been on the wrong end of the gun barrel for too many years, this former assassin has turned over a new leaf and has vowed to protect lives as best he can rather than take them. It’s an age-old tale but one thatThe Human Target makes its own with its likable cast and clever plots that breathe fresh air into action TV genre.
‘Human Target’ Tried To Rebrand for Season 2 but Was Ultimately Cancelled
The first season exceeded fan expectations; Fox decided to switch things up going into Season two. Steinberg left show in favor Matt Miller, who introduced two new characters to Chance’s team: financier Ilsa Pucci (<strongIndira Varma) and former thief Ames (<strongJanet Montgomery). Ahead Season two Valley Hailey spoke Collider, where former noted excitement upcoming changes.”I think it’s show that’s already started very interesting very adventurous very fun path it’s just going continue,” Valley explained. The results were fairly mixed; some claimed Fox ruined good thing adding new characters expanding world; others taken these female additions male-dominated show opened door fascinating new stories explore.
But Human Target wasn’t meant long-term investment After show’s second season Fox cancelled drama Christopher Chance hasn’t been back since Well Mark Valley’s take character anyway Another version introduced Arrowverse several years later played Wil Traval sadly there was connection between them Instead Human Target fell wayside second season wasn’t even released home video like first making generally tough show find online
For many action drama swept up forgotten which shame considering much potential Human Target had long-term good news this one doesn’t end cliffhanger so quick two-season binge won’t feel like you’re missing definitive conclusion by end
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