MARVEL’S INHUMANS
Uneven moonbound superhero drama needs more human heart.
Should You Watch It?
The first two episodes of Marvel’s Inhumans have an intriguing setup: a royal family of super advanced humans lives in a hidden city on the moon, hoping to avoid war with humanity. But a military coup forces the king, queen, and others to flee to Earth.
The series has little moral value so far beyond Black Bolt’s clear desire not to start a war with humans. Its production design is hokey and stagey rather than grand, and the acting and characters are uneven. The show also presents an immoral caste system in which Inhumans live well while humans are forced into hard labor.
There is some potential for improvement, but the early episodes do not make a strong case for continuing. Families should wait and see whether the series develops more compelling characters and a healthier moral center.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAttilan is a secret city on the moon, populated by Inhumans—humans transformed by an ancient Terrigen Mist and given super abilities. The city’s royal family is led by Black Bolt, a king whose voice is deadly, and Medusa, a queen whose powerful hair moves by her command.
When Black Bolt’s brother, Maximus, leads a military coup, the royal family is forced to retreat to Earth. There, they must survive while trying to prevent a war between Inhumans and humans.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means this is an uneven beginning with limited entertainment value. The first two episodes were shot on IMAX cameras, but the futuristic design of Attilan feels stagey rather than cinematic. The show is also burdened by too many unappealing characters and weak acting.
There is potential for the series to improve as it continues and grounds its characters more effectively. At this point, however, it misses the mark of keeping the “human” in the Inhumans.
The Worldview
The series presents a light moral worldview. Black Bolt wants to avoid war with humans and protect the lives of his loved ones. Those desires point toward the value of peace and family loyalty.
But the show’s central society is deeply compromised. Inhumans are treated well, while humans are forced into hard labor in mines. This immoral caste system is not explained, and it may cause viewers to sympathize with Maximus rather than with the king and his family.
The premise also includes references to evolution and superhuman transformation. The series does not offer much spiritual or moral depth in its first two episodes, leaving its strongest positive idea in the simple desire to avoid war. Scripture calls believers to pursue peace when possible: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Light moral worldview, royal family wants to avoid war with humans and want to protect the lives of their loved ones, but the show’s premise contains one or two references to evolution; two light obscenities; moderate action violence includes people getting shot, a man’s head is smashed off screen on rocks, a man falls off a cliff, a man’s neck is snapped, woman is stabbed, hand to hand combat; a couple are shown in bed kissing and are about to engage in sexual relations when the camera cuts away; upper male nudity and undressed woman lies in bed, but her private parts are covered by her long hair; light alcohol consumption; no smoking or drug use; and, the main characters’ society is based on an immoral caste system that isn’t explained.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Black Bolt wants to avoid war with humans. What does it look like to pursue peace when people fear or misunderstand one another?
Romans 12:18 · Matthew 5:9The society in Attilan treats Inhumans well while forcing humans into hard labor. How does Scripture challenge systems that value some people above others?
James 2:1–9 · Genesis 1:27The royal family wants to protect its loved ones. How can family loyalty be good, and when might loyalty require us to confront wrongdoing?
Proverbs 27:5–6 · Ephesians 4:15The series presents humans who are transformed by an unusual mist. What does the Bible say gives every person dignity and value?
Genesis 1:26–27 · Psalm 139:13–14The Final Word
Marvel’s Inhumans has a promising premise but a weak beginning, with stagey production design, uneven characters, and little moral substance. Its light content concerns call for discernment, but the larger problem is that the series has not yet given viewers much reason to invest. For now, WAIT AND SEE.
