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'Alphas' - Essential Information

By , About.com Guide

'Alphas' - Essential Information Syfy

What 'Alphas' Is About:

"Alphas" are humans who possess some kind of abnormal ability -- mind control, for example, or hyperfocusing on one of the five senses -- as a part of their biological makeup. Several of these individuals have been formed into a group by Dr. Rosen, who acts as both a team leader on ad hoc missions against destructive alphas and as therapist helping them with the problems their abilities cause in their lives.

Status of 'Alphas':

Alphas is currently in production. It airs on Syfy. Premiered: Jul 7, 2011. For current showtimes see Show Listings.
•  Solid Ratings for Summer Premieres
•  Alphas Added to Syfy Summer

Origins:

The project originated with Syfy. The pilot was written by Zak Penn (X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Incredible Hulk) and Michael Karnow (The Chevy Chase Show, House of Buggin') under executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun (Accidentally on Purpose); Ira Steven Behr (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) later came in as showrunner.
•  Image Gallery: 'Alphas'

Key 'Alphas' Characters:

David Strathairn's Dr. Rosen is at the center of the group, but his mild, even-tempered character is sometimes eclipsed by the more temperamental team members, including the functional autistic technology-manipulator Gary (Ryan Cartwright) and the opportunistic mind-controller Nina (Laura Mennell).

Flavor of 'Alphas':

The early emphasis is on how the helpfulness of these abilities is balanced out by drawbacks: Bill (Malik Yoba) can induce an adrenaline rush that gives him super-strength, but if he keeps it up too long he's at risk of incapacitation or worse. Their abilities and the work they do cause problems in their personal lives too, generating both friction within the group and conflicts with family and outsiders as well.
•  Review: 'Alphas' Series Premiere

'Alphas' on Video:

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