Less than two years after the end of the hit television drama 24, Kiefer Sutherland returns to the small screen in Touch. The series concentrates on Sutherland’s character, Martin Bohm, and his autistic son, Jake, played by David Mazouz. Jake has a form of autism, referred to in the show as “mutism”, and hasn’t said a word his entire life. Jake also has an aversion to human contact. However, Jake exhibits a predilection to numbers and complex technology, seemingly able to grasp these concepts with little effort.
Sutherland plays the role of Bohm in true Kiefer Sutherland style, the portrayal often bringing up memories of Jack Bauer. He rushes around, searching for clues, shouting in his memorable raspy voice. But Sutherland also shows a softer side. Bohm is a single father, widowed in the 9/11 attacks, and must raise an uncommunicative son. This situation can cause even the most patient of men to become frustrated, an emotion Sutherland portrays well. The audience can see Bohm’s frustrations and the force of will to hold them back. Sutherland really brings a lot of humanity to the role while also making him exciting to watch.
Danny Glover joins Sutherland as eccentric professor Arthur DeWitt. Though short, Glover’s role is pivotal to Sutherland’s character in the sense that he explains the show’s premise. Through a single, expository scene, DeWitt tells Bohm that Jake is not developmentally behind, but actually much further advanced, able to see the meta-physical connection between people. This revelation is really only for the benefit of Bohm as the audience is basically spoon-fed this idea through a constant voice-over narration and the explanation of the Chinese myth of the red string of fate.
The most thrilling performance in the entire show belongs to David Mazouz. As Jake, Mazouz’s role demands that he be as unemotional as possible. This isn’t a concept most television viewers are used to. Being flooded with over-acting and melodrama nearly every time we turn on the television, seeing a character express no emotion is a true wonder. Jake says absolutely nothing throughout the entire pilot, yet manages to say everything at the same time. I’d put money on this kid having a bright future in Hollywood.
The show’s persistence to remind the audience about the connection humans have to each other did get rather grating in the hour plus run time, but I was willing to accept it. After all, Touch does offer an original premise which, in a sea of “reality” television, is a true gem to find. Though viewers may have been able to grasp the concept off the bat, I’ll excuse the need to repeat the premise. However, should the need continue after the show’s official premiere on March 19, I would certainly be insulted.
My only worry with Touch is the involvement of Tim Kring. Kring had a hit with Heroes, and the similarities between it and Touch are not missed. Both shows grounded science fiction into reality and had relatable characters that must accept and understand an unfamiliar concept. While Heroes gathered a huge following during its first season, it quickly lost viewership due to the decline in quality of the direction and writing. Will Kring learn from the mistakes made on Heroes and provide viewers with a better, quicker paced show? The quality is there; now it just needs to be tended.
Though only a preview episode, Touch has so far been able to shine brighter than another hotly anticipated Fox premiere, Alcatraz. It’s difficult to compare the two shows as they approach story-telling in two different styles. However, the forward approach that Touch takes, revealing the journey to viewers off the bat, has managed to appeal to me better than the carrot Alcatraz dangled in front of my face. I’m more willing to invest my time in a show that’s upfront with ideas than allow myself to be led blindly by the promise of unexpected excitement. However, with such a delicate principle, Touch can take any number of wrong turns and just turn out to be a complete mess of a show. Given the first episode, though, I’m willing to take my chances.
Tags: 24, Alcatraz, Danny Glover, David Mazouz, Fox, Heroes, Jack Bauer, Kiefer Sutherland, Martin Bohm, Michael Wirth, Review, Television, Tim Kring, Touch
About the Author
Written by Michael Wirth
Hailing from the armpit of America, New Jersey, Michael has been collecting comic books since the age of 10. Now, he deigns to keep his finger on the pulse of pop-culture, keeping up with every passing fad or iconic innovation, never losing sight of his comic book roots.
It’s an interesting gamble when they do these previews of shows months ahead of their actual premiere. It seems to have paid off here. They used the post-American Idol slot to draw in almost 12 million viewers, which puts it ahead of Alcatraz. People sure like their Keifer. Hopefully that audience comes back in March. It’s such an interesting premise.
While I really enjoyed Touch, Alcatraz has my vote as the better show. I think the possible story lines are endless, and I’m already wondering how it will all end!
Alcatraz has my vote as well. Touch is good, just not sure how long it will have me pulled in.
I was TOUCH-ed (sorry…) by Keifer’s new show. At first I thought it would be difficult to go a whole hour without seeing Jack Bauer shoot someone in the kneecap, but I find this new character just as compelling. It was a neat experience watching all the threads come together the way they did. Can they sustain that kind of tension from week to week? That’s my big question. On a more metaphysical note, it’s interesting to ponder why someone like Jake is necessary. If this is a form of “mathematical destiny”, then why is his role as “seer” needed? Are there forces trying to unravel this string? Hi Denise!
I am one of the few without cable and rely on I-Tunes for my television shows. Even with all the ways to check out a show on the internet I love the ability to put them on my I-Pod touch. This show was a freebie and after down loading and watching I will be purchasing the rest.