The first three series of Misfits stand out for their exceptional characterization and writing. The lead characters are neither "good" nor "bad" people, just people trying to make their way through the weirdness life presents them. Even though they start ought as unlikeable arseholes, they become more relatable, grow and develop, and we generally tend to care about what happens to them.
And herein lies the problem with Series 4. Yes I know, the real-life aspirations of the actors resulted in the characters' departure. But this is the problem when characterization is the central focus of a show. It doesn't matter so much on a Law And Order (classic) where the plot takes primacy and the characters are more there to aid the story's progression rather than be the main attraction. But when you develop your original cast so much, put so much focus on them, and then they all leave, well you have a big problem.
Apparently the writers know this too, as they've doubled down on the toilet humour and focus on Rudy. Don't get me wrong, Joe Gilgun is a great actor, but they really overdid it with his character this series. I don't like his character that much anyway; he was a good complement for the others/replacement for Nathan. But he's best in small doses, and certainly can't hold up the show on his own despite being forced to. Series 1-3 are all quality watching, but I would call series 4 a definite avoid.
Misfits Series 4 or Why strong character-driven narrative is a double-edged sword
The first three series of Misfits stand out for their exceptional characterization and writing. The lead characters are neither "good" nor "bad" people, just people trying to make their way through the weirdness life presents them. Even though they start ought as unlikeable arseholes, they become more relatable, grow and develop, and we generally tend to care about what happens to them.
And herein lies the problem with Series 4. Yes I know, the real-life aspirations of the actors resulted in the characters' departure. But this is the problem when characterization is the central focus of a show. It doesn't matter so much on a Law And Order (classic) where the plot takes primacy and the characters are more there to aid the story's progression rather than be the main attraction. But when you develop your original cast so much, put so much focus on them, and then they all leave, well you have a big problem.
Apparently the writers know this too, as they've doubled down on the toilet humour and focus on Rudy. Don't get me wrong, Joe Gilgun is a great actor, but they really overdid it with his character this series. I don't like his character that much anyway; he was a good complement for the others/replacement for Nathan. But he's best in small doses, and certainly can't hold up the show on his own despite being forced to. Series 1-3 are all quality watching, but I would call series 4 a definite avoid.