Canadian X-Files (PSI Factor)

Member Name: stevebananer

Product:	PSI Factor
Date:	11/08/02 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: M-m-m-max Headroom, Blend of characters, A good baddy

Disadvantages: Came after X Files, Dan Ackroyd's intro

This Canadian series never appeared on UK terrestrial TV, only on cable (or satellite), but as an increasingly disillusioned viewer of the X-Files I found its generally unpretentious take on the paranormal refreshing. The first series consisted of half hour episodes which did justice neither to subject matter or characterisation. I started watching from the second series when former 'Max Headroom' actor Matt Frewer took over as team leader, and his edgy performance, combined with a more regular cast of investigators and a longer episode length, helped the series blossom.

It covered similar ground to the X-Files but without the conspiracy theory overload which eventually bogged down us more casual viewers of Mulder and Scully. There were tensions between team members, ambitions and family crises - especially involving Matt Frewer's character, who came to dominate the show - and in the end I ended up really caring about the characters, sad though it is to admit it.

Summary: