The Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller Series That Deserves Another Season

Created by Dennis Heaton and Shelley Eriksen, The Imperfects tells the story of three Seattle-based young adults, scientist Abbi, comic book artist Juan, and punk rock singer Tilda, who are transformed into monsters after undergoing experimental gene therapy.

The trio sets out on a quest to track down the rogue scientist responsible for the procedure, Dr. Alex Sarkov.

They are joined by Dr. Sydney Burke, a scientist with a connection to Sarkov. As the group confronts Sarkov and unravels the secrets behind their powers, they discover others with similar abilities.

Together, they form The Imperfects, a team determined to reclaim their humanity. The series stars Morgan Taylor Campbell as Tilda Weber, Rhianna Jagpal as Abbi Singh, and Inaki Godoy as Juan Ruiz.

The 10-episode first season of The Imperfects takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride, from the revelation of the characters’ powers in “Sarkov’s Children” to the intense confrontation in the finale, “Destroy All Monsters.”

Each installment adds layers to the narrative, blending mystery, action, and drama to keep viewers wanting more.

Netflix green-lit The Imperfects in April 2021 with a straight-to-series order. Creators Heaton and Eriksen also serve as executive producers alongside Chad Oakes and Michael Frislev.

Nomadic Pictures is the company involved in the production, bringing to life the visually striking world of genetically altered beings.

The Imperfects draws inspiration from legendary creatures like banshees, succubi, and chupacabras to shape the characters’ unique powers.

However, it is their imperfect and relatable nature resonated with viewers, making them invested in the series. With several loose ends and unanswered questions, a second season could offer closure to the existing fan base.

The Imperfects may have faced an untimely scrapping, but its impact on viewers is undeniable. While it has no critic rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a respectable 67 percent audience score.

Interestingly, several shows with an X-Men-like theme have faced cancellation from their respective broadcast homes.

The Irregulars, a canceled urban fantasy series set in Victorian London, was axed after one season. October Faction, featuring a family of monster hunters similar to The Imperfects, also met the same end. 

Shadow and Bone, based on the Grishaverse novels, suffered the same fate, though the series ran for two seasons.

The common thread among these cancellations lies in the urban fantasy or supernatural genre, suggesting a potential struggle to attract enough viewers in an oversaturated market.

While the X-Men theme offers rich storytelling opportunities, a failure to bring new stories that distinguish them from existing superhero tropes often leads to viewer disinterest.

As audiences crave originality, the challenge for shows like The Imperfectsis finding a balance between familiarity and innovation.