Killjoys is a campy, fun sci-fi show, which according to many of the reviews out there, is somewhat reminiscent of Firefly/Serenity. Having watched both Firefly/Serenity and Season 1 of Killjoys, I can see the comparison. There is action, humor, drama, plenty of clever quips, and not an overwhelming amount of science. All that being said, it does have some adult content.
Killjoys is set in a post-apocalyptic corner of the universe known as The Quad, where the only government appears to be more of a corporate dictatorship and much less of a democracy.
So what’s a Killjoy? In the more proper terminology, they are “Reclamation Agents” working for a (supposedly) non-politically affiliated organization known as the R.A.C. – the Recovery and Apprehension Coalition. This is a mercenary organization, working for anyone who is rich enough to pay the tab and who have the need to track down people who have severely pissed them off. R.A.C.’s bounty hunters, highly trained agents more familiarly known as Killjoys, pursue and retrieve (or kill depending on the level of the warrant) the subjects of the warrants while struggling to retain an unbiased, objective view of the job.
Killjoys focuses on three main characters – Dutch, John Jaqobis and D’Avin Jaqobis. Supporting characters Khlyen – the mysterious man from Dutch’s past; Pree – bartender/owner; and Pawter Simms – a doctor whose license to practice appears to have been revoked, and who is also a high ranking member of a major Quad family, are used quite effectively to flesh out the stories and backstories of each of our three heroes. Other supporting characters include Bellus Hardy – Dutch’s mentor, friend and source of information; and Alvis – the prophet/preacher/messiah of an underground religion.
In the beginning, there is only Dutch and John, R.A.C.’s best team, out in The Quad kicking ass and taking names. Until John takes a level 5 (kill) warrant on his own. The warrant is for his brother, D’Avin, and though the two are estranged, John just can’t sit by and watch that happen. Dutch helps him to find D’Avin, and eventually they get the warrant lifted, which clears the way for D’Avin to join the team. But bounty hunter trios don’t work that well, as it effectively negates the partner dynamic. Here’s to hoping that this trio will prove to be the exception.
D’Avin is deeply damaged; memories have been taken from him, and he has been programmed to kill in a disassociative state, as our team finds out the hard way when D’Avin is triggered into attempting to kill Dutch. That was a badass fight scene by the way! Amanda Tapping makes a guest appearance as the Doctor who damaged him.
Dutch’s mysterious man Khlyen did his own brand of damage to Dutch when she was a child. It is mainly due to his efforts that she is the incomparable bounty hunter that she is. But he trained her as a highly effective assassin, and still has some hold on her, in spite of her determination to put that part of her past away.
John is a great guy – funny, loyal, kick ass in his own right, and the main man when it comes to their ship and tech. Of the three, he is the sane one. He’s at least half way in love with Dutch, but as we all know, the great guy rarely gets the girl. And this show is no exception to that rule.
Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, known previously for her work on Lost Girl, another frinkin!! awesome!! Canadian series.
The Stars are:
Hannah John-Kamen as Dutch.
A British actress, she has also appeared in the current season of Game of Thrones, and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.
Aaron Ashmore as John Jaqobis
Aaron is known for his work in Smallville, Warehouse 13, and Lost Girl. Canadian!
Luke MacFarlane as D’Avin Jaqobis
Luke’s work includes Brothers & Sisters, Person of Interest, and The Night Shift. Canadian!
Supporting Cast:
Thom Allison as Pree
Sarah Power as Pawter Simms
Rob Stewart as Khlyen
Morgan Kelly as Alvis
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the show and the solid character development of Season 1 and am glad to see that it will be back for Season 2, starting in July of this year. Enough of the blah blah! Here’s the sneak a peek for Season 2.
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