Discover Why the Series 'Watchmen' Captivates Even Those New to the Comics

Engaging themes, stylish cinematography, and numerous nods to the iconic original await viewers.

The highly anticipated 'Watchmen' series has premiered on HBO (available on Amediateka in Russia), continuing the storyline of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' legendary graphic novel.

The original work won over audiences by weaving a superhero tale that tackled significant social issues. Its realism, complex morality, and intricate detective plot filled with subtle details became hallmarks of the comic.

Now, Damon Lindelof, creator of 'The Leftovers,' carries these elements forward in the new TV adaptation. Rather than replicating the classic, the director crafts a fresh, relevant narrative for today's world.

A New Story Rooted in Classic Inspiration

Lindelof made it clear from the start that the series is neither a remake nor a direct sequel. Instead, it preserves the spirit of the source material and some characters.

The story unfolds in an alternate America, in the city of Tulsa. After President Nixon, Robert Redford, an actor, assumed office and remained for an extended period, leading to a conservative society: no mobile phones, strict smoking bans, and police requiring special permits to carry firearms.

Masked vigilantes are outlawed, yet rising crime forces police officers to conceal their identities. Officers hide their employment even from acquaintances. Uniformed patrol officers wear yellow armbands, while detectives don eccentric costumes, effectively resembling comic book heroes.

The plot centers on police detective Angela Abar and her colleagues, who investigate a looming threat following a near-fatal roadside shooting.

The antagonists are a racist cult called the 'Seventh Cavalry,' wearing masks reminiscent of Rorschach's costume and quoting his words, though they have distorted the original hero's ideals.

This is just the first of many references to the classic comic. The storyline is crafted so newcomers won't be distracted by parallels, while fans of the graphic novel will enjoy spotting numerous Easter eggs, from small gestures like a police officer nicknamed Mirror lifting his mask during meals—mirroring Rorschach's behavior—to appearances by classic characters such as Doctor Manhattan and a dedicated storyline for Ozymandias.

The series successfully adopts the original's structure, reminding viewers that this is an alternate reality with unusual police costumes and unexpected events, like squid falling from the sky.

Simultaneously, the show remains grounded, addressing pressing social issues increasingly relevant in modern society.

A Dark Social Commentary

The opening scene of the first episode sets the tone, beginning with an old film about a masked vigilante (another nod to the comic).

It then depicts the real and brutal 1921 Tulsa race massacre, where a group led by the local Ku Klux Klan perpetrated violent attacks against the Black community.

Decades later, racial tensions remain a critical issue in the country. Lindelof doesn't delve deeply into race but focuses on the police force, tasked with protecting citizens yet themselves endangered.

The clash between social classes becomes the story’s core, with the protagonist confronting the complex nature of justice—police officers hiding their identities are effectively above the law.

Suspects are abducted and coerced into confessions, and eventually, police are authorized to use firearms, transforming them into an authoritarian enforcement body. The consequences of this brutal conflict remain uncertain.

Striking Visual Style

Many know 'Watchmen' from Zack Snyder’s 2009 film adaptation, praised for its faithful storytelling and stunning visuals.

Fans of the movie should familiarize themselves with the comic, as endings differ, and the series often references the original source.

While the series doesn't replicate Snyder's aesthetic, it offers its own unique visual flair. For example, the opening flashback is filmed in sepia tones reminiscent of vintage films. The character Mirror’s mask, which reflects the observer’s face, simultaneously references and contrasts Rorschach’s mask.

The interrogation scene featuring Mirror stands out as the most visually captivating moment, juxtaposing key national events behind the speakers, introducing the series’ world elegantly.

Like the original story, the new 'Watchmen' balances beauty and brutality. A nighttime raid scene is visually striking but includes graphic violence that may be intense for sensitive viewers.

Looking ahead, the series has yet to fully reveal Ozymandias's role, with the anticipated arrival of classic heroine Laurie Blake and the omnipotent Doctor Manhattan.

More importantly, the pilot episode hints at a profound and provocative narrative, avoiding a simple good-versus-evil dichotomy. It promises to explore the harsh realities of authoritarian governance under a conservative president.

For now, 'Watchmen' raises more questions than answers, offering a compelling and thought-provoking beginning.

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