I know. I know. I shouldn’t get attached to any non-animated FOX series. They seem to be – to purposefully use the cliché – a dime a dozen these days. Family Guy has poked fun at this conceit twice, and it seems to be the consistent reality time and time again for this particular network. I can’t even fathom a reason as to why.
Despite its inevitable cancellation (and this appears to be the case with Kiefer Sutherland potentially shooting a pilot for another network), Touch is a compelling and intriguing series that delivers both great performances and intricate and engaging storylines about the interconnectedness of all human beings.
It’s a unique series for FOX to even produce given its lack of excessive violence, sex, language, or gross-out humor, which all seem to be prerequisites to be on the network.
Touch is a character drama, with plenty of brain-twisting, thought-provoking, and emotional moments that make it a refreshing change from the gratuitous norm that has invaded primetime over the past decade. I’m in no way condemning the presence of sex, violence, or language on TV (in fact, I’m a strong supporter of all three on television), but it is nice to see a drama that relies on character development and plot every once in a while. It may not get super-high ratings, but it does get your attention just be being different than all the rest.
Kiefer Sutherland plays Martin, the father of Jake, an 11-year-old boy who has never spoken a word in his life. This has led to a lack of communication with his father and some rather peculiar social behaviors that have caused more than a few problems for his father. But when Martin starts to decipher the written messages and clues his son has been writing down for years, he discovers that his son has a gift that is far more powerful than he ever thought possible.
Honestly, I was hooked after the first episode and ended up watching the whole season pretty quickly. The DVD set includes an extended version of the pilot, and two “Making Of” featurettes: Fate’s Equation and Touch the World.
Co-starring the always amazing Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, 2012), Touch is a fantastic series that is definitely worth checking out!
Touch: The Complete First Season is available NOW on DVD!